Moors Ladies make a welcome return to action on Sunday when they make the trip to face Chester-le-Street United in the NERWFL Northern Division (2pm kick-off).

Billy Shackleton’s side were left without a fixture last weekend after Bishop Auckland were unable to field a team – meaning Moors took three points but did not get to take to the pitch.

As a result, the Moors squad have been able to put extra emphasis on their work on the training ground to ensure they’re in prime condition to meet the challenge that awaits them on Sunday.

It promises to another closely fought encounter with Chester-le-Street, who held Moors to a 1-1 draw when the sides met at The Brewery Field earlier in the season.

However, Moors are in a strong run of form having not tasted defeat in their last seven league outings and having collected a creditable point against league-leaders Washington last time out.

“We’ve taken advantage of the weekend off and used that time to work on a few things in training,” explained Shackleton.

“I think after the Washington game it was clear we lacked a little cutting edge and we understood that was something we needed to work on so we’ve thrown a few new ideas around.

“The fact we were a little disappointed to only draw with Washington tells you where we are and the progress we’re making – we’re in the race for the title and we know we have what it takes to get over the line.”

The game may come too soon for Julia McGovern and Monika Kisicka, though the pair have been back in training after recovering from their respective injuries. Holly Middleton is also on the comeback trail after an ankle injury sustained in the County Cup.

The game will take place at the Riverside Pavillion in Chester-le-Street where admission is free and kick-off is at 2pm.