After chances from both sides early on in the game, it would be the hosts Bootle who took the lead with what was a dream start of a debut for Charlie Holland as his header beat Clitheroe goalkeeper Chris Thompson. Unfortunately, Holland’s bright start to life at Bootle and Bootle’s good start in general was quickly interrupted as Clitheroe equalised with a finish from Max Cane after a ball from a scrappy corner found his feet, levelling the game before half time.

The first chance of the second half fell to Bootle, but Jack McGowan’s shot fell wide. As the game went on Clitheroe grew stronger and eventually their efforts would pay off as a tremendous 25 yard strike flew past goalkeeper Theo Roberts putting the visitors 2-1 up. Bootle tried to level the tie but Clitheroe had their foot on the game since their second goal and the game finished 2-1 in what would be Clitheroe’s second win over Bootle that season, completing the double over The Bucks.

11 October 2023
Bootle 0 Clitheroe 4

Bootle had a good start to the game with two chances on goal with shots from Ben Hodkinson, but Bootle’s bright start to the game would be met with a goal from Max Cane burying his chance after receiving a cross from Jamie Edwards, putting the visitors 1-0 up. Bootle responded with yet another chance from Ben Hodkinson but his shot on the ball met the side netting and a Tom Peterson volley found the roof of the net. Clitheroe went onto double their lead as Jamie Edwards found the net putting the ball past Sam Ashton, gaining a goal aswell as an assist in the first half.