Bootle back on track with opening day victory

On a bright sunny day at Vesty Road, the game didn’t live up to the billing in the opening ten minutes, with the only worthwhile opportunity came when Owen Mooney was sprung into action to comfortably deny Daniel Edwards’ free-kick for the visitors.

Bootle injected impetus into their game and began to test James McClenaghan in-between the sticks, with efforts from Adam Buxton and Tom Peterson keeping the Castle keeper alert.

On his return to Bootle, Ben Hodkinson looked lively throughout the contest, with his darting runs and many efforts on goal keeping the Castle defence wary of the tricky winger.

The first goal finally arrived in the game and it went the way of the hosts, as a curling corner was met by the head of James Cooper who diverted his nod goal wards into the corner, leaving James McClenaghan hapless watching the ball crash against the net.

To much controversy, Newcastle Town paved their way back into the game and restored parity deep into added time after a header sent forward was hooked away from danger but the officials adjudged the ball to have crossed the line, much to the joy of the Castle faithful and leaving the Bucks contingent incandescent.

HT: Bootle 1-1 Newcastle Town

The second-half was tight-knit with both sides looking to stamp their authority on it, but Bootle’s attacks looked like it was going to cause the most damage.

The second goal looked imminent for the hosts and it finally arrived with fifteen minutes to go, causing bedlam at Vesty Road.

A dangerous through-ball evaded seas of bodies in the area until it reached Ben Hodkinson, who took his time and caressed his left-foot effort into the top corner, giving the Bootle the lead.

This gave the hosts with something to hang onto, and they were forced to weather the storm as the physical unit of Newcastle Town used their weapons of balls into the area to their advantage, as many times they won duals and sent efforts on goal, but a resolute Bootle defence showed no signs of letting their lead slip.

The full-time whistle sounded like heaven for Bootle, as for the first time in many season, the Bucks were victorious on the opening day of the campaign and they finally broke their duck against the Stoke-outfit recording their first win at home against them.

FT: Bootle 2-1 Newcastle Town