Match Preview: Atherton Collieries (H)

By Freddie Bullen

It’s another Tuesday night under the lights at The Berry Street Garage Stadium as The Bucks welcome Atherton Collieries in what promises to be an exciting Northern Premier League West Division clash. This will be Bootle’s fourth consecutive Tuesday night fixture, and they’ll be looking to build on last week’s positive result as they continue to find consistency in their league campaign.

Bootle FC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1–0 victory away at ten-man Vauxhall Motors, climbing to sixth in the league. After a scrappy opening at The VanEupen Arena, the Bucks created several chances through Jack Lenehan, whose free kicks and corners consistently troubled the hosts, only to be denied by goalkeeper Reece Trueman. In the second half, new signing Scott Moloney made a crucial save to keep Bootle level before the match turned when Vauxhall’s Michael Grogan was sent off for a last-man foul. Bootle made their advantage count, with Lenehan’s pinpoint corner finding Sam Hughes, who rose highest to nod home the decisive goal. The Bucks held firm through five minutes of stoppage time to secure their first win in five matches and will now look to build momentum when they host Atherton Collieries at the Berry Street Garage Stadium tonight.

The visitors, Atherton Collieries, arrive in impressive form with three wins from their last five matches. Their most recent outing came just over a week ago, when they hosted a strong Nantwich Town side. Despite sustained second-half pressure from the visitors, The Colls held firm to keep a clean sheet and secure a 2–0 victory, a result that lifted them to the top of the Northern Premier League West Division.

Both sides will be eager to carry their momentum forward, with The Bucks aiming to make home advantage count and The Colls looking to maintain their place at the summit.

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