Alex Miller: South Shields Women player/coach

The fight for second in the NERWFL Premier Division heats up on Sunday as South Shields Women take on Wakefield AFC Women at Downhill Hub (2pm kick-off).

The girls have had a three week rest leading up to this weekend’s match, with their last outing coming on March 5 in a 3-1 away victory against Redcar.

Their last league fixture, which was planned to be away to best-of-the-rest contenders Alnwick Town Juniors Women, was postponed because of the increasingly hazardous conditions at the time.

South Shields came out 2-4 away winners in February when the two teams last met, as goals from Eve Gatens, Sophie Greener, Alex Miller and Ellie White saw the team overcome their West Yorkshire opponents.

Coach’s views

Miller, who is a player/coach, spoke brightly ahead of the fixture:

“We’ve got a really good chance. Last time we played these, we probably played our best game of the season so far, so here’s hoping that’s going to be another good one this weekend.

“We’ve got a good squad lined up so fingers crossed.”

It is the Mariners’ first home match in over a month because of how the fixtures have been arranged, and Miller believes the team are relishing the opportunity of a home game.

“It makes it a lot better for us,” they added. “Travelling obviously isn’t ideal – it’s a long day travelling up and down and then when you’ve got work the next day as well, so definitely being at home, the lasses will be well up for that.

“Less of a travel, and it just makes you a bit more fresh when you are stepping on the pitch.”

Match information

Downhill Football Hub, Community North Sports Complex, Sunderland, SR5 4BY.

A QR code is required for entry and the match kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, 26 March, while admission is free.