SSFC Women storm to 4-0 win against Moors Ladies in NERWFL League Cup

South Shields Women stormed to a 4-0 win against Spennymoor Town Ladies in the Third Round of the NERWFL League Cup on Sunday.

A wet and miserable afternoon weather-wise was counteracted by the tremendous football played on the pitch, where the main talking point was no doubt Annece Legg’s stunning first-half hat-trick.

Her goals put the game out of sight before Madison Bouggess managed to get on the scoresheet two minutes before the game’s end.

Amy Richardson gave the visitors something to shout about in the early minutes with a well-hit effort from outside the box, which fell straight into Anna Yeakey’s arms.

In the ninth minute, Legg staggeringly scored directly from a corner; an Olimpico goal.

The game was quite end-to-end initially and the Moors did challenge too – Ava England did superbly to stop a threat in its tracks with her sliding tackle.

But before too long it was two, amidst much confusion, after Megan Elliott appeared to clear Legg’s touch off the line.

Legg followed it up by slamming the ball into the far corner, but for a moment it was uncertain whether her 17th minute attempt would be counted or not.

Fortunately for her, the goal stood and Shields took a two goal advantage going forward.

Legg’s third might be the most outrageous goal witnessed in some time, capitalising on Elliott’s misplaced header before rifling the ball from near the half-way line past a bewildered Philippa Hunter.

Needless to say there was much excitement among the Mariners players, staff and supporters after that finish!

Shields largely saw out the game from that point, although credit must be given to Bouggess, who at the second time of asking managed to place her shot into the top corner.

It was the perfect ending to an outstanding display at Downhill Hub, as the whistle blew soon after.

The lasses have one final game before the Christmas break, when they travel to Wallsend BC Women in the NERWFL Premier Division on Sunday – full details to be confirmed soon.

South Shields Women (starting XI): Yeakey, May, Legg, Wootten, England (Robinson 77'), Hoot (Bouggess 70'), Jota, Rodriguez, Bouggess (Campbell 46'), Hill, Raffel.

Unused substitutes: Miller.

Goals: Legg (9’, 17’, 34’), Bouggess (88’).

Spennymoor Town Ladies (starting XI): Hunter, Y. Robinson, Colledge, Elliott, Hemmingway, Richardson, Norton, Reed, Hodgson, Doogan, Wise.

Substitutes: Ingram, Smith, Priestley, Garcia.