Bootle started the first half with most of possession with chances created. The first one coming with Andy Scarisbrick attempting to beat Hanley Town keeper Adam Whitehouse at the near post but Whitehouse seen to it and parried the ball out for a corner.
By Brendan Doyle
Just minutes later Ben Hodkinson cut in on his left foot and tried to strike the ball in the top far corner but Adam Whitehouse made a fantastic jumper stretched save and put the ball out for a corner. Whitehouse made another save to keep the game level as the ball fell to Sam Hughes who hit the ball first time on the edge of the box.
Will Bell made a headed shot towards goal just before the end of the first half but yet again Adam Whitehouse kept it to 0-0 and seen the first half end level.
Just four minutes into the second half a deflected shot from Will Bell found its way into the back of the Hanley Town net braking the deadlock for The Bucks. Courtney Duffus almost immediately doubled the lead with a shot on goal but the effort was an easy catch for Adam Whitehouse.
A great finish from Andy Scarisbrick put Bootle 2-0 ahead just seven minutes after their opener with Courtney Duffus claiming the assist. Once again Duffus grabbed an assist after playing a ball to Mackenzie O’Neil who hit home his effort in front of a more or less open goal.
For the rest of the game Bootle were more than comfortable in and out of possession showing supreme confidence in both situations. In the 71st minute Bootle hunted for a fourth goal as Courtney Duffus was eager to get his third assist of the day as he tried to play the returning Joe Woolley through on goal but unfortunately Woolley’s touch was too heavy.
Tom Peterson came off the bench to grab Bootle’s fourth of the game, the shot from Peterson took a deflection on the way in but he didn’t mind just as the Bootle squad and fans didn’t. The game finished 4-0 which seen Bootle elevate to 10th in the table from 16th.
It must be mentioned that Joe Woolley was outstanding on his return debut for the club after resigning on Halloween, he left the club at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and he didn’t look like he’d ever been away! His work ethic and passing range was exceptional and was my personal man of the match, great to have you back Joe!