Lady Clarets sign off with win over rivals

In the first half, the lady Clarets delivered prolonged periods of flowing football while, at the same time, winning their physical battles.

Their reward arrived in the seventh minute, when a shot from Em Forrest was spilled by the keeper, and Becky Hayton, was on hand to tap home from close range.

Burnley had opportunities to extend their lead. Forrest latched on to a cross from Natalie Bell and fired into the net, only to be flagged off-side.

As the second half progressed, much of the action took place around the Burnley goal as Blackburn pressed.

Burnley keeper Taylor Gregson intercepted a number of dangerous crosses, while Jo Holt, Becca Sidley and Mollie Farrell repelled the onslaught and clinched the three points.

The lady Clarets’ fourth-place finish in the North West Women’s Regional Premier League represents their best performance for seven years – having also inflicted champions Blackpool Wren Rovers’ only two defeats.

With many of the junior sides now having finished their seasons, it was a weekend to forget for the sides that did have games. The Under 11s and Under 16s both suffered heavy defeats, to Blackpool and Stockport County Ladies respectively, while the Under 14s put in a great performance, but were unlucky to concede two headed goals, to lose 2-0 against Preston.