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Clarets secure three points on trip to Middlesbrough

2022-01-09T18:17:01.000Z

WOMEN START THE NEW YEAR WITH A WIN

Clarets secure three points on trip to Middlesbrough

2022-01-09T18:17:01.000Z

THREE SURGERIES LATER, I'M DELIGHTED TO BE BACK - Image 1

Burnley FC Women began the new year on fine form securing a win over Middlesbrough Women FC.

A frozen pitch in the Northeast meant a morning change of venue from Bedford Terrace to Stockton FC, in both sides first game of 2022 in the Northern Premier Division of the FA Women's National League.

The Clarets arrived at the fixture having made changes to the squad due to injuries and Covid-19. Defenders Sammy Fleck and Olivia Wilson, returned positive tests so missed the fixture, meanwhile Captain Lauren Bracewell following recovery from Covid-19 and in line with protocols was unnamed in the side.

Bracewell's absence saw eighteen-year-old Lucy Farrell in goal, while Hollie Kelsh was named on the Clarets bench after a sustained period of time out of the game due to a heart condition.

The visitors started brightly with forwards Sarah Greenhalgh and Evie Priestley troubling the home side's backline. Within the first ten minutes Priestley almost opened the scoring when her shot hit the crossbar.

Middlesbrough enjoyed possession as the opening stages went on, and on the quarter of the hour mark, forced a great save from keeper Farrell.

WOMEN START THE NEW YEAR WITH A WIN - Image 1

Burnley enjoyed plenty of chances as the half progressed and minimised the home team to half chances.

The breakthrough came just before the whistle blew for half time when Sarah Greenhalgh managed to get her shot away in the box to give the Clarets the lead, 0-1.

The second half saw Middlesbrough on the attack, Armani Maxwell saw her shot on target, but Farrell calmly saved.

Minutes later, Claret's midfielder Millie Ravening picked the ball up outside the box and with goal in sight took her shot to double Burnley's lead, 0-2.

With the two-goal cushion Burnley continued to dominate possession as both team's worked hard to win battles all over the pitch.

The home side thought they had clawed one back when Emily Cassidy put the ball in the back of the net, however the liner ruled for offside.

Later, a Clarets corner saw a scramble in the box as the home side failed to clear the ball. Alert to the danger the ball fell kindly to Lizzy Hamer who tapped home to make it three, 0-3.

The visitors made a flurry of changes as the half went on. Dani Cooper made way for debutant Hollie Kelsh, who received a rapturous applause from her teammates and coaching staff.

Katie Thomas came on for Lucia Molinari and with ten minutes to go a final change saw Olivia Greenhalgh come on for Megan Dykes.

A challenge by Nicola Worthington, who captained the team in Bracewell's absence, outside of the box saw the referee award a free kick to the home team. The ball beat the wall and hit the underside of the bar and Jess Foster headed home the rebound, 1-3.

As the final whistle blew Burnley started the year with the win.

The Claret women are next in action on Sunday 16th January at home to Sheffield FC Women. The game will take place at Lancashire FA's County Ground, KO 2pm.