Bootle FC completed an impressive 3-1 victory over Nantwich Town in Non League Division One.
A hat-rick from Michael Burkey means the Liverpool club move up to 5th in the table with two games in hand over 4th place Witton Albion.
Manager Neil Prince has seen his side pick up 11 points in their last five games in a bid for a promotion play off spot.
It was Nantwich Town who took the lead as early as the third minute. Joel Connolly weaved his way through the box setting up Kai Evans who tapped home from close range.
Bootle’s Sean Smith had a great chance to equalise straight away but his effort was comfortably held by Scott Moloney. The busiest of the keepers, he kept Bootle at bay until a rare fumble allowed Michael Burkey to pounce to equalise in the 42nd minute.
Bootle almost came agonisingly close to making it 2-1 right from the re-start. Quick thinking Ben Hodkinson tried to chip the keeper but, but hit the cross bar, much to the frustration of the home crowd, but they weren’t kept waiting long to resume their celebrations.
Bootle controversially in the 49th minute, through Burkley, thanks to a fumble by Moloney’s hands in the 49th minute. Nantwich furiously protested the ball had not crossed the line, but the goal stood.
It was the spark the home side needed, as Moloney’s nightmare continued, this time he brought down Harwood to give away a penalty, but his blushes were saved as Hodkinson blasted the ball against the bar in the 73rd minute, and into the car park.
At the other end Thompson was called into action making a point blank save as George Milner was through on goal and looked certain to score.
Nantwich defender Troy Bourne will be frustrated with himself as Burkey bundled him off the ball and then secured his hat trick with audacious goal from the edge of the box in the 77th minute.
Bootle will turn their focus to next weekends game against Avro at the Vestacare Stadium.
