WOMEN WIN TWO IN A WEEK AFTER STOKE VICTORY

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Clarets get better of Stoke City at County Ground to make it two wins in four days

2022-03-27T15:47:33.641Z

WOMEN WIN TWO IN A WEEK AFTER STOKE VICTORY

Clarets get better of Stoke City at County Ground to make it two wins in four days

2022-03-27T15:47:33.641Z

Clarets get better of Stoke City at County Ground to make it two wins in four days

Burnley FC Women defeated Stoke City Women 3-1 at the County Ground in Leyland to secure back-to-back victories and two wins in a week following Wednesday’s Lancashire FA Challenge Cup trophy success.

Goals from Millie Ravening, Lizzie Hamer and Evie Priestley secured three points against the Potters on the Clarets’ return to FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division action.

From the midweek game against AFC Fylde Women which saw Burnley earn silverware, two enforced changes were made with both Nicola Worthington and Sarah Greenhalgh absent through illness. Hollie Kelsh and Katie Thomas started in their respective places.

Meanwhile, Megan Dykes also returned to the Clarets bench alongside Sammy Fleck, continuing her own recovery from injury.

First Half

Within the opening 60 seconds at the County Ground, Clarets goalkeeper – and captain – Lauren Bracewell had to react well to keep out a free-kick from Stoke’s Callan Barber.

And in a quick start at both ends, Burnley defender Olivia Wilson also brought Potters’ ‘keeper Liz Craven into action moments later with a shot as the ball fell to her from a corner.

It was from another set piece on seven minutes however that the Clarets took the lead through prolific goalscorer Ravening. Adding to her goal in Wednesday’s Challenge Cup final victory, the midfielder fired home powerfully from inside the area as the ball fell to her from a corner.

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Striker Evie Priestley also scored in that Challenge Cup final but struck narrowly wide against the Potters having rounded ‘keeper Craven after picking up Dani Cooper’s through ball.

On 21 minutes, the Clarets’ advantage was doubled though through Lizzie Hamer. Breaking forward, Courtney Willis attempted pass through on goal was intercepted but with the clearance skewed by a Stoke defender, Hamer was on hand at the opposite side of the box to convert with a calm finish.

Before the half was out in Leyland, more chances came and went for both sides with City’s Molly Holder unable to guide an effort on target after a defensive error, and Katie Thomas heading wide at the other end.

Lizzie Steele and Roisin Kivel also went close for the Potters, though it remained 2-0 at the break.

Second Half

Burnley had the first chance following the restart as Hamer looked to turn provider, putting a well weighted ball into the box from the right wing which Kelsh was unable to convert.

On 62 minutes, the visitors halved the deficit with Barber converting from 12 yards out following a controversial penalty award from the referee for an adjudged handball.

Following that goal, Stoke rallied and put Burnley under pressure, though the Clarets did almost hit back instantly with Kelsh’s glancing header going over the bar.

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Despite their consistent pressure, the Potters were unable to properly test Clarets’ shot stopper Bracewell with substitute Rebecca Knight’s athletic effort not troubling the ‘keeper 10 minutes from time.

Stoke’s Craven did have to react quickly to keep out an effort from the head of her own defender, who had met Hamer’s cross, though the ‘keeper couldn’t deny Priestley as the clock ticked into the 90th minute.

Played in on goal with an inch-perfect ball over the top of two City defenders from Ravening, the striker still had work to do but weaved her way to the edge of the area and struck home in clinical style to re-gain a two-goal lead and put the rubber stamp on three points.

Burnley FC Women next return to action on Sunday – April 3 – when Hull City Ladies are the visitors to the County Ground. Entry is free to all to watch the women’s penultimate home league fixture of the campaign with kick-off scheduled for 2:00pm.

Burnley: Bracewell (C), Molinari, Wilson, Brown, Dani Cooper, Hamer, Ravening, Kelsh (Dykes ’75), Willis (O Greenalgh ’84), Priestley, Thomas (Fleck ’59)

Unused Sub: Farrell

Stoke City: Craven, Hudson, Holder, Richardson, Barber, Bowyer (C), Steele, Woodbyrne (Garratt ’81), Miszkiel (Lewis-Powell ’81), Kivel, Delle (Knight ’70)

Unused Subs: Hobson, Smith

Goals: Ravening, ‘7, Hamer, ’21, Barber, ’62, Priestley, ‘90