Bootle drew 2-2 with Chasetown after conceding in the 88th minute to deny them three points, writes Jake Bolton at the Berry Street Garage Stadium.

A win for Bootle would have seen them climb two places, however the solitary point means The Bucks remain 13th in the table and Chasetown stay in 5th.

Both teams headed into the game after losing their last fixtures on the weekend.

Bootle started the brighter and created a number of chances early on but were unable to find the net.

The 12th minute saw Bootle’s Kenzie O’Neill pick up possession on the left wing before taking it past the defender and firing it across goal where Sean Williams met the ball with a powerful strike that was saved from close range.

The Bucks continued to test Curtis Pond until their efforts were finally rewarded towards the end of the first half. In the 41st minute, Andy Scarisbrick found space in the centre circle and played a perfectly weighted ball along the floor which saw Ben Hodkinson go one on one with the keeper towards the right side of the box. Hodkinson managed to find the bottom left corner, putting his side 1-0 up heading into the half-time break.

The second half was an even affair as Chasetown grew into the game and looked more of a threat going forward.

In the 65th minute, Chasetown’s Joey Buckley picked up the ball on the half-turn and fired a curling effort which nestled in the top right corner from distance to make it 1-1.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to respond as a dangerous corner whipped into the box met the head of Sean Williams who fired towards goal before bouncing out off the keeper’s head. However, the linesman raised his flag to indicate the ball had crossed the line and the goal was given. Bootle were 2-1 up with less than 20 minutes to play despite arguments from the Chasetown players.

The home side had chances to add a third and secure a two goal cushion. The 79th minute saw Joe Woolley burst through the middle of the park and spray a pass out towards Danny Mitchley whose shot saw a massive block to keep the game alive.

Despite chances to finish it off, Bootle conceded in the 88th minute. Oli Haywood produced a long throw into the box which bounced around the Bootle area before falling to Alfie Taylor who fired into the roof of the net on the half-volley, levelling the game.

The final whistle was blown and both sides had to settle for a point, with Bootle feeling unfortunate not to earn all three.

 

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