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South Shields set sights on Feds challenge  

South Shields are enjoying the best FA Cup run in the club’s history and on Sunday, they will be set for another huge occasion when they play host to Liverpool Feds for a place in the Third Round.

The North East League Premier Division side already have experience of playing a FAWNL Northern Premier Division this season, having hit the headlines in the last round by beating Halifax FC Women on a penalty shootout, after the teams had battled out a 3-3 draw after extra time.

South Shields head coach, Alex Miller, reflected on the achievement of winning against Halifax and insisted that his team are very comfortable with the tag as ‘underdogs’ once again going into Sunday’s match. “Reaching the Second Round proper is without a doubt one of the best, if not the best memory, I’ve had at South Shields,” he explained to Women’s Soccer Scene.

“The pride I felt in the squad and coaching staff was immeasurable. It was an emphatic day which goes down in South Shields history. The players, the game, the fans - it was unbelievable!

“My message to the players is that they have to believe in themselves as a team. With the right effort and mentality, I have all confidence they can go toe to toe with the best.

“But ultimately, there isn’t the pressure on us. We’re the underdogs again going into this draw, so it’s an opportunity that we should grasp with both hands and no matter what, enjoy being in the moment.”

South Shields FC Women captain, Becki McMahon added: “I think we all felt every emotion that day! Penalties are a lottery but I had 100% confidence in everyone stepping up to take one and in Scarlett [Gowans, the goalkeeper] too.

“When I saw Eve’s [Gatens] hit the back of the net, it was a surreal feeling! Me and all the girls were absolutely buzzing - probably my best moment at the club to be honest!

“It definitely gives us confidence knowing we’ve done it once and that we can do it again.

“The girls know this will be a tougher test, as they’re [Liverpool Feds] having a bit of a better season than Halifax are, but just like before, we will believe, work hard and get our name into the hat again.”

The match takes place at the 1st Cloud Arena and kicks off at 2pm. Entrance fee is £3 for adults, and free for U12s (Free for season ticket holders if proof is shown).