Lady Clarets maintain unbeaten start as Hayton finds the target

Rebecca Hayton was on target as the Lady Clarets maintained their unbeaten run with a 1-1 draw against fellow league hopefuls Wigan Athletic Ladies.

League leaders Bolton Wanderers also drew, so goal difference still separates Burnley Ladies from top spot.

Lizzy Hamer helped drive the Clarets forward, with quick interplay involving Steph Meeks, Justine Wallace and Hayton.

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Hayton smartly switched play to set Linny Craig free on the left, and she played the ball back to Holly Hunter, whose cross was headed on by Chelsea Penny to Wallace, who turned and shot just wide.

Wigan responded, and star player Megan Hornby split the Clarets defence, with keeper Leanne Ashton-Smith forcing the attempt wide.

Wigan dominated the next period and their quick passing tested the Clarets.

The Clarets determination to recover the balance paid dividends, and a long clearance from Jo Holt found Wallace in a forward position, but the Latics keeper Jessica Linford was quick to react and block her effort.

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The Lady Clarets did not have to wait long for the opening goal when slick play from Penny found Craig, who evaded the off-side trap, and burst into the box before playing a square ball to Hayton, who tapped home from six yards.

With Burnley now dominating proceedings, Justine Wallace taunted the Wigan back-line, playing in Craig and Hayton.

Hamer and Chelsea Penny began to orchestrate the midfield with surging runs and intricate passing.

Wigan advances were intercepted by Clarets star player Emma White, supported by Hunter and Meeks.

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In the second period a change in formation for Wigan spurred them on and they started to play more direct.

Ashton-Smith in the Clarets net had to be alert as the ball skidded through on numerous occasions.

The Clarets were still putting their opponents under pressure on the counter attack, and Meeks headed over from a pin point corner from Craig.

Wallace then turned her opponent inside out before being unceremoniously hacked down and the Clarets were unlucky not to earn a penalty.

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Late on, Wigan centre forward Eleanor Threlkeld unleashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to equalise.

The Clarets pushed hard until the end, but had to settle for a point.

On Sunday, the Lady Clarets entertain CMB at Barden Athletics Ground (2 p.m.).

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