Bucks back to winning ways after hard-fought Avro victory

A recurring theme from the last few weeks is the Bucks starting games second best, and they were almost behind after two minutes.

James Dwyer reacted to a lofted ball in the air quickest, nodding down as his header ventured for the bottom corner until Tony Thompson was able to claw it away on his return to the squad.

The game became a nothing encounter from there, with neither side showing any real attacking purpose although both attacks seemed to be lively.

The hosts, looking to end a torrid run of form at home, which red two league home wins since Boxing Day 2022, took the upper hand midway through the first half.

Jake Burton done excellently to pinch the pockets of an Avro man in the middle of the park and drive forward, laying off Ben Hodkinson who slotted calmly into the corner to end his dry patch in front of goal.

The game settled down again, with only half chances being mustered up, mainly by the hosts.

HT: Bootle 1-0 Avro

A dubious call for a second Bootle goal happened as an effort on goal was spilled by Grant Shenton and grasped before it crossed the line, and despite the many in the ground appealing, the ball had been adjudged to have just stayed in play.

The game died down once more with the lions share of possession coming in the centre of the park, although both sides tested the goalkeeper mildly with half efforts.

The last few minutes became an enthralling encounter, with Bootle missing an effort from a breakaway which forced Shenton into an outstanding diving stop.

Avro had a point in their grasps as a header sent goalwards flew past everyone, including the goalkeeper, and was destined for the back of the net, until a defender on the line for Bootle averted the danger.

FT: Bootle 1-0 Avro