CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINAL FOR WOMEN

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Women come from behind to secure Challenge Cup Semi-Final spot

2022-01-23T11:30:00.000Z

CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINAL FOR WOMEN

Women come from behind to secure Challenge Cup Semi-Final spot

2022-01-23T11:30:00.000Z

Women come from behind to secure Challenge Cup Semi-Final spot

Burnley FC Women put on a dominant second half performance to secure a place in the Semi-Final of the Lancashire FA Women’s Challenge Cup, with a 4-2 win over Chorley Women FC.

Burnley travelled to Coppull FC, Chorley women’s home ground, for the fixture and were pleased to welcome some familiar faces back into the side, with Lauren Bracewell and Kerry Hope featuring in the starting line-up.

The home side started strong, pushing the Clarets from the get-go. An early corner in the third minute showed the Chorley’s intent and that a difficult afternoon was ahead.

The corner came to nothing but two minutes later the scoring was opened when a looping cross from Hindle wasn’t collected and to Burnley’s backline and keeper Bracewell’s surprise rolled over the line, 1-0.

A goal ahead Chorley ramped up the pressure, but Burnley enjoyed more possession as they went in search of an equaliser.

As the game opened up, Nic Worthington shot from distance, but keeper Bradley collected the shot down the middle.

Former Burnley player Natalie Bell nearly extended the home side’s lead on the 19th minute when her shot hit the post and the follow up was fired wide.

Burnley managed to pull one back on the 24th minute through Sarah Greenhalgh, to extend her successful return to the team, having scored four goals in four appearances, 2-1.

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Another hit from Nic Worthington travelled over as Burnley pushed on before the half-time whistle, but Chorley went into the break with the advantage.

The Clarets came out for the second half with a big task ahead as they looked to implement some dominance on the tie.

Kerry Hope was replaced by Olivia Wilson in an alteration at the back, as the team went on the hunt for an equaliser.

It didn’t take long, five minutes into the second-half, strong play from midfielder Millie Ravening saw her driving forward to hit the ball past keeper Bradley, 2-2.

In a double change for the visitors Sammy Fleck and Courtney Willis came on for Mel Brown and Katie Thomas, in a change at the front and back.

Burnley were piling the pressure on in search of a lead for the first time in the game and keeper Bradley was forced to make two good saves to keep the score level.

Collins pushed forward for Chorley, but a well organised Burnley side were giving little away in the name of opportunities.

Burnley got their hard-earned lead in the 78th minute when a cross come shot by Olivia Greenhalgh evaded Bradley to give the Clarets the edge, 2-3.

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As the game entered the final ten minutes Burnley continued to work the home side hard and their persistence paid off when Evie Priestley was well placed in goal to score a tap in, 2-4.

Despite a strong first half performance from the home side, the Clarets dominance in the second half ensured they secured the semi-final spot when the final whistle blew, 2-4.

Burnley: Bracewell, Hope (Wilson 46), Dykes, Brown (Fleck 57), O Greenhalgh, Worthington, Ravening, Thomas (Willis 57), Cooper, Priestley, S Greenhalgh

Subs: Farrell, Dani Cooper

Chorley: Bradley, Topping, Searson, Holt, Catlow, Walker, Stocks (Evans 56), Bell, Cleary (Collins 61), Hickson, Hindle

Subs: Matthews, Rotherham, Mills

There’s not too long to wait until Burnley FC Women are back in action. The team welcome AFC Fylde Women to Lancashire FA County Ground on Wednesday 26th January, KO is 7:45pm and entry to the game is FREE.