It was an early start for Wolviston FC United on Sunday as the team made the trip to Shildon AFC for a 10.30am kick-off and another important pre-season test.

United knew they were in for a good game.

Shildon are a well-established ladies side who will compete in Division Two this season and finished the previous campaign in excellent form, putting together a long run of victories towards the end of the season.

For a newly formed Wolviston United side preparing for its first-ever competitive campaign, it was exactly the type of challenge pre-season is all about.

Taylor at the Double

The opening ten minutes saw both sides finding their way into the contest, although it was Wolvo who began to edge the better of the opportunities.

The breakthrough soon followed.

A lovely through ball released Grace Taylor down the left. Grace cut inside before calmly slotting home to put United 1-0 ahead.

It wasn’t long before she was at it again.

In an almost carbon copy of the opener, Taylor once again found herself cutting in from the left and produced another composed finish to double Wolvo’s advantage.

United headed into the break 2-0 ahead and firmly in control of proceedings.

Shildon Fight Back

As expected from an experienced side, Shildon responded after the interval.

The hosts were handed an opportunity when the United goalkeeper was penalised for handling outside the area. Shildon made the resulting free-kick count, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

Midway through the second half, they struck again to level the match at 2-2.

After being in control at the interval, Wolvo suddenly found themselves in a very different contest. For a spell, the momentum had swung towards the hosts and United needed to find a response.

They did exactly that.

Price Produces a Beauty

A few tactical tweaks in midfield and attack helped United regain a foothold in the game – and then came the moment that ultimately decided it.

On her away debut for Wolvo, Jess Price picked up the ball on the right and produced an absolute beauty, rifling an unstoppable strike into the top corner to restore United’s lead.

A brilliant goal and quite a way to mark your first Wolvo appearance on the road!

This time United held firm, seeing out the remainder of the contest to secure an excellent 3-2 victory.

Full-Time: Shildon AFC 2-3 Wolviston FC United

⚽⚽ Grace Taylor
⚽ Jess Price

Plenty to Be Proud Of

There were outstanding performances across the pitch, but a special mention goes to Ellie Minto.

Ellie put in a tireless shift up and down the flank throughout the game, combining some brilliant work in the tackle with confidence and sharpness in possession. An excellent all-round display.

Perhaps most encouraging was the way United responded after seeing a two-goal advantage disappear.

Against established opposition, away from home and with the momentum having swung towards Shildon, this young and newly formed side regrouped, adapted and found a way to win.

That ability to respond to setbacks will be every bit as important as the football itself once the competitive fixtures begin.

The result also maintains United’s unbeaten pre-season record, while an impressive defensive statistic continues – Wolvo have conceded just one goal from open play throughout pre-season so far.

For a team that didn’t exist last season and is still preparing for its first competitive campaign together, the signs continue to be extremely encouraging.

A big thank you to everyone at Shildon AFC for hosting us and providing another excellent pre-season test. We wish them all the very best for the season ahead.

Another game. Another valuable test. Another positive step forward for Wolviston FC United.