WOMEN'S REPORT: BURNLEY 3

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WOMEN'S REPORT: BURNLEY 3 - 0 WOLVES

Clarets dominant display sees them beat league leaders

2022-03-06T18:23:34.242Z

WOMEN'S REPORT: BURNLEY 3 - 0 WOLVES

Clarets dominant display sees them beat league leaders

2022-03-06T18:23:34.242Z

Clarets dominant display sees them beat league leaders

Burnley FC Women keep clean sheet and score three to beat unbeaten Wolves Women FC on Sunday (March 6)

Burnley FC Women were back at home at Lancashire FA’s County Ground on Sunday to face league leaders Wolves Women FC in the Northern Premier Division of the FA Women’s National League.

Wolves, who were unbeaten in the league so far this campaign arrived in fine form, as did the Clarets who secured their spot in the final of the Lancashire FA Women’s Challenge Cup midweek.

It was the Clarets who secured the three points on the afternoon and kept a clean sheet in the encounter.

First half

Burnley were unchanged from their midweek cup win, with forwards Evie Priestley, Sarah Greenhalgh and Courtney Willis leading the line.

Both sides started with intent but nine minutes in it was the home side who struck first, when Dominique Cooper’s corner was met by Courtney Willis, who headed the ball past Wolves keeper Turner.

A frantic restart followed, Wolves drove forward in hunt of an equaliser, but the Clarets backline stayed firm and minimised attempts on goal. Shortly after the 20-minute mark, Merrick sent in a shot from distance, but Clarets Captain and keeper Lauren Bracewell collected calmly.

Burnley, with the one goal lead, were on the front foot for large chunks of the half. Midfielders Nicola Worthington and Millie Ravening controlled the midfield area, winning balls in the air and driving the team on.

Wolves were forced to make a change on the half hour mark, with Ria Elsmore replacing the injured Helen Dermody.

Sarah Greenhalgh almost found herself through on goal when Ravening sent in a lovely ball. However, keeper Turner read the situation well and got there just ahead of the Burnley striker.

The Clarets almost extended their lead when following another corner, the ball fell to Lizzy Hamer who got her shot away, but it travelled just wide.

Minutes before half-time, Wolves won two successive corners, with Bracewell tipping the first over the bar and the second came off a Wolves head last, diverting any danger.

Burnley’s positive play saw Lizzy Hamer send a cross into the box, but Willis couldn’t quite recreate her early goal as this time she couldn’t quite make the contact to head into the goal.

The last action of the half fell to the visitors when Beth Merrick’s effort went just wide.

WOMEN’S PREVIEW: WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS V BURNLEY - Image 2

Second half

Six minutes into the second-half the Clarets doubled their lead when, driving forward, Sarah Greenhalgh’s pass found Courtney Willis who secured her brace.

Two goals down, Wolves went on the attack, and it was Merrick again who had a shot at goal, however Bracewell collected.

Wolves were awarded a free kick on the halfway line which Morphet took, however as the ball travelled Price was offside.

Later, confusion between Turner and the Wolves backline saw Sarah Greenhalgh capitalise, as she pounced on the error and increased the Clarets lead to three.

A coming together between Cross and keeper Bracewell saw a short stoppage in play but both were back on their feet shortly after.

The Clarets made their first change of the afternoon on the 80th minute mark, when Katie Thomas replaced Courtney Willis.

With five minutes to go Evie Priestley, who had caused the visitors problems all game, tracked back from her forward position to deny Walker a shot on goal.

The final ten minutes saw a flurry of changes as Lizzy Hamer made way for Hollie Kelsh and Megan Dykes came on for Dani Cooper.

Lowri Walker had a chance late on for the visitors, but her effort hit the side netting.

As the final whistle blew, the home side secured the three points. The Clarets return to league action on Wednesday 16th March when they travel to Brighouse Town Women for a 7:45pm kick-off.

WOMEN'S REPORT: BURNLEY 3 - 0 WOLVES - Image 2

Burnley: Bracewell ©, Wilson, Brown, Dani Cooper (Dykes 88), Dom Cooper, Worthington, Ravening, Willis (Thomas 10), Hamer (Kelsh 84), Priestley, Greenhalgh

Subs not used: Farrell, Molinari

Wolves: Turner, Cooper, Price ©, Cross, George, Cross, Hughes, Morphet, Miller, Dermody (Elsmore 30), Merrick

Subs: Gauntlett, Dicken, Walker, Butler

Referee: David Boston

Goals: Willis ‘9, ‘51, Greenhalgh ‘66