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Five second half goals secured the three points at home

2022-01-16T18:05:54.130Z

SIX GOAL THRILLER FOR WOMEN

Five second half goals secured the three points at home

2022-01-16T18:05:54.130Z

Five second half goals secured the three points at home

Burnley FC Women secured three points in spectacular style at home to Sheffield FC Women on Sunday, running out 6-1 winners on the afternoon.

The Clarets, who were back at home for the first time in 2022, named a changed side from last weekend’s win at Middlesbrough with Lucia Molinari and Hollie Kelsh both missing out due to Covid-19.

Captain Bracewell who recently returned from the virus was named on the bench with Lucy Farrell in goal for the home side. Kerry Hope who has come back from illness in recent weeks, also joined a returning Olivia Wilson on the bench.

Burnley started brightly dominating possession and showing their intent early on. Forwards Sarah Greenhalgh, Evie Priestley and Katie Thomas were making their presence known from the get-go putting the Sheffield backline under constant pressure.

Within the first ten minutes striker Thomas came close to opening the scoring when her strike on her left foot travelled inches past the post.

The opening goal came just five minutes later when Sarah Greenhalgh played a wonderful ball to Evie Priestley, with the number 9 staying composed to finish, 1-0.

Burnley remained a constant threat as the half went on with Sheffield keeper Megeary making some fantastic saves to keep the visitors in it.

On the 19th minute an unfortunate mix up at the back, saw keeper Farrell off her line and Sheffield’s Abbygale Hodkin capitalised by curling the ball into the empty goal, 1-1.

As both teams were level Burnley remained dominant in both possession and chances as they chased the lead. Evie Priestley came close five minutes from the half time whistle but again Megeary was well placed to make another fine save.

The two teams headed into the break all square with Sheffield’s strong defensive performance keeping the two teams’ level.

As the second half commenced Clarets Assistant Manager Amanda Goodwin made a forward change with Courtney Willis, who missed out last weekend due to illness, replacing Katie Thomas.

Positive work in midfield from Nic Worthington, who captained the Clarets in Bracewell’s absence, Millie Ravening and Lizzy Hamer saw the home side remain a constant threat.

The deadlock was broken eight minutes after the restart when Nic Worthington’s ball into the box was met by Sarah Greenhalgh who rose nicely to head the ball, which nestled into the bottom corner, 2-1. The goal means Greenhalgh has scored in all three of her appearances since she re-joined the Clarets towards the end of 2021.

In the second change of the afternoon, this time at the back, Megan Dykes made way for Olivia Wilson, who joined Melissa Brown, Dom Cooper, and Dani Cooper in defensive duties.

The goals kept coming in the second half as Burnley were on the front foot. Full back Dom Cooper made a fantastic run into the box, received the ball from Priestley and fired at goal, 3-1.

Under ten minutes later Cooper was at it again, securing her second of the game and extending the home side’s lead, 4-1.

Burnley’s play left Sheffield with few chances as the final whistle drew near. With five minutes until full time, Courtney Willis found herself well placed in the box to tap a ball from Lizzy Hamer into the goal, 5-1.

Willis then dealt the final blow only a minute later netting her second of the afternoon which wrapped up the three points for the home side, the final score ending 6-1.

Burnley: Farrell, Dani Cooper, Dykes (Wilson 69), Brown, Cooper, Hamer, Ravening, Worthington, Thomas (Willis 46), Priestley, Greenhalgh

Subs: Bracewell, Olivia Greenhalgh, Hope

Burnley FC Women are next in action on Sunday 23rd January as they travel to Chorley Women FC in the Lancashire FA Women's Challenge Cup Quarter Final.