Bootle — Stafford Rangers

REPORT

The result saw Rangers drop two more places in the table and into the relegation zone for the first time this season.
Graham Deakin introduced two new signings with AJ George and Shay Willock making their debuts among 6 changes to the side beaten 6-1 by Nantwich on New Year’s Day.
Play was open with both sides looking for an early advantage but it was the home side who had the first effort on goal, a decent drive from Declan Daniels forcing a save from Arron Davies in the fourth minute.
Rangers’ first opportunity fell to Harry Flowers but he failed to get a clean contact with a half volley and the ball screwed wide.
Ash Fallon had a shot blocked and a Flowers header from James McQuilkin’s free kick was easily gathered by keeper Tony Thompson.
But Bootle began to take control of affairs and only a superb save from Davies prevented Tom Hannigan from putting the home side ahead.
The recalled Stafford keeper twice kept out Courtney Duffus, firstly after Flowers had lost possession on the half way line, then from a scuffed shot following Jay Roberts’ knock back.
On the stroke of half time, Duffus got in behind the defence but an excellent tackle from Andy Burns ensured the teams went in at the break on level terms.
Parity lasted less than two minutes of the second half. Lewis Earl, a constant threat in midfield, picked out the unmarked Daniels 20 yards out and though his shot came back off the cross bar, it struck Davies on the back and rolled, almost apologetically, over the line.
Davies prevented Daniels from adding a second, saving with his feet at the near post while Flowers cut out Jack McGowan.
Davies made two more saves while Ben O’Hanlon made a block on the line to deny Duffus but that moment of bad luck early in the second half proved costly.

Bootle: 1 Tony Thompson, 2 Jay Roberts, 3 Xavier Smith, 4 Matthew Fenton, 5 Tom Hannigan, 6 Lewis Earl, 7 Sam Hughes, 8 Michael Simpson (12 Josh Gregory 75m), 9 Courtney Duffus, 10 Jack McGowan (16 Joe Woolley 80m), 11 Declan Daniels (17 Ryan Beigan 87m). Unused Subs, 14 Anthony Miley, 15 Robbie Morrow

Stafford Rangers: 1 Arron Davies, 2 Andy Burns, 3 Ben O’Hanlon, 4 James McQuilkin, 5 Jimmy O’Neill, 6 Harry Flowers, 7 Ashley Fallon (14 Joe Thomas 65m), 8 Adriel George (16 Dylan Scott 65m), 9 Kaiman Anderson, 10 Shay Willock, 11 Jack Birch (12 John Atherton 80m). Unused Sub 15 Tomasi Wara, 17 Osaze Okuonghae

Goals: Bootle : Davies OG 47m

Referee: Adam Boubrahmi

Cautions: Hughes 85m (Bootle), Fallon 57m, Burns 83m (Stafford)

Att: 363