Foxes returned home after two difficult games on the road. Lowe push back to cover for Matlock who suffered a knock in training and Nicholls moved into the centre forward role after Knight departed.
The home side started off strong with Nicholls and Walters linking up to create chances. Burnley also had multiple opportunities in the opening minutes with Lowe working hard in her new role to break up the attack. Steele stepped up for a free kick just at the edge of the box for Foxes but her strike hit the wall, Walters was immediately onto the rebound but her shot went over the bar. Steele continued to deliver on the set pieces with a whipped in corner that is kept off the line by the Burnley defender. There was shouts for a handball but the referee said no.
Both teams had chances to pull ahead with Mcgrother having Foxes best opportunity which went just wide of the Burnley goal. However not long after this Cooper was able to connect with a Steele corner and convert from close range to take Foxes into the lead before half time.
A re-energised Burnley were quick into action in the second half scoring 5 minutes after the restart when their shot hit the bar and was very unfortunate to rebound off Mayfield’s back. Webb, Sharpe and Steele continued to block out Burnley’s attacks to keep the scores level. However it was not enough as Burnley take the lead as their shot sneaks into the far corner of the Foxes goal and added another to the scoresheet as a strike from distance goes over Mayfield.
Foxes made two substitutions to try and bring some energy back into the game with Miller replacing Cooper and Ritchie coming on for Taft, pushing Mcgrother into a defensive role. Miller immediately made an impact breaking up the midfield and launching some promising Foxes attacks. Burnley continued to try and extend their lead but Webb was able to block their shots.
With only a few minutes remaining of the match temperatures begun to flair as the referee called for a Burnley freekick in a promising area after it appeared the Burnley winger had tripped herself up. Still pushing for a goal Foxes got a freekick on the edge of the box after a foul on Young. The decision resulted in the Burnley keeper being sent to the sidelines for a sin bin after arguing with the referee’s decision. A Burnley midfielder put on the keeper’s jersey and set her wall for the following freekick from Steele. The shot was rebounded out and Lowe’s follow up shot just goes over the bar.
The game finished with Foxes suffering another defeat. The team had promising spells throughout and created numerous opportunities throughout the game. Webb’s strength in defence earnt her Foxes player of the match. Foxes are back on the road next week with a trip to the seaside to face AFC Fylde.