By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Burnley Women Burnley vs Middlesbrough
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Lawley debut double spurs Burnley Women to big win
Burnley Women put on a five-star performance on the opening day of the Women’s National League North.
Matt Beard’s side crushed Middlesbrough 5-0 at The County Ground, Leyland, with Claudia Walker – now in her second season at Burnley- opening the scoring after eight minutes.
Mel Lawley added the second on her competitive debut following her summer loan move from Everton, and the home side were in complete control by the break when Millie Ravening added the third in added time.
READ MORE: Women’s football in the North West – Step 3
Lawley continued to make a good impression in the second half, adding her second on 51 minutes, and there was even time for substitute Thea Paul to score a fifth in the final minute.
It’s a strong start for the Lancashire ladies under new management, with the newly-promoted visitors getting a first taste of Step 3 football since relegation in the ’21-22 season.
A dream debut for Mel Lawley as she bagged a brace ✨
— Burnley FC Women (@BurnleyFCWomen) August 17, 2025
Tough start for Liverpool Feds
As good as Burnley’s opening day was, it was a chastening affair for Liverpool Feds who were beaten 4-0 by last season’s runners up Wolves Women.
Feds conceded twice in the opening ten minutes, leaving them with an uphill battle as the game progressed – with Amber Hughes and Louanne Worsey on the scoresheet.
Beth Merrick added a third in first half added time, and Amy Sims rounded out the victory with a debut goal on 65 minutes.
Wolves won both games between the sides last season, with Leanne Duffy’s side yet to beat them since they were promoted to Step 3 in 2022.
Women’s National League North results
- Burnley 5-0 Middlesbrough
- Hull City 1-0 Halifax
- Liverpool Feds 0-4 Wolves Women
- Loughborough Lightning 1-1 West Bromwich Albion
- Rugby Borough 6-0 Derby County
- Stoke City 3-1 Sporting Khalsa
Upcoming fixtures
Both sides are in WNL Cup action this midweek, with Feds travelling to Step 4 Stockport County on Wednesday, while Burnley face a shorter trip to Lancashire rivals Chorley a day later.
Feds will look to get their domestic campaign kickstarted in Sunday’s trip to Sporting Khalsa, and there’s an early clash between two of the opening day’s big winners, Wolves and Burnley.
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