MATCH REPORT: Burnley Women 2-0 Derby County Women

Derby County Women fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division leaders Burnley despite a spirited display at Turf Moor on Sunday.

The Ewes defended resolutely throughout the first half, with a number of fine stops from goalkeeper Lucy Jones keeping the scoreline level, but Millie Ravening’s composed spot-kick broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.

Burnley doubled their advantage in the 74th minute when Claudia Walker’s strike ricocheted off the leg of Jones before nestling in the back of the net, securing a 2-0 victory for the home side.

Key Moments

There was an early chance for the hosts as Charley Docherty raced in behind the Ewes' backline in an attempt to latch onto a well-timed through ball, but Jones was there to divert it behind for a corner.

The resulting corner was whipped in dangerously towards Clarets captain Yana Daniëls in the box, but her header sailed wide of the post.

Jones was called into action in the 15th minute as Walker unleashed a rocket from outside the box, but it was straight down the throat of the Ewes' shot-stopper.

Shortly after, with Burnley on top, the ball dropped to Ravening in space. The Burnley midfielder struck it first time but was unable to hit the target.

A superb stop from Jones denied Burnley an opener after half an hour. Daniëls blazed a thunderous long-range strike towards goal that looked destined to nestle in the top corner, but the Ewes' goalkeeper continued her impressive start to the game as she clawed it away with an outstanding diving save.

Aletha Paul delivered a pinpoint cross into the box towards the head of Daniëls, who found space and rose highest to meet it, but the former Liverpool midfielder was unable to keep her header down as it flew over the crossbar.

Despite sustained pressure from the home side throughout the first period, the Ewes' defence remained organised and resolute, denying Burnley a breakthrough.

As the second half kicked off in Lancashire, a crucial last-ditch sliding challenge from Minnie Wilson denied Walker a chance from close range.

Moments later, Burnley forward Aimee Kelly cut inside from the left and curled an effort towards the far post which Jones was equal to by tipping the ball away.

The Clarets broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. A penalty was awarded to Burnley after a late challenge in the box, and Ravening stepped up to coolly slot the ball into the bottom right corner and make it 1-0.

Walker came close to adding a second for the hosts minutes later, firing a powerful effort towards goal from distance, but Jones was there to parry it away with another excellent piece of goalkeeping.

Paul’s cross from a deep position evaded everyone and bounced narrowly wide of the post after a touch from Jones to turn it away.

Soon after, Ravening’s cushioned header found Walker in the penalty area, but Jones was there to rush out and deny the forward.

Burnley doubled their advantage in the 74th minute. Paul darted down the left flank before pulling the ball back across the face of goal towards Walker, whose effort ricocheted off the leg of Jones before rolling into the back of the net to put the league leaders 2-0 up.

The Derby backline defended solidly in the closing stages, despite the Clarets continuing to dominate possession and push for more goals.

The final chance of the afternoon saw Charlie Chadwick’s close-range strike deflect off an Ewes defender and bounce wide.

Sam Griffiths’ side will look to get back to winning ways at the Don Amott Arena next Sunday, where they take on Stockport County Ladies in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Second Round (2pm kick-off).

Entry for the Ewes' FA Cup home tie is FREE (only to those who book in advance of matchday).

Team News

Derby County Women: Jones (GK), Melrose, Mason, Edwards (Oakley 79), Wildgoose, Joyce (C), Ward, Wilson (Wheeler 85), Stevens (Muir 79), May, Sparkes.

Unused Substitutes: Bryan, Skeldon, Drake, Shepherd.

Words: Ella Barber.

Images: Burnley FC.