SSFC Women play Barnsley FC in final home match of the season

South Shields Women host Barnsley FC Women in what will be the team’s final home match of the season this Sunday (2pm kick-off).

A long season for the Mariners is drawing to a close with two remaining fixtures in the way: promotion challengers Barnsley next, and Sunderland West End Ladies the following Wednesday.

This weekend’s tie appears to be the game to look out for, with both sides in the running for a shot at the title, and by extension, promotion.

Shields’ 3-1 win against Alnwick Town Ladies during midweek owes itself well to that, but hopes of lifting silverware this season were hurt by last Sunday’s 3-0 loss against Wallsend BC Women, who sit level with the Mariners with a game in hand. 

Barnsley, meanwhile, are two points ahead with a game in hand so it is all to play for, although realistically matters are out of the lasses’ hands because of results elsewhere. 

Alex’s thoughts

Even though it is very unlikely Shields will be promoted as champions, there are many great memories to think about when looking back at this season and head coach Alex Miller picked out some of her favourites.

“It’s been brilliant to have quite a few games at 1st Cloud this year,” she shared.

“The lasses love it and especially when the fans come down as well, it gives them that sense of pride knowing that they’re playing for a club that has these facilities and has this support.

“It does make a difference on the pitch as well. We’ve had some really great memories – the one that comes to mind is the Hartlepool game where we had those nine fantastic goals and just a complete team performance.

“Against Hull, Alnwick, all of those ones where we’ve just had really good group performances in general and some fantastic standout individuals as well.

“Some really good memories at 1st Cloud and hopefully something we can build upon next season.”

Information for supporters

Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena (NE32 3UP) is at 2pm this Sunday, May 5th.

Admission is £3 and gates will open at 1pm. 

We would love to see as many of you down as possible since it is the final chance to cheer the team on from home! 

Follow along on Twitter/X and Instagram for exclusive updates during the week, behind the scenes content and reaction quotes from players and coaches.