Moors Ladies will take centre-stage this weekend when they return to NERWFL Premier Division action to host Redcar Town Ladies at New Ferens Park on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

Due to their FA Cup run and the recent bad weather, it’s now been over a month since Billy Shackleton’s side played in the league and they will be keen to get back up and running on Sunday.

Redcar proved stiff opposition when the sides met in Teesside in September when Shannon Reed’s second half thunderbolt was enough to hand Moors a 3-2 win at the end of an enthralling contest.

Moors, who now sit fourth in the table, will be eager to close the gap on those who sit above them with five points now separating them from leaders Sunderland West End.

However, they will not be able to take anything for granted this weekend, even though their visitors have tasted victory just once in their eight outings to date this season.

“Redcar are a good side and much better than the table suggests,” insisted Shackleton.

“We believe we have the ability to get a result and finish off 2023 in a positive fashion so we have to make sure we remain focused and produce a strong display.”

Shackleton will be without September’s match-winner Reed, who is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the FA Cup win at Blackpool.

Sunday’s game will also come too soon for winger Beth Enguita, who is still returning to fitness after an ankle injury of her own, while Autumn Colledge is unavailable for selection this weekend.

Meg Foster and recent signing Abi Kisby are both injury doubts, but striker Katy Hemmingway should be back in contention following hamstring trouble.

The game is a 2pm kick-off at New Ferens Park, where admission is just £3 for adults and completely free for all Under-12s so make sure you head along to support the Ladies on Sunday if you can.