Moors Ladies will look to continue their impressive start to 2023/24 when they begin their FA Cup campaign against Ponteland United at New Ferens Park on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

Billy Shackleton’s side currently sit proudly at the top of the NERWFL Premier Division alongside Sunderland West End after both sides won their first four games of the new season.

However, attentions will switch to the FA Cup on Sunday when Moors face a potentially tricky test against Ponteland United who play in the division below.

The Northumberland outfit have had a slightly disappointing start to their season having lost both of their games in the league, but they will retain ambitions of challenging for promotion and can’t afford to be taken lightly this weekend.

“Ponteland may be a division below us, but we know how good they are, and we won’t underestimate their threat,” insisted Shackleton.

“It’s been a really tough start to the season as we have had to adapt to a new league. It’s gone well so far, but it will be nice to have that little break from league play this weekend and test ourselves in the FA Cup, which is a fantastic competition.”

Striker Katy Hemmingway will be assessed after injury forced her off during last weekend’s win over Alnwick Town at The Brewery Field. Influential defender Coral Colledge is also a doubt due to illness, while Becca Drinkald and Hannah Knox are both unavailable.

However, Alice Welch-Davison is back in contention following a one-game suspension, while midfield ace Shannon Reed is also free to play after her red card against Alnwick was overturned following an appeal.

Sunday’s game will be the first time Moors Ladies have played at New Ferens Park this season where admission prices will be £3 for adults and free for all Under-12s.