Bootle frustration continues after Chasetown fightback
Bootle were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Chasetown.
The frustration was painted across Mick McGraa’s face as he swung his arms in frustration after Bootle conceded late on.
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The Bucks twice led but offered an avenue for playoff rivals Chasetown back into the game, who punished them for not capitalising on their dominance. Danny O’Callaghan was live to a poor clearance from a long throw-in to rifle into the roof of the net late on.
Bootle’s wait for a home win will extend into a third month after their last triumph coming in the 5-2 win over Stalybridge Celtic in mid-October.
The hosts will undoubtedly be frustrated after dominating the first-half but couldn’t build on their slender one-goal lead, as the visitors managed to capitalise on the conditions.
McGraa’s side made a strong save but were left frustrated by a stubborn Curtis Pond, who first denied Joe Woolley with a strong right-hand before a double-save to stop Danny Mitchley opening his account.
However, their resistance was broken before the break when Andy Scarisbrick superbly split the visitors defence for Ben Hodkinson, who raced through and finished with aplomb.
With the wind in their favour during the first-half and their dominance, Bootle would have hoped they could have made the lead a healthier one.
However, a slow start to the second-half allowed Chasetown to grow in confidence and use the elements to put the hosts under pressure.
They found their way back into the game with a piece of individual brilliance from Joey Buckley. The substitute had acres of space on the edge of the box and fired into the top corner leaving Tony Thompson rooted to the spot.
Despite the equaliser, Bootle wrestled back the momentum and took the lead when Sean Williams’ in-swinging corner crept over the line.
The hosts continued to push for the third and their best chance came after some tenacious pressing from Scarisbrick saw him pick the pockets of the defender. However, he couldn’t find the back of the net as Pond smothered well.
With a minute of normal time remaining, Chasetown launched a throw onto the six-yard box forcing Bootle to only partially clear allowing Taylor to pounce on the ball and convert from close-range.
Here are the takeaways from Bootle’s 2-2 draw with Chasetown.