Match Report: Bootle FC 0-1 Northwich Victoria

By Ben Shaw

Credit: Paul Moran

The Bucks crash out of the Emirates FA Cup at the Preliminary Round stage after falling short against Northwich Victoria in the replay of Sunday's 4-4 draw.

The opening encounters of the game were fairly level with both teams came close to breaking the deadlock within the first 10 minutes, as Jay Roberts let an effort go on the edge of the penalty area only to be deflected narrowly over the bar. 4 minutes later, Northwich Vics had an early opportunity of their own, Matt Lawson firing an effort just wide of the post. Northwich Victoria's right back Lawson was a constant threat during the opening stages, and after battling an early spell of pressure Bootle couldn't stop Matt Lawson from wrapping an effort into the far corner to break the deadlock and put the travelling Vics fans into jubilant celebrations. One player which stood out more than most for The Bucks was Ryan Beigan, who shortly after the opening goal, was able to wriggle himself through multiple defenders and take a shot from a tight angle which forced Andre Mendes into action for the first time in the match.

Joe Mason was equally tested in the first half, having to make an important save in the 21st minute to keep the scoreline at 0-1. Beigan once again shone in the first half as another adventurous run left him with space on the edge of the box to let one fly and demand Mendes to get down low into the corner to prevent the equaliser.

The Bucks responded well to going a goal down, and the chances kept on flowing once a ball delivered into the box found Declan Daniels on the stretch but couldn't steer it on target in his first start of the season before Matty Fenton had a speculative effort from 35 yards out which dipped below the bar but Mendes was able to tip it over.

After a decent spell of chances and momentum for The Bucks, Northwich Victoria hit back with two huge changes of their own which were both kept out by Joe Mason. Off the back of becoming Bootle FC's all-time leading goalscorer, Ben Hodkinson hoped to add to his impressive tally but a trademark curling effort whisked past the post before attempting a shot from a speculatively tight angle 2 minutes later but neither found their way into the net. Just before the half-time whistle, Hodkinson had his third chance after being played through on goal but his shot was scuffed at the pivotal moment. The second half carried a similar feeling to the first, Bootle having large portions of possession yet vulnerable to quick counter attacks when Northwich Vics were able to pounce on a loose ball. Sam Hughes and Charlie Forwood both got themselves into scoring opportunities but Andre Mendes was equal to both and kept Bootle chasing a goal which would keep the tie alive.

The biggest chance of the second half and the match as a whole fell to Ben Hodkinson, after Saul Fox-Akande got himself into a goalscoring postion but opted for the pass to Hodkinson who dragged his shot wide from a few yards out.

It was 90 minutes stacked with nearly moments for The Bucks, and when Hodkinson hit the post with seconds remaining it was a clear showing that this match was not to be for Bootle in front of goal. The full-time whistle blew shortly after which ultimately knocked Bootle FC out of the Emirates FA Cup.