Bootle took all the spoils in a hard fought 2-1 victory over sixth placed Atherton Collieries, writes Freddie Thomas-Neher at the Berry Street Garage Stadium.
An eventful half hour saw the goals flow, with a 75th minute Ben Hodkinson penalty the difference as the Bucks clinched all three points; the first time at home since an August victory over league leaders Avro.
Referee James Atkinson was consistently criticised by both sets of fans for his decision making throughout, with a late second yellow for goalscorer Samuel Patrick Sheridan vindicating the home fans after he deemed the forward made a dangerous play for the ball.
A questionable decision had seen the Bucks heading for yet another winless affair at home, with Sheridan levelling the scores from a set piece, but Hodkinson’s spot-kick remained the difference for a scrappy final 15.
Dior Angus had originally opened the scoring after the break, curling his effort into the far corner to put Bootle in pole position, only for the equaliser to follow soon after.
The Colls originally had the better chances of the first half, with a free header from the visitors rattling the woodwork and a smattering of efforts being snuffed out by Bootle ‘keeper Tony Thompson.
The first period was largely uneventful though. The pick of the half-chances for the home side came after Hodkinson capitalised on a loose ball to find space but dragged his effort wide.
The long balls simply weren’t working early for the Bucks as they were reminded by the home fans after lacking a degree of potency going forward.
Despite this, Berry Street Garage was in full voice to lift the side through the final parts of the contest and a roar from the home fans at the final whistle saw them leave with all three points.
The result sees Bootle in ninth, with them taking all three points in two of their last three games, with Atherton dropping to seventh after their first loss since August.
The Bucks will travel away to Greater Manchester on Saturday for their next fixture against fifth placed Stalybridge Celtic.
