Lady Clarets joint top after latest victory

The opening exchange of end to end play set the scene for a competitive encounter.

The first effort on goal resulted from a Wigan free kick 25 yards out, which Clarets keeper Leanne Ashton-Smith palmed upward off the crossbar.

The Latics dominated the opening stages, with Sarah Greenhalgh and Joanne Holt blocking goalward shots from within the box.

The threat was not sustained, and the boundless energy of Lizzy Hamer, Emma White and Joanna Rohman drove the Clarets forward.

One of the best moves of the game involved Meeks and Linny Craig trading passes with Hamer, who whipped a ball into Rohman. Her close range shot was somehow saved, and the ball was scrambled to safety.

However, from a corner the stalemate was broken, when a pin point ball from Becky Hayton was met with a thunder bolt of a header from Meeks.

Burnley’s spirits were lifted and the Clarets mounted further pressure.

Holt, Craig and Wallace all had attempts on the lead up to the break.

In the second half, Wigan had much of the possession and piled on the pressure, but struggled to break down the two banks of defence.

As the half progressed, Wigan won a number of corners, and it was only excellent defending at the back post from Greenhalgh and Meeks which prevented an equaliser.

With time running out for Wigan, the Clarets sealed victory when a long pass from White was fed down the line to Hayton, who in turn found the feet of Hamer. Hamer turned to evade a heavy challenge to play an inviting ball into the box, and Wallace scampered to the front post to smash the ball home from close range.

Wigan tried to respond to gain a way back into the game, but hard work by Holly Hunter allowed Hayton to counter and see the game out with a 2-0 victory that leaves the Clarets joint top of the NWWRFL.

This Sunday the Lady Clarets face another tough test in the return league match against Wigan at Barden Sports Club, kick-off 2 p.m.

l Burnley Girls’ Under 11s came away with a win against Lostock Hall Pumas on a cold morning at the Prairie, to progress to the cup semi-final.

Burnley opened the scoring in the first minute, however the Pumas weren’t disheartened and kept the Clarets at bay.

Burnley started well in the second half and soon started scoring again, and now go through to the last four as they look to defend the trophy they picked up in April.

The Under 12s lost 6-1 to Blackpool Girls and Ladies at home.

The Under 14s came out fighting against Wigan Athletic.

They took the lead when Aherne’s corner found the head of Turner, and, despite conceding two penalties, went on to win 7-3.