WOMEN’S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V MIDDLESBROUGH (2025)

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New season gets underway on Sunday

2025-08-16T11:15:00.000Z

WOMEN’S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V MIDDLESBROUGH (2025)

New season gets underway on Sunday

2025-08-16T11:15:00.000Z

New season gets underway on Sunday

Matt Beard is set to take charge of Burnley Women competitively for the first time this weekend, with his side starting the new season against Middlesbrough.

It’s the first of 22 Northern Premier Division of the Women’s National League matches for Beard and his players, who will be keen to start the campaign on the front foot.

The Clarets had a productive pre-season, testing themselves in matches against several higher division sides.

That culminated in last weekend’s visit of Lazio and despite losing 4-1, there were plenty of positives to take with 10 new faces earning more minutes.

The Clarets have an extremely positive opening day record in recent years, winning on the last five occasions. It was a 9-0 victory when Hull City travelled to Lancashire last August.

WOMEN’S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V MIDDLESBROUGH - Image 1

Middlesbrough are new to the division having pipped Cheadle Town Stingers to the fourth-tier title on goal difference last season.

The Teessiders are managed by Michael Mulhern, who is now heading into his third campaign in charge.

Mulhern is known for a successful 15 years at Sunderland Ladies and has also worked within England Women’s youth set-up.

Boro have signed five players in Becky Ferguson, Olivia Watt, Erin Nelson, Megan Borthwick, and Chelsea Callander during the off season.

Their pre-season schedule has included a 1-1 draw with Championship side Newcastle United, in which Millie Bell headed a late equaliser.

Players to look out for include Lauren Robson, who was last season's top goalscorer with 13.

Tickets for this match at the County Ground, Leyland (PR25 2LF) can be purchased on the day, although Burnley season ticket holders can get in for free by showing it at the turnstiles.

Other adults are £5, while concessions are £2.