Barnton defeat higher-ranked Bootle after penalty shoot-out in Men United Cup second round encounter

BARNTON claimed a higher-ranked scalp to reach the Men United Cup third round on Saturday.

It needed a penalty shootout for Leon Knight’s side to beat North West Counties Premier Division outfit Bootle, but the Villagers secured a clash with promotion rivals Stockport Town as a result.

Defender Danny Meadowcroft tucked away the winning penalty after Kayde Coppin and Jackson Ellis efforts had kept the sides level.

"I thought the team dug in well throughout against a team from higher league who came in with a good run and confidence,” said Meadowcroft.

“Defensively, as a back five, I thought it was our best game. When penalties came I had every confidence I would score.”

Knight handed Adam Garner, a recent arrival from Prescot Cables, with debut as the Villagers’ defence proving resolute throughout.

Barnton grew into the game late in the first half and continued their improvement in the second, with Kev Towey going close after the restart.

Ten minutes after the break they opened the scoring, with Adam Judge’s long kick flicked on by Towey into the path of Coppin for the forward to slot home his fourth goal in as many games.

Bootle hit back with 11 minutes remaining when Ellis finished from 18 yards, and with extra time goalless it went to penalties.

Towey scored and Judge saved Bootle’s second kick, only for Jason McShane to see his effort saved for the hosts.

The visitors missed their fifth penalty, leaving Meadowcroft to stroke home the winner.

Barnton host Winsford United in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup quarter finals on Wednesday, kick off 7.45pm.

They follow that by welcoming Bacup Borough to Townfield on Saturday.

Barnton Judge (GK), Garner, Rigby, Pollard, Meadowcroft, Burke, Towey, McShane, Copping, Quirk, Stafford Subs Lomax, Laverty, Richards, Malone, Knight

Attendance 55