Optimism is high heading into 2024 for Gateshead Ladies, who sit fifth in the NERWFL Northern Division after their final game of the year.
Despite a 3-1 defeat at Bishop Auckland Ladies last time out, The Heed lie five points behind second-placed Wallsend with a game in hand, and manager Morrison believes taking their spot is the aim come the New Year.
“We’re really optimistic,” he said.
“Even against Bishop, some of our build up play was really impressive and we’re getting better with each game day.
“We were missing eight to 10 players going into the game at Bishop, so we knew that would be a challenge, but we still had a team that we knew could compete.
“We lost our way a bit in the second half which was disappointing, and the conditions weren’t great, but it’s something we’ve got to deal with better in future.
“We’ve still got to play a lot of the teams in and around us, so if we perform to the levels we know we can then I think we can finish as high as second, and that’s definitely the aim.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do that, but if we are able to stay injury free and have the majority of the squad every weekend, then I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be up there.
“We’ll have a little break before training again ahead of the next game, which gives the girls chance to recover and enjoy Christmas before we’re back in.”
Gateshead Ladies are set to host Norton & Stockton Ancients LFC in the opening game of 2024 on Sunday, January 7 (2pm kick off), having won the reverse fixture 6-1 back in October.
When reflecting on where his and Hugo Djassi’s side sit compared to one year ago though, Morrison feels they’re in a more positive space.
“We’re really starting to see some of the rewards of stuff we’ve been doing for a long time,” he added.
“Sitting in the position we’re in, with what we’ve got and how we’re playing, I think it’s a big difference.”
