Hodkinson seals narrow Bucks win

Over the past few games, Bootle’s performances have been satisfactory but the results haven’t been there for them, but after how assertive the Bucks were in the opening stages, it looked like a result was only going one way.

Ally Brown’s snapshot which drifted marginally over the bar was Trafford’s only real threat on the Bootle goal in the first half, as the visitors began a period of dominance.

McNabb’s men were impressive in possession and dangerous going forward, which forced the home side firmly on the back foot and having to weather the storm.

Ste Milne’s first Bootle goal almost arrived as he got on the end of Ben Hodkinson’s low ball into the area, but the sliding Milne narrowly diverted the ball over the bar.

After almost turning provider for Ste Milne’s effort, Ben Hodkinson was able to find the back of the net with his first effort on goal, handing Bootle the lead.

Hodkinson received the ball on the right before shifting the ball onto his stronger left foot from the edge of the area and he found an ounce of space near Brad Rose’s near post, and he was able to squeeze his effort in and give Bootle the breakthrough.

The Bucks showed no sign of slowing down as a second was netted, but ultimately ruled out for offside.

Mason Fawns rattled the inside of the post with his curled effort and Hodkinson was quickest to react as he stuck home the rebound, but the Bootle winger was adjudged to be in an offside position when he netted the second.

One more significant Bootle chance was allowed to come before the interval, and Hodkinson was next to crash an effort off the woodwork for the visitors.

HT: Trafford 0-1 Bootle

Bootle had a lead to defend and they allowed the hosts back into the game as they began to lay siege on Owen Mooney’s abode.

A ball broke out wide for Trafford and a ball into the area evaded many lurking into the area, it came out to Demitrius Rhami who couldn’t adjust his body right as he blasted the ball well over the top.

Another weapon the home side used was set pieces and with a quarter of an hour remaining, Harry Norris’ header from an in-swinging corner almost flew it, but it eventually drifted over.

FT: Trafford 0-1 Bootle