WOMEN’S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V AFC FYLDE

Three league points up for grabs

Burnley Women could regain 2nd place in the Northern Premier Division of the Women’s National League with a victory over AFC Fylde on Wednesday evening.

The Clarets are unbeaten in their last four outings and have won back-to-back games, including a 4-0 victory over Stourbridge Women on Sunday afternoon.

Laura Elford scored two headers at the War Memorial Ground before substitutes Leah Embley and Millie Ravening both had the desired impact, finding the back of the net to secure all three points.

2nd-placed Nottingham Forest drew their all-Midlands clash with Derby County at the weekend and have 38 points from 17 matches.

The Clarets are two points behind them and this Fylde fixture is a game in hand, with it having been postponed because of the weather back in February.

Rebecca Sawiuk’s team have faced the Coasters twice this season – once in the league and the other in the Lancashire FA Senior Cup.

Both have ended in comprehensive scorelines, with the Clarets winning 3-0 at Fylde in the reverse league fixture courtesy of Embley and an Aimee Kelly brace.

Burnley were then 6-0 victors in the Lancashire FA Senior Cup in January. Brenna McPartlan struck twice, with Dom Cooper, Amaya, Elford and Evie Priestley also finding the target.

AFC Fylde are bottom of the league as it stands, taking three points from 17 matches.

Led by joint managers Jake Williams and Steve Mainwaring, the Coasters suffered defeat in agonising circumstances in their last outing against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.

After heading into second-half stoppage time goalless, Baggies midfielder Phoebe Warner crossed for Jess Reavill to head in a late winner.

Kick-off at the Lancashire FA County Ground (PR25 2LF) is 7:45pm on Wednesday 3rd April, and supporters can purchase tickets at the venue on the day.

Burnley season ticket holders can gain free entry, with other tickets priced at £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.

If you can’t make it to the ground, the game will be streamed live on TikTok @BurnleyOfficial.

Live updates can also be found on X @BurnleyFCWomen, with a match report to follow on www.burnleyfootballclub.com.