Maghull FC Ladies vs Bootle FC Women Match Preview

By Freddie Bullen

Photos: Bob Shaw

Bootle FC Women return to pre-season action this afternoon as Alex Garbe’s side make the short trip to Volair Kirkby to face a strong Maghull FC Ladies outfit.

The Bucks will be looking to put in an improved performance and avenge last season’s heavy defeat when the two sides meet again.

It has been a challenging pre-season so far for Bootle, with a number of fixtures having to be rearranged at short notice following opposition withdrawals. Last Sunday’s scheduled meeting with St Helens was postponed after the hosts pulled out, while the Bucks also faced a tough test against a strong Chester side two weeks ago.

The fixture against Maghull will provide another valuable opportunity for Garbe’s squad to continue building fitness, confidence and cohesion ahead of the new campaign.

The two sides met at this stage of pre-season last year, with Maghull claiming a 5–0 victory. Despite the scoreline, there were encouraging signs for Bootle, particularly in goal, where Izzy Cartwright and now-former goalkeeper Rhegan Hough both produced impressive displays to keep the Bucks in the contest.

Bootle also showed plenty of attacking intent throughout the afternoon and will be hoping to carry those positives into today’s meeting, while producing a stronger all-round performance against a Maghull side they know will provide another stern test.

Kick-off at Volair Kirkby is this afternoon, with the Bucks looking to continue their preparations with a positive pre-season performance.