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A second half Hollie Kelsh goal is enough to secure win against league leaders

2022-01-30T17:35:55.900Z

WOMEN BEAT TABLE TOPPERS DERBY

A second half Hollie Kelsh goal is enough to secure win against league leaders

2022-01-30T17:35:55.900Z

A second half Hollie Kelsh goal is enough to secure win against league leaders

Burnley FC Women were thrown another tough test in the Northern Premier Division of the FA Women’s National League this afternoon with a clash against top of the table Derby County Women.

Hollie Kelsh, who is on a phased return to football due to a long spell out of the game for a heart condition started for the first time this season. While Sarah Greenhalgh who picked up a knock midweek was named alongside Courtney Willis on the Clarets bench.

Derby, who arrived at the County Ground on the back of a 5-0 win over Stoke City Women on Wednesday, saw one change with Manager Samantha Griffiths naming Sophie Domingo for Emily Joyce.

Derby have enjoyed a strong league campaign, only dropping points to Wolves Women so far this season.

Burnley meanwhile came into the game after a hard-fought midweek battle against AFC Fylde Women, in which a 93rd minute penalty salvaged a draw for the Coasters.

WOMEN BEAT TABLE TOPPERS DERBY - Image 1

It was an even start to the contest as both sides scoped each other out. Precious Hamilton, fresh off the back of a hattrick against Stoke midweek had a shot in the fifth minute but couldn’t keep it on target.

In the opening quarter of the game, Derby piled the pressure on the home side, which saw a flurry of corners. The Clarets backline and Captain Bracewell stood strong especially on the half hour mark when a Domingo chance went high over the bar.

Down the other end, Burnley were pushing for the breakthrough in what was becoming an end-to-end game. A Hollie Kelsh corner was scrambled away, and the ball fell to Millie Ravening who shot from distance, but the attempt was blocked.

Both sides were up for the battle as the game edged closer to half time.

On the 40th and 45th minute, to the relief of the visitors, consecutive free kicks for the home side, taken by Millie Ravening and Nic Worthington, failed to open the scoring and the teams entered the break level.

It was a tight encounter and all to play for in the second half.

Neither side made any changes at the break and the deadlock was broken in the 48th minute when Hollie Kelsh found herself in a good position to capitalise on a blocked Evie Priestley shot on goal.

Priestley, who had kept the Derby defence busy all game, found herself through on goal, her effort was blocked by the visiting keeper, but Kelsh was alive to the ball to hit home and give the Clarets the lead, 1-0.

THREE SURGERIES LATER, I'M DELIGHTED TO BE BACK - Image 2

The visitors ramped up the urgency following the goal as they chased an equaliser.

Ellie Gilliatt had the midfield and backline working hard and Formaston found herself on the end of a Hamilton cross, but she couldn’t keep the effort on target.

The Clarets made their first change of the afternoon when Hollie Kelsh, having played her allocated 45 minutes of football in line with her phased return, was replaced by striker Sarah Greenhalgh.

Lauren Bracewell made a number of fine saves under intense pressure from the visitors as they enjoyed a flurry of corners.

The second change for the Clarets came when defender Sammy Fleck picked up a knock and Megan Dykes came on in her place to support the by now very busy backline.

A Derby ball came into the crowded box and Dani Cooper was excellently placed to clear it off the line to retain Burnley’s lead.

As the final whistle edged closer Burnley defended well as they threw everything at the game.

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The whistle blew and despite sustained pressure in the latter stages, the Clarets remained strong, taking the three points on the day.

Burnley: Bracewell, Wilson, Brown, Fleck (Dykes 68), Cooper, Dani Cooper, Worthington, Ravening, Hamer, Priestley, Kelsh (Greenhalgh 52)

Subs: Farrell, Willis, Molinari

Derby: Morgan, Sims, Tinsley, McCue, Jackson, Miles, Wilson, Formaston, Hamilton, Gilliatt, Domingo

Subs: Ward, Rai, Joyce, Edwards

Burnley FC Women have a break next weekend and are next in action on Sunday 13th February, when they host Hull City Women at Lancashire FA’s County Ground. KO is 2pm and entry is free.