AN Evie Priestley hat-trick handed Burnley FC Women a 3-0 win at Crewe and sealed an emphatic league title on Sunday.

The Clarets saw off the Alex to seal back-to-back promotions and take their place in the Women’s National League Northern Premier Division, the third tier of women’s football, next season.

The first goal of the afternoon came just 10 minutes in.

Leah Embley intercepted in midfield and charged down the right wing before passing to Priestley who was well positioned in front of goal, calmly slotting the ball out of reach of the 'keeper while evading a challenging defender to open the scoring.

The game swung even further in the Clarets' favour with a second goal on 16 minutes.

Embley’s pass to Sarah Greenhalgh on the right wing set her off on a forward run before she shot hard and low from an angle.

Home 'keeper Hannah Holloway dived to save but was unable to hold the ball and Priestley swooped in to double her and her side's tally.

Chances came at both ends towards the end of the first half with Burnley 'keeper Lauren Bracewell in action.

She continued to be needed early in the second period and just before the hour mark, Amanda Fallon broke clear and was adjudged to have been fouled by Bracewell with a penalty awarded and the goalkeeper booked.

She picked herself up though and saved Fallon's spot kick to keep the Clarets' two-goal advantage.

The icing on the cake came on 72 minutes.

A Lizzy Hamer cross into the box saw Priestley evade the offside trap before heading towards goal.

She chased the ball and quickly headed again, in front of the home goalkeeper and into the net.

Crewe battled hard as Burnley had to settle for three but the job was done and the celebrations could begin.

In the dressing room after the game manager Matt Bee and captain Jo Holt congratulated the players for their efforts throughout the season and the personal sacrifices in maintaining training schedules and team commitments.

Burnley take a well-earned break over Easter but return to action against Newcastle United Women FC on Sunday April 28 at Padiham FC’s Ruby Civil Arena. Kick-off is 3pm.