Bootle stayed top of the Northern Premier League West Division after a comfortable win over Stalybridge Celtic at the Berry Street Garage Stadium. 

The home side were on top from the first whistle, after they forced a late clearance off the line from a wicked delivery off a corner by Ste Edmondson. 

This was only the start for Edmondson as just a few minutes later he gave the Bucks the lead. A sublime long pass forward from Jay Roberts was latched onto by Declan Daniels, who then laid the ball off for Edmondson to fire it home. 

An early goal conceded however looked to waken up the Celts as they built up a bit of pressure, which resulted in a strong volley from Ellis Horan, but it was well held by Joe Mason. 

Normality was restored throughout the rest of the first half with the league leaders having attack after attack but somehow not adding to their lead. 

The best of the chances came from a fluke cross from the goalscorer which struck the crossbar, before the ball fell to three Bootle players all trying their luck. Finally, it fell to Edmondson again, but his effort flew straight over the bar. 

The hosts came out after half time with clear intent to put the game to bed, and just 10 minutes into the second half they did just that doubling their lead. 

A brilliant counter attacking move started off by Lewis Doyle as he released Daniels down the left, who took a touch inside before the ball was returned to Doyle where he made a composed finish into the bottom corner past the palm of Charlie Monks. 

From then on, it was a comfortable half hour for the leaders with no real threat from the visitors until the final whistle. 

An ill-tempered second half on the pitch seemed to have spilled into the crowd, as clashes were seen as the crowd left the Berry Street Garage Stadium. 

The Bucks were without their top goalscorer so far this season Ben Hodkinson, who has scored 15 goals, due to work commitments, but that proved to be insignificant as they maintained their flawless start to the season remaining the team to chase in the Northern Premier League West Division.