THIRD CONSECUTIVE LEAGUE WIN FOR WOMEN

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Three points and a third win in a row for claret women

2021-10-03T16:21:58.909Z

THIRD CONSECUTIVE LEAGUE WIN FOR WOMEN

Three points and a third win in a row for claret women

2021-10-03T16:21:58.909Z

Three points and a third win in a row for claret women

Rain couldn’t dampen positive performance at Lancashire FA's County Ground

Burnley FC Women’s positive run continued on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over Loughborough Lightning in the Northern Premier Division of the FA Women’s National League.

Burnley looked to keep the momentum going following a win at Hull last weekend and a confident victory over Huddersfield Town Women prior to that. The home side started well, moving the ball round positively and pressing the visitors early on.

The scoring was opened early on by midfielder Nicola Worthington whose perfect strike from 25 yards out stunned keeper Kosinska, hitting the back of the net sweetly.

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Following the goal, the game evened out with Loughborough enjoying more possession. Two crosses into the box by Emelia Wilson were cleared effectively by the Clarets backline of Sammy Fleck, Olivia Wilson and Cara Bickett.

As the half pushed on Lizzy Hamer, Courtney Willis and Evie Priestley managed some good runs into the box but couldn’t convert any chances.

Emily Sharpe made some well-timed blocks against Priestley’s efforts and ten minutes before half-time, Nicki Russell shot just wide for the visitors in a let off for the home side.

Shortly before half-time, Loughborough’s Kosinska made another great save to keep the score 1-0 heading into the break.

Loughborough started the second half positively, bringing the game to the Clarets. They come close again in the 56th minute when Burnley cleared the ball in their area only as far as Captain Chloe Young who got her shot away, but it traveled over the bar.

Here, Burnley took the opportunity to make their first change of the day, with Dominique Cooper making way for Megan Dykes.

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Later, a mix up in the box caused the most concern for the home team. Confusion between the backline and keeper Lauren Bracewell saw Loughborough think they’ve equalised through a goal mouth scramble, but a goal is not given.

More pressure followed but positive play from Burnley saw Lizzy Hamer calmly lay the ball off for Evie Priestley who slotted the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Michelle Saunders came on for Courtney Willis at this point and the Clarets kept pressing.

Then a few minutes later, in a moment of brilliance a quick Nic Worthington free kick saw her sublime shot, again from outside the area, increase the lead again, to make it 3-0.

As the final ten minutes ensued Chloe Young found herself in more good positions shooting wide from the edge of the box, and an Ella Powell header traveled over the bar for the visitors.

Nic Worthington’s confident afternoon’s work came to an end early as she left the pitch with an injury and was replaced by Olivia Greenhalgh.

With the game drawing to a close Burnley’s defence soaked up any late pressure and the game finished 3-0.

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Burnley FC Women Manager, Matt Bee said: "We started really well and got a goal through a fantastic finish. After that we created some good moments, where we got in behind their defensive line but lacked the final ball or finish.

"Credit to Loughborough who started the second half brightly and we were a little bit slow in some areas. It was important to remain focused and operate within our structure to allow us to grow back into the game and ultimately get the goals which finished the contest off.

"It was a strange game as we performed well in some aspects but were a little sloppy in others, however to get three goals and another clean sheet is pleasing. It's another win and we are in the habit of winning at the moment, but we have to keep focused on applying ourselves on the training pitch to give us a platform to continue achieving three points each week."

Burnley: Bracewell, Bickett, Fleck, Wilson, Cooper, Worthington (Greenhalgh 80), Dom Cooper (Dykes 63), Hamer, Ravening, Willis (Saunders 75), Priestley

Subs: Farrell, Thomas

Loughborough: Kosinska, Lowe (Taft 35), Sharpe, Morrison, Hateley, Young, Turton Burrell (Taylor 58), Taylor (Powell 53), Wilson (Burgess 80), Russell, Benstead (Rogers 69)

It’s not long until the women are in action again, with Brighouse Town Women the visitors to Lancashire FA’s County Ground on Wednesday 6th October. KO is 7:45pm and admission is free.