Wootten: SSFC Women must “bounce back stronger” after Moors Ladies defeat

Jen Wootten has urged her South Shields Women teammates to “bounce back stronger” after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Spennymoor Town Ladies.

The Mariners took the lead in the 68th minute through captain Becki McMahon, before a quickfire double in the 78th and 80th minutes turned the game on its head.

It came as a particularly harsh blow according to Wootten, who felt the lasses had performed well in the circumstances, but nevertheless she recognised the need to learn from the result.

“I think we were the dominant side and played some good football on a difficult surface, so it’s frustrating to lose when you feel you’re the better team,” she said.

“They took advantage of our mistakes so we have to put those things right and bounce back stronger.”

One thing of note from a Shields perspective was that McMahon scored her third goal in only two matches, following her brace against Sunderland West End Ladies previously.

Wootten was full of praise for the defender, who managed to score a well-timed header during the second-half.

She said: “It’s great seeing Becki score! 

“It’s always good seeing her get her reward for working hard and pushing on up the pitch.” 

Wootten also highlighted some positive aspects and lessons for the team to take into future games.

“I think we can take away positives from passages of play where we dominated in possession and the team worked hard," the midfielder continued.

“There’s just some things that need tightening up so we don’t get caught in those vulnerable positions. 

“However, we won’t dwell on it and we will fight again next weekend.”

The lasses visit Sunderland West End next – a team they thrashed 6-1 less than a fortnight ago – in the hopes of securing three lucrative points in the NERWFL Premier Division.

She finished: “We will take the positives from our last few games where we’ve shown dominance against teams, especially in the final third. 

“It’s always a good match against West End so everyone is up for it.”

Full match details for our game this weekend will be shared in due course.

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)