HARTLEY ‘BUZZING’ TO BE BACK ON THE TURF

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Women’s team defender previews cup tie

2024-12-11T15:00:00.000Z

HARTLEY ‘BUZZING’ TO BE BACK ON THE TURF

Women’s team defender previews cup tie

2024-12-11T15:00:00.000Z

Women’s team defender previews cup tie

Playing at Turf Moor was a childhood dream for Burnley Women defender Naomi Hartley when she went to watch matches with her grandad as a youngster.

Now, when Stoke City visit Lancashire in the quarter finals of the FA Women’s National League Cup on Saturday afternoon, Hartley could step out on to the Turf for a fourth time.

The centre-back said: “It’s still surreal playing there to be honest with you, ever since I was a kid I’ve wanted to play there and play for Burnley.

“I’m buzzing for Saturday, and I think it will be a good game being back at the Turf - I’ve got a fair few family and friends coming.

“Stoke have some familiar faces too, so it will be nice to see them as well.”

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The Clarets have beaten three other teams to get to this stage of the competition, following up a 9-0 win over AFC Fylde with 1-0 victories over Sutton Coldfield Town and Hull City.

Hartley scored her second goal of the season to secure progression against the Tigresses, and she looks back on that day with fondness.

“It was another header!

“If I do play on Saturday it would be great to get another goal, as it’s always a surreal moment and I love scoring.”

Stoke are a fellow third-tier side who have managed the same number of goals as Burnley’s 11 in the FAWNL Cup to date.

The Potters are in a fine run of form and have won 10 of their last 11 matches, with the defeat coming to league leaders Nottingham Forest.

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They were however beaten when Rebecca Sawiuk’s Clarets travelled to the Clayton Wood training ground in September, with Laura Elford’s brace being accompanied by further strikes from Charley Docherty, Anna Grey and Aimee Kelly.

When asked whether that game will have any bearing on this weekend’s match, Hartley finished: “I think so!

“They’re probably quite a direct team and a very aggressive squad. Last time around they had a player sent off so that killed the game a little bit.

“We’ve played with a couple of them before so we know their technical abilities and they’re very organised, so I’m looking forward to a tough game.”

Kick-off is 1pm on Saturday 14th December and season ticket holders can claim a free ticket for the match online here, over the phone on 01282 446800 or in person at the Turf Moor ticket office.

Non season ticket holders can purchase tickets at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions. General admission seating will be in the Bob Lord Stand.

If you can’t be there in person, live updates will be shared on our dedicated women’s social media channels and a match report will follow the final whistle on www.burnleyfootballclub.com.