Match Report: Bucks in 4–4 Thriller

Credit: Freddie Bullen

By Freddie Bullen

A breathtaking eight-goal encounter saw Bootle FC Women and Liverpool Feds battle to a 4–4 draw in a match packed with drama, moments of brilliance, and end-to-end football.

Bootle started brightly, showing attacking intent early on. A smart pass from Bootle’s No. 7 found No. 11, who dazzled with skill before delivering a dangerous ball into the box—cleared at the last moment. At the other end, Bootle’s No. 2 put in excellent defensive work to snuff out a promising Feds break.

Liverpool Feds struck first around the 20-minute mark, capitalizing on a sharp counter-attack down the left. A cutback led to an attempted chip just over the bar, but the pressure paid off moments later with a well-worked goal. Bootle responded superbly: a pinpoint corner and a towering header leveled the score at 1–1.

Bootle’s No. 11 continued to shine, threading a beautiful ball through to No. 9, but the Feds keeper was quick off her line. Bootle then regained parity at 2–2 after a deflected shot found the back of the net. Goalkeeper Izzy pulled off a stunning stretched save to keep the game level, while No. 2 was again vital at the back with a last-ditch tackle.

Reagan in goal was called into action again with a fantastic close-range stop as Feds looked to retake the lead. But it was Bootle who struck next—No. 7 curling a stunning effort past the keeper to make it 3–2. Bootle thought they had a fourth, but it was disallowed for a foul in the buildup.

Feds equalised early in the second half, breaking through with a slick one-on-one finish to make it 3–3. Bootle’s No. 2 continued her excellent game, intercepting a dangerous move and helping her team maintain composure.

Bootle restored their lead once more with a well-placed left-footed strike following sharp forward movement—making it 4–3. The game remained wide open as Feds pressed hard, but Bootle’s defense, particularly No. 2 again, held strong with key blocks and challenges.

Feds pulled one back with a curling effort into the far corner, leveling the score at 4–4. Bootle pushed again: No. 11’s dangerous ball across goal narrowly missed a final touch, and Bootle’s No. 10 was through on goal but denied by a superb recovery challenge.

As the game reached its climax, both sides continued to probe. Feds’ final shot from distance went over the bar, while Bootle had one last chance, but the effort flew wide.

An instant classic. Bootle can take pride in a resilient, attacking performance with standout displays from No. 2, No. 7, No. 11, and a pair of outstanding goalkeeping efforts from Izzy and Reagan. A hard-earned point in a match that could have gone either way.