WOMEN'S REPORT: BRIGHOUSE 3

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WOMEN'S REPORT: BRIGHOUSE 3 - 1 BURNLEY

Clarets lose out to Brighouse on wet night in Yorkshire

2022-03-16T22:17:15.500Z

WOMEN'S REPORT: BRIGHOUSE 3 - 1 BURNLEY

Clarets lose out to Brighouse on wet night in Yorkshire

2022-03-16T22:17:15.500Z

Clarets lose out to Brighouse on wet night in Yorkshire

Burnley FC Women were defeated 3-1 away at Brighouse Town in FA Women’s National League North action on Wednesday night (March 16).

A late consolation goal from defender Olivia Wilson wasn’t enough to deny the hosts victory at the Yorkshire Payments stadium on an evening which saw nothing but driving rain from start to finish.

The result ends a seven-game unbeaten run but sees Burnley remain sixth in the division.

First Half

On a sodden surface, Brighouse started the quicker and Cara Fields dragged a shot wide from inside the area early on before eventually grabbing the opener on 14 minutes.

After an initial header from a set piece hit the post, the rebound fell to Fields to convert from close range and give her side the lead.

Millie Ravening went close to an instant leveller at the other end moments later, seeing a shot heading for the top corner headed over the bar by a Town defender.

Teammate Courtney Willis also saw a snapshot go over the bar before the hosts doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark via Issy Dean, who tapped in from a yard out as the ball reached her at the back post from a wide free-kick.

Clarets’ attacker Willis also sent a strike over the bar under pressure late on in the half, but Burnley headed in two goals behind come the break.

WOMEN'S REPORT: BRIGHOUSE 3 - 1 BURNLEY - Image 1

Second Half

Goalkeeper and captain Lauren Bracewell reacted well to keep out a long-range free-kick from Brighouse’s Dannielle Whitham soon after the restart, before Burnley made their first change looking for a way back into the contest.

Hollie Kelsh replaced Lucia Molinari, and the substitution almost provided an instant spark to the Clarets at the top end of the pitch. Striker Sarah Greenalgh chased the ball down high up the pitch and slotted in partner Evie Priestley, though the latter could only direct her effort narrowly wide.

Forward Katie Thomas was also introduced from the bench on 80 minutes, linking up well with fellow substitute Kelsh in the final third and also successfully chasing the ball down.

This time around, Brighouse ‘keeper Becky Flaherty’s attempted clearance rebounded off Thomas but struck the outside of the post, signifying that it wasn’t to be the Clarets’ night.

Shortly after, Town’s Lucy Sowerby sealed three points for her side with a third goal as she took a long ball upfield and guided her strike off the post into the back of the net.

There was time for Burnley to pull one back two minutes into time added on with a stylish finish on the half volley from defender Wilson who stayed up the pitch following a corner, making it 3-1 come the full-time whistle.

The Clarets are back in action next Wednesday evening (March 23) when they face AFC Fylde Women at the County Ground in Leyland in the final of the Lancashire Challenge Cup.

Burnley: Bracewell, Brown, Wilson, Dani Cooper, Molinari (Kelsh 63), Worthington, Ravening, Willis (Thomas 80), Hamer, Priestley, S Greenalgh

Unused Subs: Farrell, O Greenalgh, Fleck

Brighouse Town: Flaherty, Bamforth, Williams, Legge, Dean, Fields, Sowerby, Hartley, Whitham, Darcie Greene, Embley

Subs: Maguire, Drew Greene, Allman, John, Watson

Goals: Fields, 15’, Dean, 30’, Sowerby, 85’, Wilson, 90+2’