In an exhilarating encounter at the Marine Travel Arena on 8th August 2025, Litherland Remyca Res and FC Bootle played out a gripping 2-2 draw in their league clash. The match, which kicked off at 7:45pm, saw both teams display resilience and attacking flair, ensuring that the 46 spectators were treated to a memorable evening of football.
Litherland Remyca Res lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for dynamic attacking play. Josh Cockrey took his position in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of George Maddock on the right, Sam Kearney and Michael McDonald in central defence, and Owen Stafford on the left. Callum Moffatt operated as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. The front three featured Jake Preston and Cameron Taylor as right and left attacking midfielders respectively, supporting striker Dermot Armstrong, with Rhys Madu on the left flank. The substitutes for the match included Rhyce Merrifield, Paul Cliff, Yanis Al-Abbas, and Josh Rice.
The match began with Litherland Remyca Res asserting their dominance early on, and it was Cameron Taylor who opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Taylor's deft finish from a well-placed cross set the tone for an exciting first half, as the home side looked to build on their lead. However, FC Bootle responded with determination, and their persistence paid off just before half-time when they were awarded a penalty in the 40th minute. The visitors converted the spot-kick, bringing the score to 1-1 as the teams headed into the break.
As the second half commenced, Litherland Remyca Res made an early substitution, bringing on Rhyce Merrifield for the injured Dermot Armstrong. The tactical shift aimed to maintain their attacking threat while ensuring stability in midfield. However, FC Bootle took the lead for the first time in the match in the 62nd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to score their second goal.
The match intensified as Litherland Remyca Res sought to equalise, and George Maddock received a yellow card in the 64th minute for unsporting behaviour, a sign of the mounting pressure on the home side. Callum Moffatt soon followed suit, receiving a yellow card in the 71st minute as the game became increasingly physical.
In a crucial moment late in the match, Litherland Remyca Res made another substitution, with Josh Rice replacing Jake Preston, who had succumbed to injury. The introduction of Rice proved pivotal, as he found the back of the net in the 88th minute, restoring parity for the home side and sending the crowd into raptures.
As the match approached its conclusion, Josh Rice's joy was tempered when he received a yellow card in the 90th minute for unsporting behaviour, a reflection of the match's intensity. Despite both teams pushing for a winner in the dying moments, the score remained 2-2, leaving both sides to share the spoils in a thrilling encounter that showcased the competitive spirit of the league.
