Hartlepool United Women kick off their league season today when they take on Spennymoor Town Ladies at Grayfields Enclosure (2pm KO).
The game will be new manager Craig Bage’s first competitive game in the dugout. Bage spoke of his excitement on taking charge of Pools Ladies this season:
“I am looking forward to it and the challenges that it brings. Is it going to be easy? I would be kidding myself and the team if I said yes. There are some fantastic teams in this league all striving to achieve the same goal.
Pre-season has been good and we have learned a lot from it. We’ve had seven wins, including reaching the finals of a tournament where we only conceded one goal which ultimately knocked us out. We've also been on the end of two losses and a draw which was just important for the learning and development of this great bunch of players.
We will develop, educate and learn together, that's the only aim I will share at the moment. We will have our ups and we will have our downs but this will test the character of our players.
Believe in the process, Rome wasn't built in a day.”
The Opposition
Spennymoor Town Ladies were formed in 2019 and they won promotion to the NERWFL Northern Division in 2021. The Moors enjoyed a productive first season in the league during 2021-22, finishing in 6th place and winning 10 of their 20 league games.
This is the first time the two sides will meet in a competitive fixture.
Played For Both
Three players have transferred between the clubs over the summer. Midfielders Megan Foster and Monika Kisicka left Pools to join the Moors while Liv Smith has traded black and white for blue and white stripes. Smith is in line to make her debut against her former club this weekend.
How To Watch
Sunday’s game is being played on the enclosure at Grayfields (TS24 8PJ) at 2pm. It’s free entry for all spectators and the Pavilion Bar will be serving refreshments throughout the afternoon. After an exciting summer of women’s football with the Lionesses, why not give Pools Ladies your support this weekend?