By Brendan Doyle
The first half ended goalless between the two sides but it was Bootle who had the most possession and chances. The first chance came by way of a Ben Hodkinson volley but Hanley Town keeper Adam Whitehouse made easy work of the save.
Sean Williams struck a 25 yard ranged free kick which seemed to be dipping in but it went just wide, Courtney Duffus had a clear shot on goal however his effort was scuffed but ended up in the possession of Sam Hughes but the latter hit his shot way over the bar. For the remaining fifteen minutes of the half neither side could find an opening which seen the first half come to a close at 0-0.
The second half began with Bootle having two good chances as Sean Williams took a long range strike but the flew inches wide, secondly Courtney Duffus’ headed effort went just over the bar after receiving a Sean Smith cross. Disaster struck for Bootle however in the 64th minute as Hanley Town executed a very good counter attack from a Bootle corner as Kia Svarc hit home his effort. As the second half continued, the hosts huffed and puffed towards the Hanley Town defence but the visiting side always had an answer for each attack.
Sean Williams had a close range free kick in the late minute of the game and attempted for a low shot but keeper Adam Whitehouse once again made an easy save of the shot. Whitehouse literally saved Hanley Town right at the death as Courtney Duffus got the slightest touch of the ball with his head forcing the Hanley Town keeper to make a stretched save. The match finished 1-0 Hanley Town with mathematically kept them in the division for the time being and The Bucks now sit four points above the relegation zone.
Bootle 0-1 Hanley Town