Controversial goal denies Lady Clarets

However, after several weeks without a game, the Under 15s travelled to local rivals PNE on Saturday.

Games between the two sides are traditionally hard-fought affairs and this was no exception.

The lack of training or game time for the Clarets in recent weeks was evident throughout, as the players struggled to maintain possession and find their usual slick passing style.

The Clarets took the lead through a well-worked goal, with a Katie Halligan shot finishing off great work from Ella McCamon and Evie Priestley.

PNE continued to work hard without really threatening the Clarets’ goal, thanks to some strong defensive work.

However, an error meant that PNE were able to score a soft goal, to make it 1-1 at half-time.

The Clarets started the second half strongly, with the midfield controlling the game and creating a number of chances.

The hard work was rewarded with a left-foot strike from Maddie Blackburn giving Burnley the lead 15 minutes into the second half.

Despite creating many chances, the Clarets were unable to find another goal, and PNE got a controversial equaliser late on as the Clarets tired.

With the Burnley defence failing to clear an unthreatening ball, a PNE striker chipped the keeper to send the ball rolling towards the Burnley net.

Although the Burnley keeper felt that the ball had not crossed the line, the referee gave the goal, despite being 30 yards away.

The Under 15s were also in action on Sunday, playing their re-arranged Lancashire County Cup tie away at Barrow Celtic.

The girls showed no after-effects from Saturday’s efforts and put in a strong team performance which saw them win by an impressive 9-0 score line.

In the North West Womens Regional Football League, the Clarets’ first team have still only played eight games and sit in mid-table, having not played since December 7th.

They are scheduled to return to action on Sunday at fourth-place Blackpool Ladies - a dress rehearsal for their cup tie at the same opponents next Sunday.