REPORT: BURNLEY WOMEN 4-1 AFC FYLDE WOMEN

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Clarets win Lancashire FA Challenge Cup

2022-03-23T22:08:35.613Z

REPORT: BURNLEY WOMEN 4-1 AFC FYLDE WOMEN

Clarets win Lancashire FA Challenge Cup

2022-03-23T22:08:35.613Z

WOMEN’S LFA SENIOR CUP FINAL PREVIEW: BURNLEY V DARWEN FC - Image 1

Burnley FC Women won the Lancashire FA Women’s Challenge Cup in style with a 4-1 final victory over AFC Fylde Women at the County Ground in Leyland on Wednesday night (March 23).

Lifting the regional trophy for a first time ever, Burnley earned the silverware with goals on the night from Evie Priestley (2), Millie Ravening and Courtney Willis.

Bolstered by a good number of supporters who had made the trip across Lancashire to Leyland, the Clarets named an unchanged side from defeat at Brighouse Town Ladies seven days ago.

First Half

Having missed out on playing in the competition’s final in 2019/20 due to a COVID cancellation, Burnley wasted no time in stamping their authority against the Coasters, scoring after just four minutes through Evie Priestley.

Slipped in on goal by Nic Worthington, striker Priestley fired into the bottom corner to hand the Clarets an early lead.

And on 17 minutes, teammate midfielder Millie Ravening doubled their advantage with another trademark spectacular strike.

The midfielder - who also scored against Fleetwood Town Wrens Ladies at the semi-final stage earlier this month - curled into the back of the net from the edge of the box to make it 2-0.

Soon after though, Fylde’s Amy Hughes was played in over the top to halve the deficit with a volley which dipped over Clarets goalkeeper – and captain – Lauren Bracewell.

Burnley then came close again twice in quick succession through Worthington, who fired over before seeing a powerful free-kick well held, with Bracewell also in action at the other end before the opening 45 minutes was out to keep hold of a dangerous cross.

Bracewell also stopped an effort from Fylde’s Faye McCoy while Willis saw an effort go over leaning back at close range. 2-1 it remained come the half-time whistle.

Second Half

Having got themselves back into the contest, the Coasters came out quickest at the restart and could’ve been level after just 13 seconds with Hughes played in over the top again but Bracewell coming out on top in that battle this time around.

Burnley regained control of the contest and on 56 minutes got the goal which pulled them away from their opponents for good. Priestley worked her way into the area and brought a good save out of Fylde’s ‘keeper Ellie Etheridge, but Willis was on hand to tap home the rebound from a matter of yards out.

Clarets captain Bracewell then kept out a powerful strike from Jess Holbrook before Priestley put the icing on the top of the cake for Burnley with her second of the evening and the team’s fourth.

Picking up the second ball from a free kick inside the area, the striker – who netted a hat trick in the semi-final win over Fleetwood – curled one in off the far post, and eased any remaining nerves.

It could’ve been five late on into five minutes of time added on as Willis broke forward and hit a shot over the bar, but the referee’s final whistle brought an end to a memorable night for all involved with the Clarets women.

Burnley FC Women are next in FA Women’s National League North action on Sunday March 27 - when they welcome Stoke City Women to the County Ground for a 2:00pm kick-off. Entry is free to all.

Burnley: Bracewell (C), Brown, Wilson, Dani Cooper, Molinari, Worthington, Ravening, Willis (O Greenalgh 90+3’), Hamer (Kelsh 76’), Priestley, S Greenalgh (Thomas 83’)

Unused Subs: Farrell, Fleck

AFC Fylde: Etheridge, Taylor, Forster (C), Hughes (Fuller ’64), Carroll, Holbrook, Hollinshead, Merrin, Redgrave (Pottinger ‘87), Rowe (Bartley ’72), McCoy

Subs: Young, Whittaker

Goals: Priestley, ‘4 & ‘65, Ravening, ’17, Hughes, ’19, Willis, ‘56