Moors Ladies make their long-awaited return to NERWFL Premier Division action on Sunday afternoon when they make the trip to face leaders Sunderland West End (1.30pm kick-off).

Billy Shackleton’s side will be keen to get back out on the pitch following their Christmas break, which was unexpectedly extended last weekend when their game with Wallsend was postponed.

This Sunday’s fixture will be a good opportunity for Moors to measure their progress since promotion as they go up against a Sunderland West End outfit who are two points clear at the top with a game in hand.

Shackleton’s fourth-placed side squandered a two-goal lead when the teams met at New Ferens Park in October as the visitors took three points at the end of a thrilling encounter which eventually ended 4-3.

“They did a great job at New Ferens Park, but it was tough to take for us because I thought a win was possible,” Shackleton commented.

“Ultimately, we made some mistakes and Sunderland West End didn’t, so we’ve worked a lot since then and I believe we’re a better football team than we were in October.

“It’s not going to be an easy place to go but we have to have confidence in ourselves, and we have to try and take the game to them.

“It’s really exciting to get back at it, especially after the disappointment of the Wallsend postponement, so hopefully we can put on a really positive performance.”

Shackleton is boosted by the news that forward Katy Hemmingway and winger Beth Enguita are both back in training, though it’s yet to be seen whether Sunday’s fixture will come too soon for the duo.

New signing Lauren Gray is eligible to play and could be in contention to make her Moors Ladies debut after completing a move from Hartlepool United earlier this week.

The game takes place at Wearmouth Colliery Welfare and fans of both sides are welcome.