‘We want to win every game’ – Every fixture important for North East ‘top dogs’ Durham says Sheppard | OneFootball

Durham goalkeeper Cat Sheppard says that the club’s ambitions this season go above and beyond maintaining their tag of being the lead side in the North East.

The Wildcats impressively ended the 2024/2025 campaign in fourth place in the Barclays WSL2 table, above North East neighbours Newcastle United and Sunderland.

If Durham replicate their local achievements this season, they should be right in the mix for promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League but goalkeeper Sheppard says that the focus has to be on competing consistently in every game rather than placing any specific target on the battle for North East bragging rights.

“The goal is always to win every game that you can,” Sheppard said when speaking to WSL Full-Time. “There’s probably more emphasis on games like that. People have mentioned the derbies, so maybe there are a few more undertones there but we want to win every game and get the points where we can get the points.”

Sheppard joined Durham earlier this summer after leaving Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon and the player is excited to finally play in the English professional game.

She said “I’ve always wanted to play in the English league. My dad’s from England, so I was always watching English soccer, watching the Premier League when I was young. Now, being able to do that; it was always a dream of mine.”

Sheppard is one of a handful of new additions at Durham this summer. She says that the team are bonding well and she is looking forward to the additional time with her new teammates when The Wildcats make the long trip to Portsmouth on opening day.

She said “We’ve all been in [training] quite some time, so we’ve had a long pre-season to bond and get used to each other but long trips always bring a team together for better or for worse. I’m excited for the game, I think it’ll be really good.”

As an independent club, Durham will be looking to follow last season’s Barclays WSL2 champions London City Lionesses into the top flight. Sheppard highlighted the benefits of playing for a club like Durham.

She said “[Playing for an independent club], it makes their backing feel like so much more because everything counts for them. I think it’s a whole vote of confidence for us that we have them, they support us and want to do right by us. I think it’s exciting.”

Durham’s opening Barclays WSL2 fixture at Portsmouth takes place on Sunday 7 September 2025. Season tickets for the club’s home fixtures are on-sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.