Widnes dramatically beat Bootle FC 4-2 at the Berry Street Garage Stadium in the Northern Premier League Division One West, firmly stating their title-winning intentions.

The visitors took the lead on 19 minutes through Sharif Dean’s seventh goal in the league this season, after he Bootle defenders failed to deal with a low cross into the box from James Steele. 

Ten minutes later, goal provider turned goal scorer, as Steele slotted home a half-chance after a long ball from right-back Jack Walls, which again, the Bootle defence failed to deal Bucks’ Jay Cooper the guilty party this time. 

After 33 minutes, Bootle Manager Mick McGraa decided he had seen enough from his right-back, swapping Cooper for club legend Ben Hodkinson, in an attempt to turn the tide. 

He made little immediate difference, and Widnes made it three, with Sharif Deans adding another to his tally for the season, going joint top of the league’s scorer charts, rising above all those around him to meet Matty Rain’s corner. 

Three minutes into added time, the home side got one back thanks to a Tom Hannigan header, but celebrations were certainly rather muted. 

Ben Hodkinson converts from the spot to make it 2-3 in Bootle vs Widnes
Ben Hodkinson converts from the spot to make it 2-3 in Bootle vs Widnes

Bootle were not finished there and kept Widnes on their toes through Hodkinson’s coolly converted penalty. Widnes made sure of the points in style with a Sean Miller 30-yard screamer. 

Victory keeps Widnes within reach of Vauxhall Motors at the top of the Division One table. Bootle slip from 5th down to 9th in what continues to be a disappointing 2024.

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