After the clean sheet in the previous day’s match against Spalding, hopes were high of a more resilient Millers display. However, familiar failings were on display with poor goals conceded coupled with an abundance of good chances missed.
Scott made five changes to the side which drew with Spalding the night before, with Kaylum Mitchell (in unfamiliar left back position), Harry Gibbons, Danny Elliott, Joe Sheekey and Tom Hutchinson all starting. For the latter two it was their first team full debuts. Out went Louis Danquah, Darol Lucas, Eddie Schoenecker, Ben Hutchinson and Mamoke Akaunu.
The first chance of the game came on 10 minutes when Tyler Blake raced clean through after a slip by Ryan Clemson, but he fired his shot straight at goalkeeper Callum Hawkins. Gibbons played the resulting corner straight to Riece Bertram whose volley was saved by Hawkins.
Lucas Harrison fed Zachary Hill who held off Kieran Walker before squaring to Kane Lee who fired wide from a good position.
The Millers opened the scoring on 18 minutes. Hill’s back header fell well short of the mark and once again Blake raced clear on goal. This time he made no mistake, firing past Hawkins despite the keeper getting a glove to the ball.
Carlton keeper Jack Steggles had to be alert to save a Josh Dutton effort low to his left as Gresley responded. It was Steggles’s error that led to the equaliser on 26 minutes, as he rushed out late to a through ball and Matt Melbourne beat him to hit, heading into the unguarded goal.
Blake almost put Carlton back in front but Clemson managed to divert his shot over the bar.
Gresley went in front on 41 minutes with a fine half-volley from Lee following a corner from the right.
Carlton should have levelled two minutes after the restart when Blake was clean through again, but once again Hawkins got his legs in the way to block the shot.
Steggles then made a fine save from Lee after forcing him wide when he breached the Carlton defence.
Lee then missed the ball completely in front of goal after a good cross by Harry Hughes.
It was all Gresley at this point and Steggles made another fine save, this time from Pearson Mwanyongo at the near post.
Akaunu lost the ball in midfield on 65 minutes and Gresley capitalised to extend their lead. They broke down the left and a cross shot found Melbourne all alone at the back post looking suspiciously offside. There was no flag, and to be fair no claims, and he had the simple task of tapping in.
With 14 minutes remaining Alvin Jarvis dragged Blake to the floor and the Millers players were astonished to see no penalty given. Sheekey reacted quickest to the loose ball but his shot flew over the bar.
With six minutes remaining Elliott fired inches wide from the edge of the box before Joshua Harris, making his debut as substitute, twisted and turned and drew a good save from Hawkins after a fine ball from Gibbons.
Clemson brought down Blake in the area in the last minute of normal time for a penalty and Blake stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way. However the two minutes of added time were not enough and Gresley held out.
Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: Tyler Blake
Attendance: 165
