Bootle flying the flag with narrow cup success

Sep 1 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

ONLY BOOTLE of the area’s representatives in the Vodkat League managed to progress in the FA Cup to the first qualifying round.

They defeated Padiham 1-0 in a close-fought game. Paul McDonald struck the vital goal to claim the £1,500 prize money and earn the Bucks Park side a trip to Buxton.

Runcorn Linnets could not come to terms with UniBond League opposition Curzon Ashton and went down 4-0, while Formby also bowed out following a 5-0 home defeat against divisional colleagues Colne. The same fate befell St Helens Town, who slipped to a 3-1 reverse at Bacup Borough, Tyson hitting a late consolation. League action saw AFC Liverpool maintain their perfect start to their inaugural season with a comfortable 3-0 success at Ashton Town. Goals from Martin Crowder, Ian Johnson and Dean Thurston ensure the Reds maintain pole spot in the First Division table with a three-point advantage, despite having played one game more than the chasing pack. Winsford United turned in one of their worst performances of the campaign to date and fell to a 2-0 home defeat against lowly Abbey Hey, who were picking up their first points.

Premier Div: Alsager Town 4 New Mills 1; Nelson 5 Atherton Collieries 0; Winsford United 0 Abbey Hey 2.

Div One: AFC Blackpool 1 Leek CSOB 1; Ashton Town 0 AFC Liverpool 3; Daisy Hill 5 Chadderton 1; Irlan 2 Darwen 2; Wigan Robin Park 2 Eccleshall 2.

FA Cup Preliminary Round: AFC Fyle 1 Sheffield 1 (replay Tues, Sept 2); Bacup Borough 3 St Helens Town 1; Bootle 1 Padiham 0; Bottesford Town 2 Flixton 2 (replay Wed, Sept 3); Brigg Town 2 Maine Road 2 (replay Tues, Sept 2); Chorley 0 Atherton LR 1; Congleton Town 1 Squires Gate 1 (replay Tues Sept 2); Curzon Ashton 4 Runcorn Linnets 0; FC Halifax Town 0 Silsden AFC 0 (replay Wed, Sept 3); Formby 0 Colne 5; Glossop North End 1 Beloper Town 2; Mossley 3 Ramsbottom United 1; Newcastle Town 0 Skelmersdale United 1; Northon United 1 Leek Town 3; Oldham Town 1 Rossendale United 1 (replay Tues, 2nd Sept); Stone Dominoes 1 Rainworth Miners Welfare 2.