Emily grabs late equaliser after Lady Clarets squander 3-1 lead

On arrival at the ground the Lady Clarets were surprised that the game had been allowed to go ahead, with the pitch very soft and heavily cut up from a previous game.

But with Charlotte Hartley back in the side after recovering from a virus, expectations were high for a good outcome.

The Lady Clarets were soon on the offensive. Justine Wallace played a through ball to Emilie Forrest, and the referee waved play on against shouts for off-side as Forrest rounded the keeper to score.

The rampaging Clarets made it 2-0 with only two minutes on the clock when Becky Hayton received from Hartley and slotted home.

However, City of Manchester started to stamp their mark on the game.

Their superb striker Rachel Dunlop tested the Clarets’ defence with her skill and pace. Her early attempts were blocked by Claire Collins and Wilkinso,n but another attempt saw her skip around the defence, and she broke through towards keeper Sophie Valentine but shot wide.

With the danger behind them, the Clarets remained in the ascendancy. Captain and player of the match Jo Holt won the ball in midfield and embarked on a 50-yard run past the opposition defence, but shot wide.

Wilkinson also made a long distance run and crossed to Hartley in front of goal, but the ball bounced unevenly and she was unable to make a connection.

The hard-working Clarets defenders were involved in further action as Collins received the ball from Hayton.

She carried the ball forward and passed back to Hayton, who cut through the defence to slot home again.

City of Manchester were to be rewarded for their determination and their centre forward Jodie Hancock scored after another fast-moving attack.

In the second half, the Lady Clarets struggled to pick up the necessary momentum, and City of Manchester worked their way back into the game. Soon the score was 3-3.

The Clarets made many forward moves, but sluggish pace and poor finishing prevented them from recapturing the lead.

The referee also halted a number of attacks by the Clarets for off-side, much to the disagreement of those involved.

Hence it was City of Manchester who scored next, and they looked likely winners.

Late on though, the Clarets gained a free kick which was collected by Leah Hart and passed to the hard -working Wilkinson, who converted from close range to level the score.

A late frenzy by the Clarets came too late and the game ended a draw.

On Sunday, the Lady Clarets take on high-flying Crewe Alexandra Ladies at Barden Athletics Club, kick-off 2 p.m.

The Ladies’ Development team take on Mill Hill Ladies at Edge End in Nelson and hope to maintain their 100% record.

Postponements and rest weeks meant that only five junior teams were in action this weekend.

Of these, only the Under 12s managed a win, with a goal from Rebecca giving them all three points at Crosby Stuart in a fiercely-contested encounter.

The Under 11s and Under 13s were both in action at Preston North End, but both came away empty handed against strong PNE teams.

The Under 14s and an injury-hit Under 16s team both travelled to the seaside to play Blackpool, but again neither team were able to pick up points, as they battled strong winds and torrential hail.

The Under 12 and Under 13 teams were in half-time action at Turf Moor in Burnley’s game against Newcastle.

Despite the freezing conditions, the girls thoroughly enjoyed playing on the Turf and would like to thank Burnley for the opportunity.