City of Liverpool 1-1 Bootle FC
by James Nalton

CITY OF LIVERPOOL and Bootle played out a 1-1 draw in front of 974 spectators on Monday in a fixture which lent support to and showed solidarity with striking workers.

Bootle share their stadium with COLFC and this was the home game for the latter, creating a bustling derby atmosphere around the Vesty Road ground.

The TUC North West were present at the game along with representatives from local unions. They reported that over £800 was raised to help support workers on picket lines in the coming weeks and months.

Prior to the match, there was a tribute to Pele as the COLFC players and mascots held a Brazil flag, while at kick-off both captains held banners in support of the Unison campaign, Put NHS Pay Right.

There was a supportive atmosphere all around the ground for this local derby, both for the pre-match work and for the teams themselves.

The Bootle following in a packed Dodge Kop end were silenced by an early goal from Danny Mitchley.

The Purps striker executed a brilliant overhead kick from a corner routine, well set up by Jack Hazlehurst’s delivery and a header from Peter Wylie.

There were further chances for both sides and COLFC may be disappointed not to have scored a second.

Bootle took one of their chances to level the scores in the second half through Tom Peterson, leading to a back-and-forth final 20 minutes as both had chances to snatch a win.

Mitchley hit the post as Jack McGowan had done earlier for Bootle, but both teams will be pleased with the manner of their displays despite not being able to secure victory.

The Purps move a point further away from the relegation zone while Bootle hope to turn mid-table consolidation into a push for the playoffs.