The Buck’s Pre-Season Starts Off With Victory!

By Freddie Bullen

Photos: Emily Murphy

Bootle FC Women kicked off their pre-season campaign in impressive fashion on Sunday afternoon, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Clay Brow Women in a dominant display from start to finish.

The Bucks controlled the opening stages of the contest, creating several promising opportunities during the first half-hour. An early free-kick from Trialist A was whipped into a dangerous area but was gathered safely by the Clay Brow goalkeeper.

Bootle’s persistence paid off on the half-hour mark. After Clay Brow lost possession on the edge of their own penalty area, the ball fell kindly to Trialist A, who unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top-right corner to give the visitors a deserved lead.

Just minutes later, Bootle doubled their advantage. A misplaced back pass was seized upon by Trialist A, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the empty net to complete an excellent first-half brace.

Despite Bootle’s dominance, Clay Brow grew into the game towards the end of the first half and reduced the deficit in the 40th minute. A free-kick delivered from the left-hand side bounced awkwardly over goalkeeper Darcey Beckett. Although Bootle managed to scramble the ball away with a goal-line clearance, it had already crossed the line, giving the hosts a route back into the contest.

Nevertheless, Bootle went into the break with a deserved 2-1 lead.

The second half followed a familiar pattern, with the Bucks once again taking control of proceedings. Their pressure was rewarded just eight minutes after the restart when a perfectly weighted through ball found Alice Whorton, who composed herself before firing across goal and into the far corner to restore Bootle’s two-goal cushion.

Bootle continued to dictate the tempo and were rewarded with a fourth goal after Tayla Castley was brought down inside the penalty area. The referee pointed straight to the spot, and Castley stepped up to confidently convert the penalty, putting the result beyond any doubt.

It proved to be an excellent all-round performance from Bootle FC Women in their first pre-season outing, with plenty of encouraging signs ahead of the new campaign. The Bucks controlled possession, created numerous chances, and were clinical in front of goal to begin pre-season with a well-deserved 4-1 victory.