Bootle FC Women Hit Seven in Opening Day Thriller Against Parkland

Credit: Kate Tencza

By Freddie Bullen

Bootle FC Women marked their Liverpool WYFL debut in style with a dramatic 7–4 victory over Parkland Ladies at The Berry Street Garage Stadium. The Bucks produced a blistering first-half display, racing into a commanding lead before holding off a late fightback from the visitors to secure all three points on opening day.

The home side got off to the perfect start when Poppie O’Neil fired Bootle into an early lead. Confidence surged through the team, and it wasn’t long before Lola Dutton doubled the advantage with a composed finish.

Bootle’s dominance continued, as a dangerous cross from the right forced an own goal from a Parkland defender, making it 3–0. Dutton then grabbed her second of the afternoon to put Bootle firmly in control at 4–0. Moments later, Amber Boussemart added a fifth with a clinical strike.

Parkland managed to reduce the deficit before the break, a corner deflecting in off a Bootle defender, but the Bucks went in at half-time with a commanding 5–1 lead.

The second half began much like the first, with Bootle on the front foot. Alicia Bernard made it six just six minutes after the restart, racing clear and finishing neatly at the near post. Soon after, Dutton completed her hat-trick in style with a brilliant strike, stretching the scoreline to 7–1.

Parkland refused to give in, however, and mounted a spirited response. Three well-taken goals in quick succession gave the visitors hope at 7–4, but Bootle’s first-half dominance and attacking flair had already done enough damage to seal a memorable victory.

The final whistle confirmed a 7–4 win for Bootle FC Women — a statement result in their first Liverpool WYFL outing and a performance that showcased both their attacking quality and their determination.