BURNLEY FC Women will return to action next month after the FA Cup was given the go-ahead.

While the league programme has been scrapped due to Covid-19, the cup will resume with the Clarets drawn at home to AFC Fylde Women in the second round.

The women’s team – which was recently integrated into Burnley Football Club with the long-term aim of becoming a professional side – hasn’t played this year due to lockdown and coronavirus restrictions.

Matt Bee’s side played only seven games in the National League Northern Premier Division before the league season was curtailed.

But Bee is now looking forward to returning to action when they host AFC Fylde at Padiham FC’s Arbories Memorial Sports Ground on Sunday, April 4.

The winners will have a home tie against Sunderland AFC Ladies or Sheffield FC Women the following week with the incentive a last-32 tie against Women’s Super League side Manchester United.

Bee said: “We’ve had some successful runs in the competition previously and in what has been a strange season it would be nice to focus on trying to achieve another one.

“It will obviously be a challenge given the amount of preparation time we will have. However, I’m happy with the work we have put in place to keep the players engaged and sharp during lockdown.”

“Ultimately, we have to attack the game in the same way that I always expect from the players and show the correct mentality.”