Moors Ladies face another big test of their promotion credentials on Sunday afternoon when they make the trip to face title rivals South Shields at Harton Miner’s Welfare (2pm kick-off).

Billy Shackleton’s side currently sit top of the pile in the NERWFL Premier Division but hosts Shields are just five points behind with two games in hands so this could be a pivotal weekend.

The two sides have become very familiar to each other this term and Sunday’s encounter will their fourth of 2023/24 having already played each other in the league, County Cup and League Cup.

The most recent meeting came at The Brewery Field just a month ago when Moors thrashed their local rivals 8-2 – but Shackleton and his players will be expecting a much tougher assignment this time around.

“South Shields are a really good team and last time we came up against them we played some of our best football and they had an off day,” admitted the Moors boss.

“We know they are capable of scoring goals and performing to a high standard, so we need to be at our best if we want to get one over on them again.

“I know they will be up for it too, and there’s a lot more riding on a game like this when it’s so close to the end of the season so we’re looking forward to it.”

Influential striker Abi Kisby will return to contention after missing last weekend’s cup defeat at Sunderland West End, while keeper Sophie Miller is also expected to be back on Sunday.

Skipper Alex Saunders is unavailable this weekend, while Meg Foster and Coral Colledge are both sidelined for the remainder of the season through injury.

Moors fans are welcome to head along to Harton Miner’s Welfare to support the team on Sunday, with further details to be posted on their social media channels.