By Ethan Hoijord

Vauxhall Motors saw their run of games without a win extend to six as they were narrowly beaten against former promotion winning manager Mick McGraa’s Bootle on Saturday afternoon.

There were some exciting changes to Danny Holmes’ starting eleven as the Motormen looked to bounce back from their defeat to Runcorn Linnets last time out, full-back Lewis Sinnott and forward Connor Rankin slotted straight into the side.

However, two goals in the second half wasn’t enough for The Motormen to claim a point as defender Ben Dufton-Kelly replaced dismissed keeper Jack Atkinson in goal.

The visitors looked to make use of their fast frontline as former Motors man Connor Harwood had the ball nicked off his foot by Lewis Willingham inside the box.

McGraa’s side continued to press as a good shot by top scorer Ben Hodkinson bounced in front of Jack Atkinson but he was able to see the danger out.

Aiming to balance play, Vauxhall midfielder Haydn Cooper was involved in a number of battles with Bootle’s number seven Sonny Hilton.

Bootle remained on top and a good shot by Jack Lenehan went just wide of Atkinson’s net.

However, it was the hosts that would get closer to edging themselves in front when creative midfielder Jordan Deer took a clever free kick that nearly caught out keeper Tony Thompson at his near post.

Holmes’ side continued their good period, by again getting close to finding that goal when a header was cleared off the line from a corner.

Another chance was created when Thompson was chased down by forward George Nugent. Nugent won the ball from the experienced shot stopper but was sent backwards by a strong defence that started a counter attack which resulted in the unmarked Hodkinson firing into the top corner from outside the box.

It was far from the start to the second half that the hosts would have hoped for as Atkinson was sent off for kicking out at a Bootle forward who had found himself through on goal.

The former Bury FC man was replaced by defender Ben Dufton-Kelly in net and Hodkinson added to his tally from the resulting free kick.

Jake Kirby soon halved the deficit with a brilliantly placed header into Thompson’s top corner.

New signing Conor Rankin squandered a fantastic opportunity to level the scoreline, not too long afterwards.

However, it was Bootle that would score next as Jake Burton’s head reached a deflected cross into the box. The ball looped over Dufton-Kelly who had been standing strong.

It was a spirited performance by the ten men Motors and Willingham struck inside the box with five minutes left to play.

However, his goal wasn’t enough to spark a comeback as the game finished 3-2.

Vauxhall Motors are back in action next Saturday afternoon as they face Avro at The VanEupen Arena whilst Bootle play host to Kidsgrove Athletic.

Vauxhall Motors FC, managed by Danny Holmes: Jack Atkinson, Ethan Gouldbourne, Lewis Sinnott, Lewis Willingham, Ben Dufton-Kelly, Haydn Cooper, George Nugent, Ben Holmes (54’), Connor Rankin, Jake Kirby, Jordan Deer (49’). SUBS: Jay Harvey, Joe Brandon, Will Dunne (54’), Adam Hughes (49’), Will Mountfield.

Bootle FC, managed by Mick McGraa: Tony Thompson, Sean Smith, Michael Carberry, Sam Hughes, Scott Sephton, James Cooper, Sonny Hilton, Jack Lenehan, Conor Harwood, Jake Burton, Ben Hodkinson. SUBS: Jack Bentley, Craig Carney, Moses Yoak, Tom Peterson, Michael Burkey.

Referee: Jordan Brooks
Assistants: George Payne, Adam Sefton

Attendance: 259