Crewe Welcomed a strong and determined Burnley side to the Cumberland arena in what proved to be a scrappy game. Burnley started off by far the better side and took advantage of a very sluggish looking Crewe team. Burnley made their strong start and territorial advantage count when their midfield pressed high up the pitch and won possession before some neat quick interchange of passing resulted in Centre back Jo Power giving away a free kick 25 yards out when she was adjudged to have handle the ball. Burnley took full advantage of this set piece when they smashed home a brilliant strike into the top corner leaving goalkeeper Ellie Fox with no chance. Burnley's impressive work rate in midfield continued to press and harass Crewe effectively disrupting their fluent passing game. Chances were at a premium in the first half with both goal keepers seeing limited action. Shell Saunders should of done better when Megan Booth found her with a pass at the edge of the box but she snatched at her chance and smashed the ball wide when she had to opportunity to drive into the box and commit the goalkeeper. Amanda Fallon was next to waste a golden chance to equalise when she was put clean through by Leanne Derry but again she lacked the composure needed to finished and blazed a shot wide. Crewe's finest moment in the first half came when Shell Saunders floated a diagonal ball over to the far post where an on coming Claire 0' Reilly met the ball with a flying volley which crashed off the bar.
Crewe started off the second half the brighter team and now looked they had the passion and desire to get something out of the game. They continued to take the game to Burnley Looking for an equaliser and should have got it when Megan Booth was put through one on one with the goalkeeper but she shot tamely at the goalkeeper when she should of scored. Shell Saunders was next to miss when Claire o Reilly pulled the ball back to the edge of the 6 yard box after a great run only for Saunders to hit her shot over the bar when it looked easier to score. Crewe Looked weal in attack and failed to make the ball stick up front but their defence was outstanding in denying Burnley any clear cut opportunities restricting them to long range efforts off target. Saunders and Fallon failed to provide any spark up front and the latter was substituted with 25 minutes to go after failing to make an impact. Saunders missed another chance when she should of hit the target with a header from a corner. Crewe finally got their equaliser 3 minutes from time when Saunders broke free down the right and left the Burnley goalkeeper stranded when her cross somewhat fortuitously floated in over her head. Crewe had enough chances to win the game but again as in previous season's it was their strikers inability to finish them off that ultimately cost them the points. The return of Beth Ragdale and the return from new forward singing Levi Lander next game should prove to be valuable in time for the next game.