Bootle vs 1874 Northwich

Recap

BOOTLE 2 V 3 1874 NORTHWICH

Top scorer Matt Beadle bagged a brace as 1874 remained in second place in the league, two points behind leaders Runcorn Linnets, after beating 4th place Bootle FC at the Delta Taxi’s Stadium.

The conditions were horrendous and both sides knew they were in for a difficult game, but it was the Greens who got off to a fast start, with Beadle turning after a flick on from Brandon, to find Brooks on the edge of the Bootle area, he tried to place his shot in the bottom corner but it skimmed wide.

1874 continued to be on top for the early exchanges, as Mitchell then landed a header on the roof of the Bootle goal and Brooks having an effort blocked by the full back when he was crossing from the by-line.

But it was Bootle who took the lead in the 6th minute through Jackson Ellis when his effort was deflected off an 1874 past debutant Greg Hall.

1874 were back on level terms in the 12th minute, as Wellstead cleverly flicked the ball into the path of Beadle who made no mistake as he smashed the ball on the half volley past the home keeper.

The game continued at a frantic pace with 1874 pushing forward and creating more chances. Stuart Wellstead had the best chance as the keeper came to claim the ball, he couldn’t get there and Wellstead had a chance to volley in to an open net but unfortunately his effort went past the wrong side of the post.

The second half started as the first had ended, end to end, and within a minute 1874 took the lead as the impressive debutant – Ben Brooks – made full advantage of a mistake by the Bootle who had spilled the ball allowing the alert Brooks to roll the ball into the empty net

Just four minutes later, the lead was increased as Beadle scored the goal of the game, placing a brilliant effort with his left boot into the top left hand corner of the goal,

It was nearly four a few minutes later, as Beadle turned provider for Mike Brandon, but Brandon’s header was turned away for a corner.

Bootle are a tough side to beat and they never give up and as a result they gradually began to get a foot back in the game, and in the 83rd minute, they reduced the deficit as a long pass found Tom Peterson who broke the 1874 offside trap and placed the ball neatly round Hall to score.,

1874 defended resolutely, and saw the game out for a deserved victory.

1874:Hall, Connor, Farnworth, Mitchell, James, Woolley (C), Ward, Wellstead, Brandon, Brooks & Beadle.

SUBS: Chappell for Brandon 78mins UNUSED SUBS: Hindle, Lomas, Cookson, Jackson.

Attendance: 180