WOMEN’S REPORT: BURNLEY 1 – 3 BIRMINGHAM CITY

Claret women fall to defeat against Blues in a dramatic cup tie

Burnley FC Women’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup journey came to an end in the fourth round at Lancashire FA County Ground on Sunday afternoon, with opponents Birmingham City Women progressing to the next round in a 3-1 win.

Millie Ravening gave the home side hope in added time following 90 minutes of non-stop action, however two additional extra time goals from the visitors brought the tie to a close.

First Half

The Blues started the game on the front foot and were ahead within 20 minutes, as Smith used her impressive speed to weave her way through the pitch and fired the ball into the top corner leaving Kirstie Levell behind.

The Clarets reacted quickly when Amaya utilised the wing leaving Gemma Lawley behind, she sent a ball into the area which Laura Elford made contact with, however the effort landed in the gloves of Lucy Thomas.

Ravening tried her luck as Amaya sent in an excellent corner, the midfielder took a low strike at goal from close range, but Thomas did well to deny.

Birmingham almost doubled their advantage when Moore weaved her way through the pitch, but her effort skimmed over the crossbar.

Second Half

The Clarets had the first chance after the break when Elford passed Cho So-Hyun, found herself in the area and fired at goal but it rebounded off the near post out of play.

Lucy Quinn soon became a threat when she took an accurate low strike from far range, but her effort was denied by Levell as she made a full stretch to push the ball wide.

Ellie Mason got involved as she made a venomous strike from 25 yards out, however again Levell made a fantastic jump punching the ball out of danger.

The Clarets were granted a last-minute penalty as Evie Priestley was brought down by Thomas. Ravening stepped up and took it calmly, sending the ball straight into the top corner.

Extra Time

Moments before the interval Blues’ Choe Yuri squeezed herself into open space within the area, her high effort slammed against the crossbar, but Claudia Walker tapped in the rebound.

Then Jade Moore closed the scoring for the afternoon with seconds on the clock, as she swept in from close-range and found the back of the net.

Burnley FC Women are back in action next Sunday as they face AFC Fylde Women at the Anchor Ground, Darwen (KO 2pm).

Burnley: Levell, McPartlan, Marshall, Embley (Francis-Jones 115′), Hamer, Elford (Priestley 71′), Amaya, Lord-Mears (Reidford 71′), Ravening, Hartley, Wilkes

Unused Subs: Farrell, Paul, Cooper, Kelsh Ridge, Deehan

Birmingham City: Thomas, Mason, Lawley, Finn, Smith, Harrison-Murray, So-Hyun, Devlin, Moore, Yuri, Herron

Subs: Clarke, Harris, L Quinn, Dungate, Agg, Fuso, Quinn, Walker

Goals: Smith 19′, Ravening 90+4′, Walker 102′ , Moore 130′