By Ethan Hoijord

Photo by Marc Gibbs

Vauxhall Motors continued their good run of form with a hard fought victory away at Bootle on Saturday afternoon.

The Motormen had started the season poorly but their fortunes changed when they picked up their first three points at home to City of Liverpool before progressing into the next round of the FA Trophy.

Bootle, managed by Dave McNabb, were unbeaten in five thus provided a strong challenge at The Berry Street Garage Stadium and they started the afternoon strongly as left-back Arthur Lomax, formerly of Tranmere Rovers, continued to threaten on the wing.

Lomax linked up well with Mason Fawns before sending a good ball in to the box for Striker Bailey Thompson who headed narrowly wide.

However, there were very limited chances created by both teams for a great period of time.

Tom Moore got incredibly close to edging his side, Bootle, in front as his shot, when unmarked at the back post from a corner, was hit wide.

The Motormen’s counter attack from that was greatly efficient as midfielder Ste Rigby netted into an empty net following on from a great save after a Conor Harwood header.

Bootle searched for the equaliser before the whistle blew for half-time as a shot from outside the area was parried by Sam Booth but the ball was cleared out to safety.

McNabb’s men were on top during the opening stages of the second half. However, many chances went to waste as Mason Fawns hit over the bar.

Freshening up his side’s energy in midfield, Motors manager Mick McGraa replaced goalscorer Rigby with Sean Moscrop.

The substitution worked wonders as Vauxhall doubled their lead through Michael Burkey’s great trickery, slotting the ball into the corner of the net from the left hand side.

However, Bootle kept on pushing and would get themselves back in the game when a weak header by Adam Hughes was sent to the feet of Sam Burns who flicked it over Booth in a cool fashion.

Bootle pushed for an equaliser with eight minutes added time but Booth secured all three points with an amazing acrobatic save with seconds left on the clock. His and the team’s loud celebrations after the game were fully deserved.

Vauxhall are next back in action next weekend as it’s a massive FA Trophy tie at home to Stocksbridge Park Steels.