AFC LIVERPOOL returned to the top of the Vodkat First Division with a thrilling 4-3 victory at fellow promotion challengers Bootle.

In front of a crowd of more than 700, the Reds, who had lost pole position 24 hours earlier after Padiham's Boxing Day win, quickly regained the initiative as they twice hit back from behind to take the points.

A Sean Coulton own goal put Liverpool ahead 10 minutes before the interval, but Andy Fowler struck twice in a minute for third-placed Bootle shortly after the re-start as he found the target for the seventh consecutive game to take his total for the season to 13 goals.

Ian Sheridan levelled the scores for Liverpool on 67 minutes, and although Chris Tyson restored the home side's lead six minutes later, goals from Dean Thurston and Andy McCoy gave the Reds victory and sent Bootle to their first defeat in 10 games.

Marine bid to bounce back from their 6-3 Boxing Day drubbing by Prescot Cables when they turn their attentions to the Lancashire Challenge Trophy tonight, and a second round trip to Kendal Town.

Ashton Athletic are in action in the same competition tomorrow, when they visit Ramsbottom United.

RESULTS: Vodkat League Div One: AFC Blackpool 2 Holker Old Boys 0, Bootle 3 AFC Liverpool 4, Daisy Hill 1 Rochdale Town 2, Stone Dominoes 3 Eccleshall 1

Boxing Day Premier Division: Alsager Town 2 Winsford United 1, Ashton Athletic 5 St Helens Town 0, Runcorn Linnets 1 Formby 2.

Div One: Ashton Town 0 Wigan Robin Park 2.