Bootle suffered a shock 3-1 loss to Hednesford Town at the Berry Street Garage Stadium, despite Jake Burton pulling back a late goal.

The away team’s first goal came just before half time with a powerful strike from Joe Morley, after starting strongest of the two teams.

Bootle had good chances during the first half but they couldn’t get that final pass right and went on to rue the missed opportunities.

The team from Cannock were forced into an early substitution in the 20th minute due to a serious knee injury, as Lucas Yeomans hobbled off the pitch on crutches.

The home side came storming out of the gates in the second half as Burton’s strong header flew just wide of the post, after a cross was put in the box by Sonny Hilton.

It wasn’t long before the visitors doubled their lead through Morley again as the striker broke behind the defence and slotted the ball past Tony Thompson.

The Bucks got back into the game shortly after as Burton halved the deficit with a great strike that went straight past Ryan Brown in front of the home fans.

Bootle were playing some of their best football in the final 10 minutes as chances came at  both ends, but the home side couldn’t capitalise.

Any hope of salvaging something was cut short when the visitors added their third of the afternoon as Morley completed his hattrick in the 90th minute.

Although Hednesford sit at the bottom of the Northern Premier League, they were the best team on the day as they outplayed seventh place Bootle.

It was a very special milestone in Tom Peterson’s career as he reached both 100 appearances and goals for his club and the crowd erupted in applause for him before kick-off.

 

 

 

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