Match Preview: Hesketh Colts vs Bootle FC Women

By Freddie Bullen

Photos: Kate Tencza

This evening, Bootle FC Women make the trip to Carr Lane Recreation Ground for their final league fixture of the season, with a place in the playoffs firmly within reach. Just a single point would be enough to secure a playoff spot in the club’s debut season, a remarkable achievement for a side that has overcome plenty of challenges throughout the campaign.

The Bucks head into tonight’s encounter looking to respond positively following last Sunday’s home defeat to Vulcan. Bootle endured a difficult opening period, falling two goals behind inside the first ten minutes before Vulcan added a third before the break. Despite the setback, the second-half performance showed plenty of character and determination. A disallowed effort from Tayla Castley and a second-half goal gave Bootle renewed belief, while Abbi Fowler was denied in a one-on-one chance by an excellent save from the Vulcan goalkeeper. Although Vulcan added a late fourth, the improvements shown after half-time will provide encouragement heading into tonight’s decisive clash.

The hosts, Hesketh Colts have experienced a difficult season and currently sit bottom of the table on nine points heading into the final day. However, recent performances suggest they remain a dangerous side capable of causing problems. Their most recent outing saw them record an emphatic 5-0 victory away to St Helens Rovers, beginning with Macy Rimmer scoring almost directly from kick-off inside the opening minute. Jessica Hassall doubled the lead in the 21st minute before Tegan Rothlisberger and Evie Meredith added further goals in a dominant first-half display. Hassall later grabbed her second of the game in the 73rd minute to complete an impressive afternoon for the Colts.

Tonight’s fixture will be the third meeting between the two sides this season. The first encounter came in November at The Berry Street Garage Stadium, where the points were shared in an entertaining 2-2 draw. More recently, the two teams met in the LWYFL Open Age Cup just 24 days ago, with Bootle producing one of their strongest performances of the campaign. Caitlyn Rogers opened the scoring with a composed first-half finish, while The Bucks continued to create chances through Rogers, Tayla Castley and Alice Whorton. Goalkeeper Darcey Beckett also played a crucial role, producing an excellent save to deny Hesketh from a second-half corner. Although Hesketh found a late equaliser to force penalties, Bootle held their nerve in the shootout to secure a 5-3 victory.

With the playoffs now within touching distance, tonight represents a huge opportunity for Bootle FC Women to cap off an impressive debut league campaign in style.