Moors Ladies will reconvene their rivalry with Gateshead on Sunday when the sides lock horns for the third time in just over a month at EDC’s Houghall Campus in Durham (2pm kick-off).

The previous two meetings have resulted in one win apiece and Moors will be keen to build on their impressive 4-1 County Cup win over The Heed when they visited The Brewery Field last month.

It’s also an opportunity for Billy Shackleton’s in-form side to avenge the 3-2 defeat they suffered when they travelled to The International Stadium earlier in the season.

With the previous two matchups split one win apiece, the hosts will be keen to improve their record over the visitors in the league.

“Gateshead are a great side,” Shackleton commented.

“They’ve shown that already this season; they’ve got a couple of good forwards who have shown they can punish us and they’re always very solid at the back.

“It’ll be a major test for us but one we have to overcome if we want to keep battling at top end of the table.”

Moors will be without Julia McGovern – injured in the last trip to Gateshead – and Monika Kisicka, whilst forward Chloe Wymer is facing a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious injury in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chester-le-Street United.

Top scorer Autumn Colledge faces a late fitness test as she battles to overcome an ankle injury picked up last Sunday, though new signing Amber Hopps is now in contention to make a debut.

“We feel we’ve been performing well and, whilst it’s a shame to see players injured, it’s an opportunity for others to step up and stake a claim for a starting position.

“We’re on a good run but it’s important for us to maintain that momentum.”

Kick-off is 2pm on Sunday and admission to East Durham College’s Houghall Campus in Durham is free for all supporters.