More points are needed for North East teams

THERE are five games gone in WSL2 and, after last week's disappointing results, the region’s teams need to put some more points on the board.

- By JOHN MIDDLETON

It’s a big year for clubs in the second tier, with an extra promotion spot to the top flight up for grabs, but so far our three teams don’t look like challenging.

Newcastle Women, in eighth, host Bristol City at Gateshead on Sunday. It won't be an easy test for Becky Langley’s side as they look to end a winless run.

The visitors, having dispatched two first-half goals against Durham last weekend with one in reply, will be full of confidence in fourth place and will have Maltese international Maria Farrugia in their ranks. Having spent her early years at Sunderland, Durham and Lewes before a decent season at Sheffield United last year, Maria is an exciting winger who will be a threat, linking up with Rio Hardy, the former Durham and Rangers striker.