Match Preview: Bootle FC Women vs Hesketh Colts

By Freddie Bullen

Photos: Emily Murphy

the Bucks return to the Berry Street Garage Stadium, aiming to extend their unbeaten run to five games as they take on Hesketh Colts.

Bootle come into this one fresh from a thrilling 4–3 away win at Skelmersdale Town last time out. Tayla Castley’s quickfire double put the Bucks in control early, but Skelmersdale fought back to level at 2–2 by the break. The hosts then edged ahead 3–2 before a dramatic turning point, a red card for handball on the line gave Bootle a lifeline, and Abi Barrow coolly converted the penalty to make it 3–3. Deep into stoppage time, Poppie O’Neill fired a low finish across the box and into the net to seal a sensational 4–3 victory.

Today’s visitors Hesketh Colts are still searching for their first league win of the season after three consecutive defeats. They were beaten 5–3 at home by Skelmersdale last time out, despite a brace from Jessica Hassall and an early goal from Jane Quinn. A tough second half proved costly for the Colts, who will be eager to turn their fortunes around on the road.

Head-to-head, this fixture has a habit of delivering drama. The sides shared a 2–2 league draw last November, before Bootle edged a cup tie 5–3 on penalties after another 1–1 stalemate. Hesketh did claim bragging rights in the most recent meeting, running out 3–1 winners at Carr Lane Recreation Centre back in May, so the Bucks will be determined to set the record straight in front of their home crowd today.