Following their excellent midweek 2-0 away win at Witton Albion, Darlaston looked to build on to their good start to the season, but it was the visitors who took the spoils. After going ahead mid-way through the first half, two second half goals saw Bootle return up the M6 with 3 points in the bag.

The game was pretty evenly contested throughout, Ben Hodkinson with his pace and trickery and Connor Rankin with his aerial presence looked a threat for the visitors, whilst Jake Collins and James Rowland strike partnership is blossoming for the home side.

With more than 350 National League games behind him former Fylde and Altrincham defender Tom Hannigan was a colossus at the heart of the visitors defence , ably supported by former Preston North End and Bury defender Lewis Earl who was dominant in the air.

Darlaston took the lead on 25 minutes, a Karsten Cairns pass found Jake Collins, his low cross converted by Rowland from close range.

In an attempt to nullify the aerial threat of Rankin, boss Dean Gill made a first half tactical substitution, Jordan Spragg replacing Jack Downing.

Clear chances remained few and far between, neither keeper unduly troubled, Darlaston going onto the break with the narrow advantage.

Bootle opened the second half on the front foot forcing several corners eventually equalising on 52 minutes. A long range dipping volley by Hodkinson forced a good save from keeper Zac Prior low to his left. Hodkinson took the resulting corner, which was only partially cleared back to him, his cross come shot finding Rankin who powerfully headed home from 8 yards.

The game remained fairly even, Bootle having the edge, with their experience and organisation playing some excellent football. Former Rotherham, Morecambe and Altrincham keeper Tony Thompson organised his back four superbly as Bootle went in search of the winner. It came on 75 minutes. Substitute and former Everton, Oldham and Yeovil Town striker Courtney Duffus had been a thorn in the side of Darlaston since coming on, and it was Duffus who got the winner. Some superb, intricate skills by Woolley in midfield created space for him to pass to Hankin. his back post cross, headed back across goal by Duffus beyond the outstretched hand of Prior.

The professionalism and quality of Bootle saw them see out the game in relative comfort.

Following the game Chairman Neil Chambers gave us his thoughts - " We did well today, but Bootle deserved the win. They are full of quality in every position and have several players with Football League and National League experience, that was clear today.

More important than the result was the way every single member of the Bootle contingent represented their club today. I have been involved in Non-League Football as a Supporter, Referee, Assessor, Administrator and Chairman for 61 years. Today, despite the result, was a fantastic day to be involved in non-league football. From the moment the Bootle team bus arrived to the time it left the ground every supporter, committee member, club official, player and management team member were absolutely superb. They loved their first ever visit to Darlaston, had a great time with our supporters and committee, enjoyed our hospitality and were impeccable in every way. I cannot speak highly enough of everyone involved with Bootle Football Club, top people in every way".

The club's photographers Button Oak Photography were as always at the game, their images from the afternoon are available on the clubs website by clicking Bootle - Home

Darlaston are back at it tomorrow afternoon, when they visit second placed Shifnal Town kick off 3 pm