STAND'S 21-match unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of Bootle - but they still have a 12 point lead at the top of the NWCL Division Two.

Nick Davis' men last lost in late August to Nelson but the run was always under threat as Stand were lack lustre against the Liverpool side.

They did force a series of early corners but Bootle's Ronnie Morgan and Terry Burghall were a threat up front while Stand's Lee Wilkinson and Chris Denham were starved of service.

Bootle hit the Stand bar twice in the first half but made a chance count on 47 minutes. The impressive Morgan slipped through the Stand defence with ease and shot low past Tommy Allen.

Stand introduced Steve Davis, recovering from injury, at the back and they looked livelier and looked good for a point when Mark Denham was felled in the area. But the referee waved away any penalty appeals and for once Stand left with nothing.

BOOTLE...1 STAND...0