Match Preview: Hesketh Colts Women vs Bootle FC Women

By Freddie Bullen

Bootle FC Women return to cup action this Sunday as they travel to Marshside to face league rivals Hesketh Colts Women, looking to build on an impressive start to 2026 and strengthen their position in the LWYL Open Age Cup group stage.

The Bucks kicked off the new year in perfect fashion last weekend, recording a convincing 4–1 victory at home against a strong Clay Brow side. Despite falling behind early following a defensive error, Bootle showed great character to turn the game around and take full control of the contest.

Abbi Fowler drew the hosts level with a composed finish before Poppie O’Neil struck either side of half-time to put Bootle firmly in the driving seat. Goalkeeper Izzy Cartwright made amends for the opening goal with an outstanding penalty save, while Millie Davies rounded off a dominant team performance with a stunning long-range effort to secure all three points.

Sunday’s hosts, Hesketh Colts, are yet to complete a full 90 minutes of football in 2026. Their opening fixture of the year — also in the LWYL Open Age Cup — ended in a home walkover against Wirral Phoenix. The Southport-based side have endured a challenging start to their league campaign and currently sit second from bottom in the LWYFL Division Two standings, but they will be hoping a cup run can provide renewed momentum.

The Colts will be a familiar opponent for Bootle, with the sides having met just 48 days ago at The Berry Street Garage Stadium. That league encounter ended in a 2–2 draw on Vesty Road in what was considered a disappointing performance from the Bucks against a struggling Hesketh side.

Hesketh took the lead early in the second half when a missed free kick allowed Abigail Clark through on goal, with the forward calmly finishing past Cartwright. Bootle responded well, turning the game around through goals from Alice Whorton and Millie Davies. Despite strong defensive resilience, sustained pressure from the visitors eventually told, with Elisabeth Parkinson netting a late equaliser to ensure the points were shared on a cold Sunday afternoon in November.

With confidence high following last weekend’s emphatic victory, Bootle FC Women will be aiming to collect another crucial three points in their cup campaign against a familiar foe and take another step towards qualification from the group stage.