On 14th August 2024 at Millholme, Bootle AFC faced off against Kirkby United First in a gripping league encounter. The match concluded with Kirkby United edging out Bootle by a score of 7-6 in what proved to be an exhilarating spectacle, highlighted by a series of dramatic goals and twists.
Bootle AFC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that typically emphasises a strong defensive line coupled with fluid attacking transitions. Matthew Lampitt took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Liam Wilson on the right, Kieran Lawson and Jack Denwood in central defence, and Neil Fell on the left. The midfield duo featured Oliver Smith and Daniel Lowery, tasked with orchestrating play and providing support to the attacking line. Ahead of them, Aaron Bradley operated on the right, with Ethan Preston on the left, while Andrew Knowles assumed a central attacking role, supporting striker Thomas Millard, who was the focal point of the attack.
The substitutes for Bootle AFC included Ike Martin, Kyle Riley, and Josh Denwood, offering tactical options as the match progressed.
The match started with a swift blow to Bootle’s ambitions as Kirkby United opened the scoring just four minutes in with a header that set the tone for what would be an eventful match. Bootle struggled to find their rhythm early on, and Kirkby capitalised by doubling their lead with a penalty in the 32nd minute, converted coolly with the right foot.
The situation worsened for Bootle just before half-time when an unfortunate own goal from close range in the 39th minute saw Kirkby extend their lead to 3-0. With the half-time whistle approaching, tensions boiled over as Jack Denwood received a yellow card for dissent, adding to Bootle's woes. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when goalkeeper Matthew Lampitt made a crucial penalty save right before the break, keeping Bootle in the game with a score of 3-0 at half-time.
The second half began with Kirkby United immediately asserting their dominance again, scoring a header in the 50th minute to increase their lead to 4-0. Bootle's situation seemed dire, but they sparked into life as the match progressed. Ethan Preston and Andrew Knowles combined well, leading to a brilliant goal from Thomas Millard in the 60th minute, who finished with his right foot after a clever flick from Knowles, making the score 4-1.
Kirkby responded swiftly, scoring again in the 62nd minute with an inside-the-box strike that restored their four-goal cushion. However, Bootle continued to press, and Aaron Bradley scored from close range in the 63rd minute, a well-placed right-footed shot assisted by Jack Denwood, bringing the score to 5-2.
The back-and-forth continued as Kirkby struck again in the 65th minute with another goal, seemingly putting the match beyond reach at 6-2. However, a tactical switch from Bootle saw Ike Martin and Kyle Riley introduced, leading to a resurgence in their performance. Oliver Smith scored a well-crafted goal in the 69th minute, firing home with his right foot after a short pass from Riley, narrowing the deficit to 6-3.
Bootle’s relentless attack showed no signs of abating as Aaron Bradley, now in full flow, scored again in the 75th minute with a header from a corner, assisted by Andrew Knowles, bringing the score to 6-4. Kyle Riley further reduced the gap in the 80th minute, converting inside the box from another assist by Oliver Smith, making it 6-5.
With time running out, Bootle pushed for an equaliser, and in the 88th minute, Aaron Bradley completed his hat-trick with a composed finish assisted by Knowles, making it an incredible 6-6. But heartbreak struck moments later, as Kirkby snatched back the lead, scoring in the dying moments of the contest to seal a thrilling 7-6 victory.
As the final whistle blew, Bootle AFC could reflect on a valiant effort that fell just short, showcasing both their attacking prowess and resilience in a match that will live long in the memory of their supporters.
