Lady Clarets come from two down to beat Wigan

In atrocious weather conditions, playing against the wind, the lady Clarets struggled to find their usual fluency.

Nevertheless, they dominated the first half and created multiple chances.

Prolific striker Becky Hayton hit the net twice but both efforts were disallowed due to a linesman’s flag.

A free kick from Justine Wallace was met with a powerful header from Taylor Gregson, but the ball narrowly cleared the bar.

Great work down the right flank by full back Mollie Farrell created another chance for Hayton but she was thwarted by a fine save.

On the occasions that Wigan threatened, keeper Sophie Valentine comfortably collected their long-range efforts, until the last moments of the half when Wigan pinched the lead, when a hopeful cross from the left eluded Valentine and the striker dispatched the chance from close range.

Burnley continued to dominate possession after the break but again failed to take their chances.

Another superb cross from Farrell found its way to Jane Sexton, but the winger’s shot was blocked by the keeper.

Hayton fired into the side netting, a 25-yard strike from Jo Holt narrowly cleared the bar, and a powerful drive from Farrell was tipped over.

Against the run of play, Wigan doubled their advantage in the 70th minute after the Burnley defence failed to clear a corner.

But the lady Clarets responded magnificently with three goals in the final 15 minutes.

Bryony Bancroft’s perseverance on the right resulted in a cross that deceived the keeper, her despairing dive only helping the ball into the net.

Within a couple of minutes, a corner was cleared as far as Emily Wilkinson ,who powered her shot into the roof of the goal.

And Burnley gained a deserved winner in the 85th minute, a Holt strike from 20 yards prodded in by Bancroft.

Em Forrest was the star performer for Burnley.

On Sunday Burnley entertain league leaders, Crewe Alexandra, at the Barden Sports Ground, kick-off 2 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Under 13s’ new signing from Dubai, Lucy Kerr, scored an impressive goal on her debut.

The Clarets found themselves tied at 3-3 at the interval against Wigan, however, a much-improved second-half performance saw Burnley run out 8-3 winners.

The Under 12s claimed a 7-2 win at Euxton. Tiggy Gent continued her recent goal-scoring run and Jessica Proctor scored her first goal for the club when she rounded the goalkeeper, following an excellent throughball from Grace Mills.

The Under 14s suffered their second defeat in a week to West End AFC, again losing 6-2 at home to a fit and talented team, who have not lost a game this season.

The Under 14s will hope to return to winning ways against Dynamo Rangers on Saturday.

Reigning league champions, the Under 15s also suffered a shock defeat away against Formby JSC.

The Clarets found themselves 2-1 down at half-time, and could not raise their game in the second half.

They conceded three more, before scoring two late goals, to make the final score 5-3 to Formby.