Rogers On Target As Bootle Claim Shootout Bonus Point.

By Freddie Bullen

Photos: Kate Tencza

Bootle FC Women earned an extra point in their LWYFL Open Age Cup group stage campaign with a dramatic penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw against Hesketh Colts at The Berry Street Garage Stadium.

The Bucks started brightly and looked dangerous early on, with Caitlyn Rogers testing the Hesketh goalkeeper inside the opening five minutes after being played through on goal. Bootle continued to press, and further chances followed as Tayla Castley saw a close-range effort saved after good attacking play.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute, and it was no surprise that Caitlyn Rogers was at the heart of it. A perfectly weighted through ball released her down the right-hand side, and she kept her composure to slot the ball neatly into the bottom corner, giving Bootle a deserved lead.

Bootle remained on top for much of the first half, with Rogers again going close as she dragged an effort just wide of the far post. The attacking threat continued late into the half, with Abbi Fowler delivering a dangerous ball across goal that narrowly evaded Rogers at the back post.

At the break, the Bucks held a deserved 1-0 advantage.

The second half began with a lengthy stoppage due to injury, disrupting the flow of the game. After play resumed, Bootle continued to create chances, with Alice Whorton striking the side netting as they looked to extend their lead.

Hesketh, however, began to grow into the game and posed a threat from set pieces. Their best chance came from a corner in the 64th minute, where a free header at the back post was superbly denied by goalkeeper Darcey Beckett, who produced an excellent save to preserve Bootle’s lead.

Despite further chances for Rogers—who saw another effort go narrowly wide—Bootle were unable to find a second goal to kill off the game.

Hesketh made their pressure count late on, finding an equaliser in the 85th minute to level the score at 1-1 and force the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Bootle held their nerve, converting confidently to secure a 5-3 victory and claim the additional point.

A strong performance from the Bucks will give them confidence heading into the remainder of the group stage, with Caitlyn Rogers’ standout display and Darcey Beckett’s crucial save proving key moments on the day.