WINSFORD United’s campaign continues to be gloriously unpredictable.

Blues, buoyed by back-top-back away wins in league and cup, were flattened by Bootle after giving a flimsy defensive display on Merseyside.

They will hope to bounce back at the first attempt when they host neighbours Barnton on Bank Holiday Monday.

Strange to think then that they took the lead on Saturday when player-manager Lee Duckworth swerved a direct free kick out of goalkeeper Dean Porter’s reach.

That advantage felt precarious straightaway when Steve Jones’ shot skimmed the crossbar.

He was more accurate on 11 minutes, cutting inside from the left before placing a smart finish past Winsford custodian Mike Langley.

In-form striker Nathan Cotterell, already with five goals to his name this term, twice went close to restoring the visitors’ advantage.

However it was Bootle that led at the break instead, Josh Hamilton volleying neatly from Steve Hoy’s cross after the hosts had launched a counter.

Three goals in the opening 16 minutes of the second period settled the outcome.

Jones was again given space to exploit, which he did before tucking in his second of the contest.

Kieran Haligan made it 4-1, punishing Blues for giving the ball away cheaply.

Duckworth tried his luck again from a set piece, only this time to shoot narrowly wide.

Bootle’s victory was complete on the hour when Hamilton converted from the spot, although the margin of their victory might have been wider had Michael Ordish’s speculative attempt from distance not rapped an upright.

Bootle | Porter (GK), Lowe, Ordish, Murphy, Powell, Hoy, Haligan, O’Connor, Jones, Hamilton, Cox Subs not used Doherty, Kelly Goals Jones 11, 49 Hamilton 28, 61 (penalty) Haligan 52 Booked Murphy

Winsford | Langley (GK), Baker, Duckworth, Stott, Parr, Rothwell, Taylor (Moores 67), Jennings, Riley (Egan 61), Cotterell, Collins (Hudson 53) Sub not used Osborne (GK) Goal Duckworth 7 Booked Rothwell, Jennings, Moores

Referee Lewis Smith

Attendance 107

Additional reporting by Bob Astles