PAUL Moore admitted that Northwich Victoria are feeling sorry for themselves after their latest defeat, but has backed his players to turn around their fortunes.

Three new signings –Matthew Holmes, Chris Lawton and Michael Pino – played from the start on Saturday while George Riley, a fourth, appeared as a substitute.

“I was happy with our performance even though we didn’t collect any points,” said the Vics boss.

“It was the first time lads had played together, and the new guys fitted in well.

“We’re building a good squad, and I’m sure our luck will turn.”

Holmes was busy in the early stages at Townfield, saving Ste Jones’ header at the base of an upright before stopping Ben Hodkinson’s shot from outside of the penalty area.

However Daniel Murphy’s header put the Bucks in front midway.

Vics went close when John Bennett sent Olly Walker clear, but Bootle custodian Jordan Gidley blocked with a boot.

Lawton’s header then dropped narrowly wide from Matty Shaw’s resulting corner, although the hosts drew level when Shaw’s cross was met with an emphatic header by leading goal-scorer Brian Matthews.

Bootle, many observers’ tip to be promoted to the Northern Premier League this season, were denied a second goal when Holmes saved superbly from James Howell.

They did edged ahead though on 56 minutes when Jones hooked in from close range after Vics failed to deal with a throw.

Pino prompted Gidley to save smartly from his low drive before Hodkinson netted what proved to be a decisive goal when he swept in captain Liam Loughlin’s through-ball.

Lawton had intercepted the pass, only to then slip.

Walker finished smartly after Matthews had failed to control of substitute Jordan Cobley’s lofted pass, but Vics’ attempt to conjure an equaliser proved in vain.

Moore added: “It was an entertaining game, and we ran a decent team close who I think will be challenging at the top of the table.

“That gives us optimism even though we’re down at the moment because if feels as if we’re being punished every time we make an error.”

Vics | Holmes (GK), McDonnell (Riley 67), Shinks, Lawton, Willis, Bennett, Shaw (Cobley 72), Pino, Kavanagh (Smith 90), Matthews, Walker Subs not used Lawrence, Berrisford Goals Matthews 36, Walker 73 Booked Shaw

Bootle | Gidley (GK), Halligan, Swatton, Murphy, Rendell, Ellis-Pratt, Howell, Loughlin, Jones (Millington 79), Hodkinson (Price 86), Cox

Subs not used Gregson, Coulton, Taylor Goals Murphy 22, Jones 56, Hodkinson 69 Booked Hodkinson

Attendance 110

Report by Jamie Dewsbury