Battling Bucks scrape win at Ramsbottom

In a slow first 25 minutes, the first chance of the game fell to the away side. A great cross by Declan McLoughlin was met by Jack McGowan, who’s header was parried away by Rams keeper Tom Stewart.

The first real test for Theo Roberts. A testing cross by Aron Flemming tipped away. Ramsbottom did take the lead eventually. Godwin Abadaki strike on 27 minutes squirmed under Theo Roberts.

The Bucks level 10 minutes into the second period. Jack McGowan’s ball across the box was tapped home by Ben Hodkinson.
Bootle take the lead. A great ball across by Jay Roberts and a fine diving header by Declan McLoughlin gave Bootle a deserved lead after a fine second half display.

The Bucks had two consecutive penalty shouts turned down by the referee. Firstly, Ben Hodkinson volley struck the hand of Michael Fitzgerald, probably harsh to give. Then a scramble in a box resulted in another handball but waved away.

Heavy pressure from Ramsbottom paid off as they equalised. Owen Collinge headed home from a corner.

A mistake from Tom Stewart presented Bootle with a huge opening, but Jack McGowan couldn’t finish as the keeper miraculously adjusted his position and saved off the line.
Bootle regained the lead, Jack McGowan slotted past Matthews to sent the away fans into raptures.

Another mistake by Tom Stewart presented Tom Peterson with a great chance to surely put a seal on things, but his faint shot was caught by the keeper.