Bootle v West Didsbury & Chorlton
NWCFL Premier Division
Tuesday 15th August, 7:45pm
Admission: £5 adults, £2 concessions, Under-12s FREE
Address: TDP Solicitors Stadium, Vesty Road, L30 1NY
West return to scene of one of their finest moments in the NWCFL this evening as they take on a Bootle side they enjoyed an 8 goal thriller with in April.
On the final day of the 2016/17 season West headed to the, then, Delta Taxi’s Stadium, knowing 3 points would be enough to secure 6th place and a record points total whilst Bootle were honouring their long serving player Jamie Hoy who was playing his last game before retirement.
It was a party atmosphere, boosted by a number of Swansea fans in town to watch their side face Everton the following day, and the two highest scoring teams in the league didn’t fail to live up to it as West took the lead through Ben Steer just after the half hour mark. Suddenly the game sprang into life as Liam Loughlin and Jamie Hay scored a quick fire double to give Bootle the lead before Matty Kay levelled just before half time.
The half time break failed to dampen the attacking intent of either side as Bootle gained the upper hand for a second time on 51 minutes through Hay before Kay added his second just after the hour mark. In another twist to the day, Kay was in hot pursuit of leading goalscorer Ash Woods but that didn’t prevent him from teeing the West striker up on 73 minutes to give West a 4-3 lead. The two combined again three minutes from time to give Matty his hat-trick and the two a share of the golden boot honours.
It was almost a fairy tale ending for Hay who was denied a hat-trick with the last kick of the game by a superb save from Aaron Ashley as the travelling support gave West a standing ovation off the field at the full time whistle.
Bootle
The biggest news this summer for Bootle happened off the field as last season’s runners up confirmed the arrival of Phil Stafford as joint-manager from neighbours Litherland Remyca. Stafford had lifted ‘the REMY’ from the bottom of the NWCFL First Division and to the verge of the Premier Division losing in the final of the play offs to City of Liverpool in less than three seasons.
Following that goalkeeper Jordan Gidley became the first summer signing as he arrived from Barnoldswick Town following an impressive season with the Lancashire club. The Bucks also strengthened with the arrival of defender Jonathan Swatton from AFC Liverpool and the return of winger Jack Leaney from Buckley Town.
Just as important for Bootle was the retention of their attacking trio of Ryan Cox, Steve Jones and Josh Hamilton who combined for 77 goals last season.
The beginning of the season has been mixed for the side arguably considered the promotion favourites as they were upset in the FA Cup by NCEL side Hallam 5-0. However they responded with a victory on the opening day of the league campaign as they registered a 1-0 victory at Brocstedes Park thanks to an 89th minute winner from Anthony Rendell.
West at the Races
April’s win extended West’s record away to Bootle to three consecutive wins having come away in the previous two meetings with a 2-1 win. The first two visits there had seen West narrowly defeated in the League Challenge Cup Quarter Final back in 2013, 2-1, and had seen them come away with a 5-0 defeat in their first ever away game in the NWCFL Premier Division.
Connect with West
As always West will be offering live updates from the game via Twitter @WD_CFC with team news announced at 7pm and coverage through Instagram throughout the evening. Don’t forget to check out wdcfc.co.uk for all your post match content including match report, comments from Steve Settle and goal cam.
For those who can make it to Bootle tonight don’t forget to tag us into your photos and tweets on social media @WD_CFC.
Previous Meeting: Saturday 30th April – NWCFL Premier Division
West: Ashley, Mason, Tinker, Bayunu, Rogers, Potts, McGrath, Whyment, Woods, Kay, Steer. Subs: Mendes Gomes, Woodward, Henderson. Subs Not Used: Poole, Simcock.
Goalscorers: Ben Steer, Matty Kay (3), Ash Woods
Attendance: 193
Man of the Match: Matty Kay
