Bootle failed to follow up their impressive win away at Workington last week as they slumped to a 1-2 defeat against Newcastle Town.
Connor Millington marked his return from injury with a goal but it proved too little too late for the Bucks after first-half goals from James Askey and Ryan Baxter.
Arthur Lomax-Jones had the best opening after a quiet opening exchanges. He shifted the ball onto his left foot before firing low but his effort was parried by Joseph Slinn.
However, it was the visitors who took the lead. The Newcastle Town defender ghosted towards the back-post and headed past Archie Cunningham, who was deputising for the injured Josh Ollerenshaw, shortly before the half-hour mark.
Bootle had a chance to level proceedings through Eddie Clarke but the outstretched leg off Slinn diverted it agonisingly wide.
And on the stroke of half-time, Robin van den Laan’s side doubled their lead. Baxter raced onto a through ball and fired past Cunningham from a tight angle.
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After the restart, the visitors could’ve been out of sight. Baxter again was in behind the hosts defence, despite a sublime first touch he fired wide of the post.
Jack McGowan offered an element of resistance as he fashioned an opportunity for the Bucks. The forward raced through but his low volley was blocked by the legs of Cunningham.
Arthur-Lomax cut inside onto his left foot and saw his stinging effort fizz over the bar. Twelve minutes from time, the deficit was halved.
Substitute Millington scored with his first touch as he made the net bulge with drilled a half-volley.
Steve McNulty’s side probed and had opportunities. Arthur-Lomax was unmarked at the back post but tamely headed into the side netting.
Sam Taylor then raced through but couldn’t tuck his effort away as he too fired into the side netting in what proved to be the best opportunity to equalise late on.
Match Stats:
Bootle 1-2 Newcastle Town
Goals: 78′ Connor Millington; 28′ James Askey, 44′ Ryan Baxter.
HT/FT Score: 0-2/1-2
