Bootle return home after 35 days to a 2-1 defeat to Stafford Rangers.
By Brendan Doyle
The visitors started the game off brilliantly as they had the better share of possession and took the lead in the 12th minute as Joe Morley successfully put his shot on goal past Tony Thompson in front of the Dodge Kop.
Just a minute later, Ben Hodkinson missed a goal chance as his first time shot from just a few yards out clipped the post, a head in hands moment for Hodkinson. 5 minutes later Amadou Doumbaya cut in on his right foot and also hit the post, two great chances for Bootle missed.
Stafford Rangers went down to 10 men after Dylan Barkers committed a high foot challenge on Sean Smith, but also finished the first half 1-0 despite efforts from Bootle to equalise.
The Bucks seemed to start the second half the better side, after 9 minutes in Ben Hodkinson cut onto his stronger left foot and attempted a shot outside the box but his effort fell just wide.
After a lack of creativity, the best chance fell to Bootle 20 minutes later when Sean Williams played a fantastic ball through to Lewis Reilly who seemed through on goal but veteran goalkeeper Cameron Belford came yards off his line and saved the shot.
A minute later Bootle paid for the missed chance as Dan Cockerline out muscled Jonny Spittle off the ball and buried his chance past Tony Thompson doubling the scoreline. Michael Burkey attempted two long range efforts but both didn’t prevail.
Ben Hodkinson’s successfully converted his penalty in the dying minutes of the game but once again, too little too late for The Bucks.
Bootle are back in action on Tuesday evening as Congleton Town visit the Berry Street Garage Stadium.