By Brendan Doyle
On bank holiday Monday at The Berry Street Garage Stadium, Bootle boss Mick McGraa takes on his former side Vauxhall Motors who he won the North West Counties League with during his tenure.
Bootle look to extend their three league game win streak to four in today’s fixture, but it will be no easy task as Vauxhall Motors will be turning up fighting to take all three points and climb up the league table closer to the top half. Six other Bucks Conor Harwood, Sean Smith, Sean Williams, Damien Eastham, Michael Burkey and Sam Hughes will also be facing their former club today.
The Motormen are yet to find their first win away from home this season, but a win today against unbeaten in the league Bootle would be a fantastic first away win. Last season Vauxhall Motors finished 16th in the league table but will be aiming to finish higher this campaign, ideally in the top half and after a less ideal start to the campaign with only one win, they could spark more belief amongst their ranks today with a huge upset here today.
Club Fact File:
Founded: 1963
Ground: Rivacre Park, known as the vanEupen Arena for sponsorship reasons, has been the home of Vauxhall since the 1986 season, the club having formerly played at Hooton Park. It has a capacity of 3,300 with covered stand and terracing, with space for 350 seated guests. The stand has been refitted with new seats along with a step in the terrace at the golf course end of the ground. A new toilet block, disabled toilet and a new turnstile block have also been added. To increase capacity, more barriers have been installed to the covered terrace and the club shop has since been re-opened after the roof was damaged in a storm. The ground also has a large sports and social club. This was originally for employees of the Vauxhall plant but is also open to the public on match days etc.
Manager: Danny Holmes faces his second season in his managerial career after taking over Vauxhall Motors back in October 2023. As a player Holmes had two spells at Tranmere, Southport, The New Saints, Fleetwood town, Newport County, AFC Fylde, York City, Bangor City, Connah’s Quay Nomads and Colwyn Bay. Whilst at The New Saints, Holmes won the Welsh Premier League in 2010 and the Welsh League Cup in 2011, he also was in the Welsh Premier League team of the year on three occasions in 2010, 2011 and 2018. He also gained an FA Trophy winners medal whilst playing for York City in 2017.
Recent Honours:
North West Counties League Premier Division Champions 2022/23
Cheshire Senior Cup Runners-Up 2021/22
All support for the Bucks is greatly appreciated, and tickets are on sale here, or can be purchased on the turnstile.
Comentarios