Bootle go back to winning ways with a 2-1 hard earned win at Witton Albion.
By Brendan Doyle
Witton Albion’s James Hooper received a red card for a high and late challenge on Kieran Cartwright, which gave them an uphill battle after just eight minutes after kick off.
Ben Hodkinson had two fairly decent attempts on goal but the first was blocked after a receiving a ball from Andy Scarisbrick from the left hand side. The second was a one on one effort but Hodkinson took a touch too heavy which seen Danny Roberts clear the ball to danger.
Witton Albion had a chance of their own with a Reece Daily free kick but only fell to the hands of Tony Thompson. Three minutes later Conor Harwood slotted him a first time effort from a fantastic ball played through by Ben Hodkinson.
Sean Williams almost put Bootle 2-0 up just a couple of minutes after Harwood’s goal with a shot on his weaker foot but Danny Roberts got down low enough to keep the shot out of the back of the net.
Ben Hodkinson had a chance to double Bootle’s lead which looked very promising but the shot came off Ollie Hitchcox to go out for a corner. Witton then went up the other end on the counterattack to win a corner themselves, which was met by a flicked shot from Callum Grogan but the shot only flew over the bar.
As Witton seemingly were gaining momentum, a penalty was awarded to the hosts as Jonny Spittle brought down Kevin Spinelli. Reece Daily stepped up to take the penalty and successfully put his shot past Tony Thompson to bring the game to 1-1.
Bootle then brought on Mackenzie O’Neil and Jay Cooper substitutes who then combined to create Bootle’s second goal as Jay Cooper’s first time hit cross found Mackenzie O’Neil hit home the ball into the back of the Witton net putting The Bucks ahead once again.
Witton were attempting to create chances in the Bootle final third but struggled to prevail although at times looked rather threatening and showed great resilience despite being a man down since the eighth minute of the game.
In the dying seconds of the game Sean Williams broke free with used substitute Jordan Hodkin open for a pass but Williams chose to go solo on his run as he went one on one against Danny Robers and was almost convincingly about to put Bootle 3-1 up but his shot flew over the bar.
Straight after Williams’ blown effort the referee blew for full time which seen Bootle come away with a hard earned three points.
The Bucks are back in action this Tuesday evening with a trip to Ericstan Park to face Wythenshawe Town.