SSFC Women fall to defeat against league leaders Ponteland

South Shields were left disappointed after Ponteland claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory in the

NERWFL on Sunday.

Kylie Holmes and Chloe Wilkinson picked up the goals for Ponteland in the 49th and 88th

minute.

It’s fair to say the performance didn’t start off well with Shields wasting possession more than

not and there was no real threat at goal in the opening minutes.

Natalie May, however, seemed like she was the one to take the game by the scruff of the neck

with a strike from outside the box which was just unable to put us ahead.

Half an hour had passed and May's long-range effort was still the only promising chance at goal

for either side.

‘Keeper Scarlett Gowans was heroically called into action moments after to make up for a

defensive mishap – a great stop from our keeper.

At half-time, Shields made two substitutions, bringing off keeper Gowans and forward Sophie

Greener for Anna Yeakey and Catalina Abusada.

After the break, Ponteland grew into the game, and within four minutes the visitors scored the

opener.

With less than half an hour to go, Jess Spark came up with a vital block, stopping Alicia Mutrie’s

shot after a misplaced pass at the back from Yeakey.

In the 73rd minute, it looked as if Shields were going to get the equaliser, as May again was

through on goal, but was unable to squeeze her sliding effort into the back of the net.

With just over ten minutes to go, Shields made another substitution, bringing on Greener for

Aneece Legg.

On the stroke of full-time, Wilkinson lobbed Yeakey and doubled Ponteland's lead, securing the

three points for the visitors.

South Shields Women: Gowans (Yeakey 46'), Innes, May, Greener (Abusada 46'), Legg (Greener 79'), White, Wootten, McMahon, Spark, Jota, Foster.

Unused substitutes: Mole, England, Elliott-Wood.

Ponteland United Women: Brooks, E. Dixon, Hollis, Holmes, Hutchinson, Monaghan, Pettit, Rodda, Sarsfield, Wilkinson, Martin.

Substitutes: Blackwood, Coombs, P. Dixon, Mutrie.

Goals: Holmes (49'), Wilkinson (88').