Ben Hodkinson’s direct free-kick ensured that Bootle earned three points following their drab derby with 10-man Skelmersdale United.
The Bucks extended their unbeaten run to four matches, two wins from their last two, boosting the hosts up to 11th – six points off the playoffs.
Following a dull final 45, a flash point saw on-loan striker Max McCarthy shown a straight red card for violent conduct in the dying moments for the visitors.
Steve McNulty’s side were in front after nine minutes when Nivaldo pounced on a poor mistake from the visitors. A mistake between the defender and goalkeeper handed the forward the perfect opportunity to open the scoring.
Sam Sheen answered back for Skem after Bootle failed to clear a corner. The ball came to the edge of the box to the midfielder who saw his effort deflect into the back of the net leaving the wrong-footed Wyll Stanway rooted the spot.
Moments earlier, the on-loan shot-stopper made a superb save tipping round the post from Elliot Morris’ low effort.
The second-half was largely uneventful with Max McCarthy firing over from 18 yards.
With 13 minutes left, Bootle were back in front and it was a third in as many games for Hodkinson.
His corner swung into the back of the net and beyond Sam Ashton – in what was an unhappy return for the former goalkeeper.
Match Stats:
Bootle 2-1 Skelmersdale United
Goals: 9′ Nivaldo, 78′ Ben Hodkinson; 35′ Sam Sheen
HT/FT Score: 1-1/2-1
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