Moors Ladies return to The Brewery Field on Sunday afternoon as they welcome South Shields in another exciting fixture at the top end of the NERWFL Premier Division (2pm kick-off).
Both sides have enjoyed fine seasons so far, with Moors sitting third ahead of kick-off coming up against a Shields outfit who are two points behind in sixth but with two games in hand.
Billy Shackleton’s team kicked-off 2023/24 with a convincing 3-0 League Cup triumph at Shields but their rivals gained some revenge when they ran out winners in a County Cup tie in October.
However, this will be the first time the two sides have clashed in NERWFL Premier Division action – and it could prove to be a pivotal fixture with numerous clubs locked in what is expected to be a tense battle for promotion.
Moors moved within a point of top two Bradford City and Wallsend following their emphatic 6-0 thumping of struggling Harrogate Town last weekend but know they need to produce again to remain on the coattails of those above them.
Shackleton will hope that playing at The Brewery Field will give his players an extra edge in what is set to be a captivating encounter this weekend.
“I know the girls are buzzing to be back at The Brewery Field on Sunday,” the Moors boss admitted.
“It’s always a great experience playing there, and for a few of the girls this weekend will be their first time at the ground.
“It’s up to us to take the game to South Shields and not allow them to settle in any kind of rhythm, as we know they can be a dangerous side when the game is balanced.
“We’ve seen them twice already and we have a good idea about some of their players but obviously it could be a different set-up now they have changed coaches.
“They like to try and play with the ball but they’re capable of mixing up their style, so we have to adapt to that, make sure we get the basics right and stick to what we know.”
Influential defender Coral College remains sidelined with a fractured tibia, while Meg Foster and Julia McGovern will also miss Sunday’s game due to long-term injuries.
New signing Lucy McIntosh impressed during her debut against Harrogate and is expected to feature, while forward Caitlin Bates will be hoping to continue her eye-catching form against her former club.
Former Moors full-back Olivia Mole could be in line to feature in the opposition on Sunday after she signed for Shields following her recent departure from the Club.
Kick-off is 2pm and admission at The Brewery Field on Sunday is just £3 for adults and free for all those under 12 so please come along and support Moors Ladies in this crucial game if you can.
We accept cash or card on the turnstiles on matchday, but fans can buy tickets online in advance if they prefer to – click here.
