BURNLEY FC Women slipped to just their second league defeat of the season as they went down 1-0 against fellow promotion chasers Derby County LFC.

Hannah Keryakoplis’ 16th minute strike was enough to seal victory as County jumped above the Clarets in to third place on goal difference.

Derby were quick out of the blocks and Lauren Bracewell was called in to action to palm Ellie Gilliatt’s effort over the bar with Keryakoplis heading just wide from the resulting corner.

Burnley had a couple of half chances early on but it was Derby who took the lead when Keryakoplis raced on to a long pass and lifted the ball over the advancing Bracewell.

The half ended with both sides wasting good chances, Keryakoplis firing over the Clarets goal when well placed while Greenhalgh headed a Worthington free kick over the bar.

After the restart, the Derby keeper Hannah Baines spilled a shot from Kelly Halligan but recovered to block Prescott’s follow-up. At the other end, Bracewell tipped over a shot from Gilliatt - the same player firing narrowly wide soon after.

Greenhalgh was proving to be Clarets' main threat but her attempted chip, following an interception, was just too heavy as it cleared the crossbar.

Greenhalgh then saw her well-struck effort saved by Baines and Halligan shot over from inside the area as the Clarets went in search of an equaliser.

Sarah Agger offered late hope of a leveller when she cut through on goal, but her shot was wide, and the last chance went to the home team as they broke through but again came up against Bracewell who slid out to collect the threat.

For the next two weeks, Burnley FC Women put their league campaign on hold and are in cup action. On Sunday, the Clarets face Chorley FC Women in the Lancashire FA Women’s Challenge Cup semi-final (2pm ko).

Then on Sunday, January 26 they welcome women’s Championship side Leicester City Women for the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup - the furthest stage the Clarets have ever reached in the competition (1pm ko).

Both games take place at Padiham FC’s Ruby Civil Arena, 16 Well Street, Padiham.

Entrance is £3 for adults and £1 for under 16s.