Bootle caretaker manager Chris Stammers hopes his side can continue showing their grit after battling with FC United of Manchester.
The Bucks came from two goals down to secure a replay in the FA Cup after falling behind in the first half.
Jordan Wynne’s late equaliser secured a draw after Ben Hodkinson’s second half penalty.
In the replay they found themselves behind again but their grit showed as Tom Peterson and Paul Joy steered the manager-less side in front.
But two late goals from the Reds sealed their place in the next round confirming their spot in the clash against Blyth Spartans.
Bootle’s preparations for the original First Round Qualifying were rocked following the resignations of long-standing manager Joe Doran who stepped away from his duties at Vesty Road.
Chris Stammers and Richie Boswarva stepped in to take the reigns.
Across the 180 minutes of football, Stammers was pleased with what he saw and “couldn’t fault” his players.
“Couldn’t fault them, the game plan first half was to play cautious and they’ve got the first goal, obviously debatable some of the lads said it was offside but we’ve got to deal with the long ball better,” he told Off The Park.
“The second one we got caught out really. We changed it second half, we went full length, high press and I can’t fault the lads.
“We were dominant, can’t really remember FC United getting into our half, think he only had one save in the second half. Created enough chances to win the game I thought, I would say 2-2 was a fair reflection on the day.
“It’s just one of them that’s the beauty of the FA Cup, could not fault the lads they gave everything.
“We created so many opportunities, clear cut as well within the 18-yard box and I think if we take them it’s a different game.
“On paper they’ve had three chances and taken them, disappointing we’ve been told it’s 95 minutes and they scored in 98 but something we’ve got to address as a group that we stay switched on until the final whistle.
“Again, couldn’t fault them since Joe stepped down and me and Richie stepped up the lads have been top drawer.
“Got the fans behind the team, think we’ve gained some too which is a massive bonus, they’re like a 12th man.
“We spoke to someone who’d been at FC United seven years and he said in all his time he never seen the fans clap off the opposition. It really was a testament to have they’ve played over two games.
“We’re a new team coming up so the intensity of the game has changed. At the end of the day, in black and white it says we’ve drawn and lost against FC United and the performance nobody sees it.
“We said after the game, the performances they’re putting in are exceptional but it’s the fact now we’ve got to turn the performances into results. I’d take a nightmare performance on Saturday just to get three points, people talk about luck but you make your own luck as far as I’m concerned.
“We’ve knocked of the door a lot in the last two games. Just that little difference and the team above, they were more clinical but our lads are working to get to that level and that’s part and parcel what you’ve got to coach.
“We’ve seen lads stand up and be counted over the last couple of games it’s been brilliant, as long as we can carry that forward and carry on consistency.”
