Leek Town secured a 4-1 victory over Northern Premier League West leaders Bootle in the FA Trophy on Saturday, thanks to a hat-trick from Alex Panter. The match took place at Leek’s home ground and proved a challenging fixture against a Bootle side that had suffered just one league defeat this season.

Bootle started strongly and took an early lead in the fourth minute when Tom Hannigan scored from close range following a corner. Despite Bootle’s bright start, Leek Town equalised in the 25th minute. The goal was officially credited to Alex Hurst after he tapped the ball in from about a yard out. However, teammate Hayden Campbell also believed he had touched the ball over the line first, suggesting some dispute over the goal’s attribution.

The second half saw Leek Town take control of the game. Panter opened his account for the afternoon in the 58th minute, cutting inside from the left flank and finishing past Bootle goalkeeper Joe Mason. Panter extended Leek’s lead in the 83rd minute, calmly slotting home after a well-timed pass from Lucas Weir, allowing home supporters to ease their nerves.

In the final moments of normal time, Panter completed his hat-trick by scoring a goal similar to his first, this time cutting in from the right. This marked Panter’s first treble for Leek Town since joining the club from Nantwich Town over the summer.

The win represents an important result for Leek Town in the cup competition, overcoming a strong opponent in Bootle, who remain top of their league despite the defeat.