BURNLEY FC Women slipped to their first league defeat of the season against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Precious Hamilton, the Women’s National League Premier Division North top goalscorer, scored the only goal of the game at Padiham’s Arbories Ground.

The Clarets had failed to convert a number of chances in the first half before Forest came out stronger in the second and made good use of a chance when it arose midway through the half.

An energetic start to the game saw Evie Priestley and Lizzy Hamer attacking the Forest goal and a ball played across the goal by Kerry Hope travelled through without interception.

Forest responded and won a corner which was cleared out for another corner, but the Clarets counter attacked through Leanne Prescott and her low cross also passed through the Forest defence where their keeper dived and tipped the ball out to safety.

The Clarets had their best chance from a Priestley interception and quick play through Prescott and Hamer found Levi Rathburn who in front of the keeper did not get enough power in her shot and the effort was saved.

Forest were frustrated in their attacking moves as the Clarets defence held strong forcing them to revert to shooting from distance.

The visitors had their best chance when they got inside the box and Hamilton tried to tee up another striker with a pass to the centre where Emily Wilkinson made a well-timed sliding tackle to see off the threat. Later a shot from outside the box called Bracewell into action to make a diving save.

Late in the half Priestley made her presence known as she weaved through Forest defenders, shooting with only the keeper to beat, but it was just wide.

The second half started with Forest pressing forward with an effort looping over the bar from close range.

The Clarets were by no means penned in but struggled to have real possession in the final third. Forest were confined to half chances however as the Clarets defended well.

It was a half chance that undid the hosts though as Hamilton intercepted a cross with a high stretched foot ahead of Bracewell’s interception and the ball continued into the net to make it 1-0.

In the final 10 minutes the Clarets lifted their game, but it wasn’t enough.

This Sunday, Burnley are in action in the Lancashire FA Women’s Challenge Cup against Blackburn Community LFC at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. Kick-off is 2pm.