BACK LINE PROUD OF CLEAN SHEET IN CUP FINAL VICTORY

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Goalkeepers union & centre back pairing happy to have played their part in cup success

2023-04-13T08:15:00.000Z

BACK LINE PROUD OF CLEAN SHEET IN CUP FINAL VICTORY

Goalkeepers union & centre back pairing happy to have played their part in cup success

2023-04-13T08:15:00.000Z

Goalkeepers union & centre back pairing happy to have played their part in cup success

Goalkeeper Lucy Farrell and defenders Lucy Walsh & Emma Taylor were all proud to have played their part in Burnley FC Women’s County Cup triumph with captain Lauren Bracewell re-enforcing just how important their roles to the success were.

Welsh youth international Farrell, who has come into the side in recent weeks following an injury to Bracewell, lifted a regional honour with the Clarets for a second season running.

And having not conceded in Wednesday evening’s 9-0 final win against Darwen FC Ladies at the County Ground in Leyland, the teenager was delighted.

“I’m really happy to be honest. We’ve not got clean sheets all that often at the minute, so it’s great to get one tonight!

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“I think it’s fair to say that we deserve something from this season, it’s been great so far, and it’s all about trying to end on a high for us after this win tonight now.”

Fellow shot stopper Bracewell, who enjoyed the final from the bench in a watching capacity, paid tribute to Farrell and the rest of the squad.

“It’s brilliant that we’ve won a County Cup two years on the trot, and I think Lucy’s done fantastic in this competition – and others – when she’s played.

“She pulled off a few good saves tonight, that wasn’t an easy game despite the scoreline not reflecting that. And she’s right in what she said about the season so far, it’s been a fantastic one. We’ve got three tough games left now, and hopefully we can come out the other end with nine points.”

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With Bracewell nearing a comeback, the fight for the number one spot has – in the ‘keepers’ own words – intensified.

Farrell added, “It’s awkward! No I’m only joking, we’re just really happy for each other having worked alongside one another so closely for the last two seasons now.”

Bracewell backed that up, adding, “It’s a good challenge for us both and like Lucy said, we’ve got a really good relationship where we want each other to do well. She’s the next generation!”

Centre backs Walsh & Taylor meanwhile both joined Burnley last summer, with this their first season in Claret & Blue.

Defender thanks all at club for support during 2022/23 campaign

Ex-Everton academy player Walsh is a permanent figure, while Taylor is on a dual-registration deal from Manchester United for the duration of the campaign.

Both were buzzing with the silverware earned against Darwen, with Taylor saying: “Keeping switched on for us in games like this is the main thing, and we did that because we’ve come out of it with a clean sheet.

“Lifting the trophy is great for us, especially as younger players, and I think it’s what we deserve because the girls train really well week in week out.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here, coming into it from playing youth football it’s a different game and a lot more physical.”

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Walsh had high praise for the quality on show throughout the 90 minutes in the final, dominant from start to finish.

“Obviously we’re happy to get the cup, and this performance is one that we can build on. We got the goals our play deserved and there could’ve easily been more.

“We’ve still got a few games left of the season where we’ll keep trying to get the goals and push towards our ambitions.

“Tonight, we could’ve dropped our quality and played their game, but we played ours instead, stuck to what we know, and got some good stuff out of it in terms of what we did well, and where we can improve in certain areas.”

The Claret Women are at The Hawthorns this coming Sunday, 16th April, to take on West Bromwich Albion in their last away trip of the season in the FA Women’s National League North (2pm KO). Purchase your tickets via the Baggies!