Neve Jackson scored the only goal as Moors Ladies continued their incredible start to the new campaign with an FA Cup victory over Ponteland United at New Ferens Park on Sunday.

The summer signing fired home from a first half corner with what proved to be the decisive goal to help Billy Shackleton’s side maintain their 100% start in both league and cup this term.

Having won four out of four to storm to joint top alongside Sunderland West End in the NERWFL Premier Division, newly promoted Moors have also seen off South Shields in the County Cup before Sunday’s triumph over Ponteland.

Following a bright start to the encounter, Moors suffered a blow with just seven minutes on the clock when influential wing-back Beth Enguita was forced off with an ankle injury as Shackleton was made to reshuffle.

However, Moors moved in front on 15 minutes when Caitlin Bates’ dangerous corner from the right wasn’t dealt with by the Ponteland defence and Jackson drove a shot on goal which found the corner via a deflection off a visiting defender.

Ponteland remained a threat though and had some talented forward players who were causing Moors problems, keeper Sophie Miller having to go full length to turn a shot around the post as the away side looked for a leveller.

The second half was a more a scrappy affair. Neither side really got into their rhythm in terms of passing the ball around and it became more about who wanted it more as time wore on.

Substitute Lily Jackson caused problems with her pace and almost made it 2-0 late on when she charged onto a loose backpass to round the Ponteland goalkeeper, but her touch took her to a tight angle, and she couldn’t quite force the ball home.

However, Moors – led by a wonderful performance by Alex Saunders in the heart of defence – saw the tie through to the final whistle to book their place in Third Round Qualifying later this month.

“It was a really difficult tie,” admitted Shackleton afterwards.

“Ponteland are a good side, and we knew they would pose a threat and make us battle for a result.

“People will say you should be beating sides from a division below, but Ponteland have a lot of talent in their ranks, so we had to be at our best to advance.”

Full Time: Moors 1 Ponteland United 0

Moors: Miller, N Jackson, Saunders, C Colledge, Enguita (McGovern 7), Foster, Reed, C Mole (Welch-Davison 90), Bates, A Colledge, Seymour (L Jackson 68).
Subs not used: Grayson, O Mole, Hemmingway, Drinkald.