Bootle make Challenge Cup final against the odds

by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
Mar 24 2008

SECOND Division Bootle upset all the odds when they reached the final of the Vodkat League Challenge Cup following an excellent 4-3 aggregate win at First Division Winsford United.

In last week’s first leg tie the new Bucks Park side established a two-goal advantage which was wiped out by two late goals and the return fixture seemed to be going the same after Jamie Hay and David Connor put the visitors in front.

The Blues reduced the arrears when Lee Thompson found the target on 70 minutes to leave a nervous closing quarter for Bootle to defend which they did admirably and reach their first cup final in the Vodkat League.

They will now play Maine Road on Thursday April 24 at Trafford FC with Road having demolished Chadderton 6-0. League action saw Runcorn Linnets have to settle for a point in their 2-2 clash at lowly Bacup Borough.

Dave Thompson netted in either half for the Linnets who conceded two goals in the closing 10 minutes to share the spoils. Formby’s inconsistent form continued after falling to a 3-1 home defeat against Glossop North End. Mark Carr netting on 70 minutes for the Squirrels. Ashton Athletic’s promotion drive remains well on track after salvaging a point from their 1-1 draw at close rivals Oldham Town.

Tim Buxton equalised on the stroke of half-time for the Brocstedes Park side but they still trail runaway leaders New Mills by 15 points. Second-half goals from Alex Dunne and Chris McNally ensured Ashton Town defeated managerless Darwen who are searching for their third manager of the season after the 2-0 reverse.

League Division One: Abbey Hey 2 Silsden AFC 1; Atherton Collieries 0 Newcastle Town 3; Bacup Borough 2 Runcorn Linnets 2; Colne 0 Trafford 2; Formby 1 Glossop North End 3; Nelson 0 Congleton Town 0; Ramsbottom United 1 Atherton LR 0; Squires Gatge 2 Flixton 0. League Division Two: Ashton Town 2 Darwen 0; Castleton Gabriels 2 Stone Dominoes 1; Eccleshall 1 Leek CSOB 1; New Mills 9 Holker Old Boys 0; Norton United 2 Cheadle Town 1; Oldham Town 1 Ashon Athletic 1. Vodkat League Challenge Cup Semi-Final Second Leg: Chadderton 0 Maine Road 0 – Maine Road win 6-0 on aggregate. Winsford United 2 Bootle 2 - Bootle win 4-3 on aggregate. FA Vase Semi-Final First Leg: Kirkham & Wesham 3 Needham Market 2.