Burnley Women’s maiden WSL 2 game ended in a 0-0 stalemate against fellow promoted side Watford at Vicarage Road.
The Clarets entered the division for the first time after winning the FA Women’s National League North last season, while Watford returned to the second tier as champions of the Southern Premier Division.
Both sides enjoyed good chances, but neither was able to find the breakthrough as the points were shared.
Burnley captain Christie Harrison-Murray nearly made the dream start to her Clarets debut. After receiving the ball just outside the area, her looping effort was comfortably caught by Safia Middleton-Patel.
The Clarets continued to create chances in an even contest. Claudia Mummery-Walker attempted a cheeky dink over Middleton-Patel, but the Welsh international produced another comfortable catch.
A quieter period followed, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Burnley bravely put bodies on the line to defend their box before goalkeeper Kirstie Levell produced an excellent save just before half-time to keep the scores level.
Despite the lack of chances, Burnley looked the stronger side overall in the first half. Their best opportunity before the break came when Jamie Finn headed over from a promising corner.
Almost immediately after the restart, Watford saw a floating effort travel across the Burnley penalty area following a defensive error from substitute Niaomi Hartley.
Middleton-Patel was then called into action and produced a superb double save, first denying Harrison-Murray before keeping out Emma Siddall’s follow-up to prevent Burnley from taking the lead.
Levell was the busier goalkeeper during the second half as the hosts came out after the break enjoying the better chances in front of goal, but Watford were unable to find the difference.
Burnley therefore began their first WSL 2 campaign with a point on the road.
Next up for the Clarets is a return to Turf Moor to face Sunderland, while Watford travel to face Nottingham Forest.