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Clarets see four-match winning run come to an end with defeat at Leyland

2021-10-06T21:22:15.534Z

MIDWEEK DEFEAT FOR WOMEN

Clarets see four-match winning run come to an end with defeat at Leyland

2021-10-06T21:22:15.534Z

Clarets see four-match winning run come to an end with defeat at Leyland

Burnley FC Women had their four-match winning run halted with a 1-0 defeat to Brighouse Town on what was a frustrating evening for the Clarets at the Lancashire FA’s County Ground.

In a largely even game of fine margins, Amy Woodruff struck the winner midway through the second half for the visitors.

After a slow start to the affair from both sides in Leyland, the game momentarily sprung into life with both sides squandering a chance each in quick succession as the contest approached the 15-minute mark.

Brighouse were first presented with the opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot, but Town captain – and defender - Annabelle Cass stepped up and fired wide of the mark providing a let off for the Clarets.

Burnley then raced up the other end almost imminently, and could have punished their opponents’ penalty miss even further by going in front themselves.

Forward Evie Priestley turned away from her marker in the area and found space, but saw her effort go just wide of the far post with Brighouse goalkeeper Imogen Maguire beaten.

But after those two back-to-back chances and with both teams being let off the hook, the game became a cagey affair for the remainder of the opening 45 minutes with few clear-cut opportunities either way.

Clarets’ boss Matt Bee opted for a change at the break with Megan Dykes replacing Dominique Cooper, though both teams still struggled to carve out chances after the restart and the defences were on top.

That was until the 64th minute when the opening and only goal of the match was netted by Brighouse’s Woodruff with a dink over Burnley goalkeeper – and captain - Lauren Bracewell who could do nothing to stop the effort bouncing into the back of her net.

As the visitors shut up shop having gone ahead, Bee’s side searched and pushed for an equaliser but were faced with a resolute low block from Brighouse.

Katie Thomas and Lucia Molinari were both introduced off the bench, but the best chance in the second half for the Clarets came five minutes from the end through Courtney Willis.

The striker found herself through on goal, and only a last-ditch block by a Brighouse defender prevented Burnley the leveller as she took aim at goal.

A first defeat in five for Bee’s side, who next face an away trip to Wolves on Sunday, October 24.

Burnley: Bracewell, Bickett (Thomas 69’), Fleck, Wilson (Molinari 93’), Dani Cooper, Greenalgh, Dom Cooper (Dykes HT), Hamer, Ravening, Willis, Priestley

Subs: Farrell, Saunders

Brighouse: Maguire, Bamforth, Gompertz, Legge, Cass, Fields, White, Whitham, Woodruff, Embley, John

Subs: Williams, Dobson, Watson