Bootle back in action at last with honours even at Witton Albion

BOOTLE made their longawaited return to action on Saturday afternoon as the preparations for their new season got under way against Witton Albion.

Five months since their last outing against Irlam in the NW Counties Football League Premier Division, Joe Doran’s side played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Berry Street Garage Stadium.

The Bucks have been back in training for a couple of weeks and manager Doran fielded a mixture of old faces and new signings in either half.

After Tom Peterson had gone close, the visitors opened the scoring when Jack McGovern punched a corner into his own net and coming under pressure from Scott Bakor.

Carl Peers then went close to an equaliser before Rob Doran would level things up in the opening minutes of the second half after he turned home a James Hooper cross.

Ben Hodkinson then fired the Bucks ahead with a stunning left-footed effort from range before Carl Macauley’s side drew level when a trialist put the ball in his own net after McGovern had saved well from James Foley.

BOOTLE will visit Avro in the FA Cup Extra Prelinimary

Round on Tuesday, September 1.

The winners of that tie will visit Eccleshill United or Silsden in the Prelimimary Round to be played on Saturday, September 12.

It comes as rules are relaxed which means spectators in small groups will now be able to attend matches below National League level following the coronavirus pandemic.