BURNLEY FC Girls and Ladies Under-16s squad could not match the success of the Clarets juniors' League Cup glory as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Preston North End at the Victoria Ground, Burscough.

The Under-16s squad have enjoyed a fine season, but they fell at the final hurdle to a strong North End team.

Julie Edwards, secretary of the West Lancashire Girls' Football League, praised the efforts of all the teams who took part.

She said: “When the league started in 2002 we had four teams, now we have 100 teams playing and that’s testament to the growing popularity of girls and ladies football.

“We have seen many graduate further, winning scholarships to America while many are attached to professional football clubs, like the Burnley teams, and some are in the county team.

“It is a great success and the girls should be very proud of all their efforts.”