Bootle FC leave it late against 10-man Vauxhall Motors

A late second half goal sealed a crucial win for Bootle FC as Vauxhall Motors dropped out of play-off zone, with Michael Grogan seeing red in a cagey affair at Rivacre Park.

The first half started evenly before Bootle created the the best chance of the half from a free kick 25 yards out. Jack Lenehan’s effort forced an unbelievable save from Reece Trueman to prevent the away side from taking the lead. 

However, it proved to be one of the only few goal-scoring opportunities in the half. The rest of the first 45 minutes would prove to be a nervy and psychical battle that saw both sides struggle to break the deadlock, with Motormen defender Vita Mbolokele a rock in heart of the defence.

Vauxhall made some good runs on the wings and crossed the ball into the opposition’s box only for the Bootle defence to clear comfortably.

Both teams pushed forward but neither had that final cutting edge to open the score. Dior Angus was substituted with Jack McGowan due to a knock although Scott Gavin Moloney did create a wonderful save to stop captain Kevin Ellison from making it 1-0 to the Bucks before the break. 

The second half would herald more excitement. In the 53rd minute the visitors had a chance to take the lead from Joe Malkin with Moloney once again keeping things safe for his teammates. A minute later, the hosts would get a chance score, but Finley Heath’s free kick went wide.  

The drama intensified as the game went on and in the 68th minute substitute Michael Grogan saw red after a poorly timed challenge making this a night to forget for the number 12. The dismissal made thing’s more difficult for the Motormen who lost their grip on game.

Bootle seized the initiative in the 77th minute when Sam Hughes poked the ball into the back of the net piling on more misery for Danny Holmes’ side.

Alan Morgan’s team were able to hold on to the lead and were delighted to celebrate a much-needed win which saw them move to sixth in the Northern Premier League, Division One West table, and closer to a play-off spot. Next up for Bootle are Sporting Khalsa at the Delta Taxis Stadium this Saturday. 

As for Vauxhall, they will be hoping to put this game behind them and move on from a disappointing result and hope they can improve for Saturday’s away fixture at Clitheroe.