Bootle and Courtney Duffus got off to a great start when the latter netted on his debut after just eight minutes with a fantastic finish. Bootle remained in control over the game and in the 22nd minute they doubled their lead after Jay Cooper headed in the ball from a Sean Williams corner.
By Brendan Doyle
Duffus almost grabbed a brace after just only half an hour into wearing the famous Bootle strip for the first time but unfortunately for Duffus, Stalybridge Celtic keeper Charlie Monks made a fantastic save and put the ball out for a corner.
Liam Tongue attempted a shot from outside the box to get his side back into the game bur the effort only flew right over the Dodge Kop. However, the visitors indeed did pull one back with a converted shot from Joe Duckworth just minutes after Tongue’s missed effort.
Not even 5 minutes after conceding, Bootle were awarded a penalty which debutant Courtney Duffus stepped up and put his spot kick past Charlie Monks, making the first half finish 3-1. A very successful first 45 minutes for the big man on his Bootle debut.
The second half got off to a scare for Bootle as Jordan Burton squared the ball to Jack Irlam who seemed almost certain to get a second for the visitors, but skipper Tony Thompson got a hand to the effort, typical Tony Thompson with an outstanding magnificent piece of goalkeeping.
Stalybridge Celtic did however pull one back about 14 minutes later as Greg Wilkinson’s powerful shot found its way into the back of the net. Nonetheless, a minute later Jonny Spittle scored a header after coming on at half time for Jay Cooper, making it 4-2 to The Bucks.
Anthony Miley attempted to grab a fifth goal for Bootle with an effort outside the box but the shot was only blocked. Heading into the later stages of the game, Sean Williams carried the ball at his feet to successfully convert a long range effort from 25 yards out, sending the Dodge Kop into a burst of euphoria.
Tom Peterson seemed through on goal to make it 6 for Bootle but his shot only sailed over the bar. The full time result finished 5-2 to The Bucks, a result and clinical performance after a run of bad results. A very happy day for everyone involved at Bootle Football Club.