Norwich City’s Vitality Women's FA Cup journey came to end on Sunday, January 8, after defeat away to Burnley in the third round.
Burnley got off to a brighter start, testing the hands and feet of Bryony Williams early on as Norwich eased into the game.
The barrage continued in the minutes that followed as the Clarets ultimately took the lead on 13 minutes. Lizzie Hamer teed up Millie Ravening with a lovely back-heel, with the latter curling a thunderous effort into the top-right corner.
Though Williams continued to be tested, the Canaries began to fight back. Kathryn Stanley got Norwich on the board with a sighter towards goal on the 20-minute mark that flew just wide.
No more than five minutes later, Megan Todd found herself bearing down on goal, sliding her effort under the Burnley 'keeper but having to watch agonisingly as it brushed the post.
Approaching the interval, both sides exchanged blows and tested the palms of one another’s shot-stoppers, with Freya Symonds coming closest with the last kick of the first half.
The second half saw the pendulum of momentum swing all the way in favour of the visitors as Norwich enjoyed much more possession, to the surprise of Burnley.
The woodwork spared Williams after Sarah Greenhalgh’s effort took a wicked deflection early in the second half.
Ellie Smith had a close-range effort blocked moments before Symonds struck an outrageous effort from distance that bruised the underside of the Burnley crossbar on the hour mark.
An array of Burnley chances ensured Williams stayed busy throughout the second half, but Norwich remained on top.
After striking the right post and crossbar, it was the left post of Burnley that would deny a Todd half-volley with 10 minutes left to play to the anguish of all in yellow and green.
This misfortune encapsulated Norwich’s fortunes throughout the day, which ultimately saw the Canaries exit the Vitality Women's FA Cup.
Norwich will return to action on Sunday, January 22, when they host Wimbledon at The Nest.
Norwich City: B Williams, Larkins (C), Flye, Johnston, Parker, Knights, Russell (Morran 61), Smith, Todd, Symonds (Cook 75), Stanley (H Williams 81).
Subs not used: Ward, George, Harper.
Burnley: Farrell, Molinari (York 67), Taylor, Walsh, Cooper, O Greenhalgh (Brown 60), Hamer, Ravening (C), Embley (Coleman-Evans 60), Priestley, S Greenhalgh (May 60).
Subs not used: Bracewell, Wilson, Newton, Boydell, Kinzett.
Goals: Ravening (13)
HT: 1-0
FT: 1-0