Norway Parks Ladies welcomed Burnley WFC to the Bonteheuwel Sports Complex on 16 August 2025, with the match kicking off at 1:00pm. The encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams showcasing their skills in a competitive league fixture.
Norway Parks Ladies lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, which provided a solid defensive structure while allowing for width in attack. Zara Samsodien took her place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Zara Andrews on the right, Lee-yah Adams and Jamie Evertson in central defence, and Rafiqah Deroos on the left. The midfield was anchored by Lailah Hendricks and Faith Goodchild in central roles, with Zaria Antonels and Zoe Andrews providing width on the right and left flanks, respectively. Up front, Chloe Bloemetje and Kananelo Rakeepile were tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Norway Parks Ladies included Zharne Desember and Riley Sickle, who would be called upon later in the match to make an impact.
The match began with an early scare for Norway Parks Ladies as Zara Samsodien was called into action just ten minutes in, making a remarkable point-blank reaction save to deny Burnley WFC's attacking threat. Her heroics continued shortly after, diving at the feet of an oncoming attacker in the 12th minute, showcasing her agility and composure under pressure.
As the first half progressed, Norway Parks Ladies began to find their rhythm. Zaria Antonels had a promising attempt in the 26th minute, but her shot was saved, reflecting the growing confidence of the home side. The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Lailah Hendricks unleashed a stunning long-range strike, expertly assisted by Kananelo Rakeepile, sending the home crowd into raptures as they took a 1-0 lead.
Zara Samsodien continued to demonstrate her importance to the team, making a routine catch in the 37th minute to maintain her clean sheet as the half drew to a close. The whistle blew for half-time with Norway Parks Ladies leading 1-0, a scoreline that reflected their dominance in the first period.
The second half saw Norway Parks Ladies continue to press for a second goal, with Zaria Antonels once again testing the Burnley goalkeeper in the 65th minute, but her effort was saved. However, the tide turned in the 73rd minute when Burnley WFC equalised with a close-range effort from the right foot of one of their forwards, bringing the score to 1-1 and igniting a renewed sense of urgency in both teams.
In response to the equaliser, Norway Parks Ladies made a substitution, bringing on Zharne Desember for Chloe Bloemetje in the 73rd minute, aiming to regain control of the match. Shortly after, in the 79th minute, Riley Sickle replaced Zaria Antonels, further freshening up the attacking options for the home side.
Despite their best efforts, Norway Parks Ladies were unable to find a winner in the remaining minutes, and the match concluded with both teams sharing the spoils. Jamie Evertson's commanding performance in defence earned her the accolade of Player of the Match, highlighting her pivotal role in keeping the team organised throughout the encounter. The draw leaves both teams with much to ponder as they look ahead to their next fixtures in the league.
