Bootle FC secured only their third league home win of the season against bottom of the league FC Trafford, writes Cai Wilshaw at the Berry Street Garage Stadium.
The only goal of the Northern Premier League West clash came in the third minute which saw Jayden Sergeant fire in his first for the club on what was also his first home start.
That strike will ease the pressure from the home supporters who have had little to cheer so far this season as Bootle’s best form has come on the road.
Following Tuesday’s postponement due to a waterlogged pitch, the Bucks were given an opportunity to build on their point on the road at Witton Albion last Saturday.
The match began in a manner that the home supporters had been crying out for. An early goal from Sergeant set the tone, striking with his second touch past FC Trafford’s goalkeeper Sam Booth following a delightful delivery from Courtney Duffus.
From there, the Bucks’ manager Alan Morgan would have hoped his side could build upon the opener and give the fans a performance to get behind.
In a week where Bootle centre forward Dior Angus announced his retirement from the game, the home side looked to Sergeant to lead the line with Ben Hodkinson also sitting out after picking up a knock in the week.
Morgan’s side looked to pick out the Bucks’ new number 11 in the first half following his early goal. However, Sergeant found himself offside on multiple occasions that led to some frustration at a bitterly cold Berry Street Garage.
Following the interval, the Bucks continued to look for a second goal with the away side looking devoid of any real quality on the pitch which reflected their lowly league position.
Fifteen minutes before the full time whistle, Jack McGowan found himself one versus one with Booth but was denied after delaying his effort.
The home side’s substitute Will Russ looked destined to put the icing on the cake. However, a volley struck wide from inside an empty penalty area meant the only ice remained on the turf.
The final whistle meant a huge three points for Bootle which sees them climb up to tenth in the league with back-to-back away games to come at Mossley and Kidsgrove Athletic.
For FC Trafford, they remain rooted to the bottom of the Northern Premier League West and look destined for the drop.
