Match Preview: Bootle FC Women vs Clay Brow Ladies

By Freddie Bullen

Photos: Kate Tencza

Bootle FC Women return to action this evening at the Berry Street Garage Stadium after an extended break from league football. The Bucks welcome familiar opponents Clay Brow Ladies, who make their second visit of the season. With a postponed fixture against Hesketh Colts disrupting momentum, Bootle will be eager to get back on track and start picking up valuable points as the Liverpool WYFL season enters a crucial and congested period.

The last time Bootle were in action was exactly a month ago, when they secured an impressive 5-3 victory over Sefton Park Rangers in the LWYFL Open Age Cup. After a strong start and a number of early chances, the breakthrough eventually came through Poppie O’Neill, who went on to complete a hat-trick. Caitlyn Rogers also played a key role, contributing a goal and an assist as the duo combined effectively throughout. It was a performance full of attacking quality and resilience, with the Bucks controlling large spells of an entertaining contest.

Clay Brow Ladies arrive looking to build momentum following a mixed run of results. Heavy defeats to Vauxhall Motors and West Kirby United highlight some defensive struggles, but a 3-2 cup win over Wirral Phoenix showed their attacking capabilities. Despite inconsistency, they remain a dangerous side capable of causing problems on their day.

This evening’s fixture marks the third meeting between the two sides this season. The first encounter came back in September at JMO Sports Park, where Clay Brow ran out 3-1 winners. After a quiet first half, Bethany Bowyer opened the scoring early in the second period before Ashley Taylor added a second. Bootle responded through Alicia Bernard from the penalty spot after Abbi Fowler was fouled, but a late goal from Morgan Fairhurst sealed the points for the hosts.

The sides met again five months later in the LWYFL Open Age Cup at Vesty Road, where Bootle gained their revenge with an emphatic 4-1 victory. Despite falling behind early on, the Bucks responded in style, with Abbi Fowler getting on the scoresheet and Poppie O’Neill netting a hat-trick to secure a dominant win and a strong start to their cup campaign.