Brendan Doyle - Match Reporter
The first half was quite evenly matched especially in the opening stages. Bootle’s first major chance of the game came from a Sean Williams free kick which struck the far post.
Just over a minute later nonetheless, Williams was booked after a foul where Nantwich looked very threatening on the counterattack. A more or less tactical foul preventing The Dabbers attempting to go ahead.
A chance for Nantwich fell to Kelvin Mellor from a corner whose volley was safely scooped up by Tony Thompson.
Minutes later there was shouts from the Bootle players for a foul on Michael Burkey which the referee didn’t concur with and waved play on.
A foul from Michael Burkey caused up roar from the Nantwich players and their bench, Burkey was given a talking to from the referee but no card was shown.
The first half ended 0-0 in a scrappy but evenly matched display.
The second half started off the same way as the first as both sides tried to pressure one another. A header from Meppen Walters was easily caught by Tony Thompson.
Tom Peterson had a shot from a Bootle counter attack but fell just wide of the Nantwich goal. Moments after Peterson’s wide effort, Nantwich Town had an effort on goal but was heroically blocked by Sean Smith which led to another chance for Bootle at the other end but was put wide by Michael Burkey.
Kai Evans had a close range effort but was brilliantly saved by Tony Thompson. Tom Peterson’s one on one effort found the back of the net but unfortunately for The Bucks the linesman’s flag was raised.
After a long physical encounter, Bootle’s perseverance paid off as Andy Scarisbrick’s outside of the box effort found the bottom corner putting The Bucks 1-0 ahead.
Kai Evans almost put The Dabbers level but his shot was blocked by Sam Hughes.
As Nantwich looked threatening to equalise, Bootle were awarded a free kick in the last minutes of the game. Jack Lenehan stepped up and smashed home the free kick in the top right hand corner, putting The Bucks 2-0 up and any scares of a Nantwich Town equaliser out of mind.
The match finished 2-0 in which was a fantastic opening day result for Bootle at The Berry Street Garage Stadium.