Maghull stun FC Bootle to achieve Pyke Cup progression
A shock materialised at the Marine Travel Arena, as Maghull came to high-flying but off-form FC Bootle to knock them out 2-1 in the Pyke Cup.
With both sides in sight of Pyke Cup glory, FC Bootle began as the most assertive side, hitting the bar from a snapshot early on in the contest.
The game lost its pace, with plenty of all-blooded tackles highlighting the tempo of the clash. However, it was the visiting Maghull who drew first blood.
An in-swinging corner was met the onrushing James Allen, who powerfully nodded goalwards and despite a hapless FC Bootle defender on the line who threw his body on the line to thwart it, he couldn’t in time - with jubilation sparking from the ‘Gull’ bench.
Paul Willis was sprung into action to deny a Maghull chance before the game hit a wall, with neither side being able to create anything.
A moment of madness allowed FC Bootle with the perfect opportunity to equalise, from the lottery of the penalty spot. Mark Madden made no mistake to bring the game level.
HT: FC Bootle 1-1 Maghull
FC Bootle came flying out the blocks in the second period, with chance after chance wasting away, but the best one of them ball should have resulted in a goal.
A flick on met the run of Mark Madden, whose flick on was desperately denied on the line.
FC Bootle were made to rue their missed opportunities, as Maghull, against the run of play, regained the lead.
A delicate cross into the box was flicked on by the heel of Nicky Kerr, who put the ‘Gull’ on the brink of Pyke Cup progression.
Willis was made to save again from a Maghull attack and as time was running out, one final roll of the dice for FC Bootle was needed, which could determine their status in the cup.
A free-kick hauled in was agonisingly flicked over onto the roof the net and as the full-time whistle echoed into the bleak Crosby air, it was jubilation for Maghull and complete frustration for Ste Scott’s side.
FT: FC Bootle 1-2 Maghull
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