Bootle Women Suffer First Defeat to Clay Brow in Bitter Conditions

By Freddie Bullen

It was a wet, windy, and cold afternoon in Skelmersdale as Bootle FC Women travelled to face Clay Brow, but despite a promising start, the Bucks fell to a disappointing 3–1 defeat.

Bootle started brightly, creating several early chances. Alicia Bernard came closest in the opening stages, firing just over the bar from the edge of the box. At the other end, goalkeeper Darcy Beckett was in fine form, pulling off a number of strong saves to deny Clay Brow. Both sides had opportunities, but the first half ended goalless.

Half-Time: Clay Brow 0–0 Bootle FC Women

The second half began in frustrating fashion for Bootle. A ball delivered from the right wasn’t properly cleared, allowing Clay Brow to slot home into the bottom corner for the opener. Moments later, a lapse in defence saw the hosts double their advantage, as a Clay Brow attacker rounded Beckett and finished into an empty net to make it 2–0.

Bootle fought back and were handed a lifeline with 15 minutes to play when Abbi Fowler was fowled in the box. Bernard made no mistake from the spot, calmly placing her penalty into the back of the net to reduce the deficit.

The Bucks pushed hard for an equaliser with chances falling to Poppie O’Neil, Fowler, and Bernard, but none could convert. Clay Brow then punished Bootle late on, scoring at the far post to put the game beyond reach.

It was a frustrating result for Bootle, who showed flashes of quality but will be disappointed by defensive lapses that ultimately cost them the game.

Full-Time: Clay Brow 3–1 Bootle FC Women