Six of the best points are secured

Apr 16 2009 by Our Correspondent, Crosby Herald

Bootle1

Leek CSOB0

BOOTLE spent the Easter holiday pluming for flight to the Vodkat Premier League by gaining maximum points from their games.

The Bucks began with a narrow win over Leek CSOB at Bucks Park on Easter Eve.

The first half was a dull affair with most of the chances falling to Bootle, but they failed to make the best of their opportunities and at half time the scoreline was blank.

Bootle, as the second half progressed, laid siege to the visitors’ goal but just could not break through.

Finally, with two minutes remaining, Bootle got the goal their pressure merited.

Mark Mawdesley cleared the ball upfield, Mark Kilroy then flicked it into the path of Robbie Chadwick who calmly steered the ball past the advancing keeper for the match-winner.

Rochdale Town1

Bootle3

SUNSHINE greeted the Bucks as they took to the field 48 hours later on Easter Monday to face Rochdale Town at Mayfield Park.

The visitors, who made the early running, twice hit the woodwork before, surprisingly, they found themselves a goal down. Carl Dale fouled Whitehouse on the edge of the penalty box and Doyle scored from the spot.

The goal however, stirred the visitors in to action and they were soon level thanks to a side-footed effort by Danny O’Connor.

Bootle kept up the pressure and took the lead a minute before the break when a header from Anthony Hickey again struck the crossbar. John Martin, reacting quickly, pounced to give Bootle a half-time lead.

The visitors took a stranglehold on the game five minutes into the second half when a headed goal from Hickey gave them a 3-1 lead. Bootle were rarely threatened after that and held on to complete their Easter double.

With four games to play, Bootle have 70 points and remain on course for promotion. Andy Fowler, has served a four-match ban, and is available for Saturday’s home game with AFC Blackpool. Kick-off 3pm.