Bootle travel to Lancashire to face seventh positioned Clitheroe at Shawbridge as they hope to bounce back with a win after a 4-2 defeat to Wythenshawe Town on Tuesday night.
By Brendan Doyle
A win today would be vital for The Bucks in order to maintain their promotion charge and would be a fantastic way to respond after a defeat in Manchester on Tuesday night despite taking the lead on two separate occasions. Mick McGraa and his squad will be aware of the challenge that lies ahead of them as the hosts have only lost two league encounters so far this campaign.
Clitheroe will be expected to walk out in front of a home crowd supremely confident after claiming a 3-1 home win over second placed Trafford on Tuesday night. Mostly recently, Clitheroe have added EFL experienced centre back Mark Hughes to their squad and also re-signed Sefton Gonzales who we could very well see featuring for The Blues for a first time in his third spell at the club.
Club Fact File:
Founded: 1877
The Manager: Following three games at the end of the 2023/24 season as The Blues interim boss, Jimmy Bell was appointed manager by the board and hasn’t done a bad job at the helm since. Bell has guided Clitheroe to seventh in the league table with only two losses and advanced to the third qualifying round of Isuzu FA Trophy.
The Ground: Shawbridge is entered off Pendle Road via a short cobbled street which opens out on to one of two players’ car parks. The ground itself has a capacity of 2,500, with cover on all four sides, including covered standing for 1,000 and a main stand with 260 bucket seats.
Recent Honours:
North West Counties Division One Champions 2003/04
Can't make the game? Bucks TV will be on hand to provide you with Live Commentary from Shawbridge from 14:55 on Saturday. Listen live here.