Late Albion penalty tarnishes Bucks hard work

Bootle came straight out the blocks in the game, starting with real intent and purpose about their game. A changed side from Wednesday’s disappointment at Widnes brought the game to Witton, and the lead was almost the Bucks’ after 12 minutes.

A darting run by Ethen Vaughan saw the right-back receive the ball from Arthur Lomax’s cross-field pass, but the touch by Vaughan was a little too heavy. Instead, he opted to go back and play in Ben Hodkinson, whose drilled shot snapped past the post.

The deadlock was broken 5 minutes later as an elegant ball over the top of the Witton defence by Mason Fawns sent Andy Scarisbrick in the clear, who only had one job to do as he raced one-on-one with Harry Wright in-between the sticks, and the midfielder made no mistake as he volleyed the ball past the on-rushed keeper.

A hungry Bootle side wanted more, and Wright was constantly on his toes as more efforts on his abode came.

Scarisbrick warmed his gloves as his effort looked destined for the corner until Wright clawed it behind for a corner.

Ethen Vaughan was next to try his luck as he adjusted his body perfectly to meet a looping ball on the volley, but it never troubled Wright.

One of two new debutants, Ste Milne, almost made his mark on the game after he had got unlucky with several offside decisions, he finally was presented with an opportunity but his shot lacked the required power to greatly test Wright.

HT: Bootle 1-0 Witton Albion

Apart from a Ste Milne attempted lob that was saved comfortably, Witton were the more authoritative side attacking, causing problems.

One ball in behind caused Bootle problems in particular, and it ultimately cost the hosts as a penalty was awarded. Joe Duckworth was sent in the clear and Calen Gallagher-Allison slid in to win the ball, but he ultimately clipped the heels of the Witton attacker and a penalty was awarded.

Duckworth stepped up and Owen Mooney saved the initial penalty, but he couldn’t deny the rebound as he netted Witton’s leveller.

The game settled down then and both sides had chances to steal the win, but they couldn’t find the formula.

FT: Bootle 1-1 Witton Albion