Derby County Women were beaten 2-0 by Burnley Women in a game of few chances at the Lancashire County Ground on Sunday.
High-flying Burnley showed their quality and strength at the back in the game as they scored one goal in both halves of the game to claim all three points in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division.
Head Coach Sam Griffiths was still without the injured Megan Tinsley, Becky May, Becky Hogg, Chene Muir and Kate Oakley, but did welcome Charlotte Steggles, Lara Miller and Emelia Wilson back into the fold.
The Clarets started the game off with a chance from a corner as Emma Siddall crossed in for captain Jade Richards, who headed wide of the post.
Burnley were causing chaos from set-pieces and they took the lead through one as in the 22nd minute a free-kick from Tilly Wilkes found Brenna McPartian, who was unmarked in the box and lobbed goalkeeper Lucy Jones with an effort off the shoulder.
Derby were almost gifted a goal through a bit of miscommunication from the home side as goalkeeper Kirstie Levell’s clearance bounced off Siddall and fizzed wide of the post.
The Ewes almost scored a wonder goal as Daisy Burt’s audacious effort from long-range effort went just over the bar.
Burnley continued to dominate the chances as Wilkes' looped cross was met up by Laura Elford to head wide at the back post.
The Clarets doubled their lead on the 62nd minute as a long ball made its way to Reanna Blades who laid it off for Amelia Hazard just inside the box who swept the ball into the bottom-left corner.
Derby continued to battle for a goal to get back into the contest, but the resolute Burnley defence limited the Ewes to a few half chances which never really troubled the home goalkeeper.
Claudia Walker almost created a third goal for the home side as she turned excellently in the box and flashed a cross across the face of goal, but no one was there to meet it.
Derby will look to get their first win in six outings in all competitions when they stage the first East Midlands Derby of the season against Nottingham Forest at the Don Amott Arena on Sunday 13th October (2pm kick-off).
Derby County Women: Jones (GK), Jenkins, Burt, Jackson, McGowan (Skeldon 85), Rai (Cotton 67), Dalton (Meadows 85), Joyce (C), Steggles, Hilliard (Ward 80), Miller (Wilson 30).
Substitute Not Used: Morgan (GK).
Words: James Haley.
