Carlton Town’s FA Cup run came to an end with a 3-0 defeat at Matlock Town.
The Gladiators scored twice in the final minutes to put a gloss on the scoreline that was harsh on the Millers, but the visitors could have no complaints about the result of the game despite their valiant efforts on the day.
Mark Harvey and Andy Clerke made two changes to the side which had progressed in the FA Trophy last time out against Long Eaton, with Greg Tempest and Oliver Clark replacing the absent Niall Davie and the suspended Nat Watson.
Matlock featured Northern Ireland international Conor Washington in their starting eleven, a player who joined the Gladiators in the summer from Championship side Derby County. They also started with Tom Elliott who joined from step 2 side Buxton in the summer with another ex-Buck Diego De Girolamo on the bench.
That difference in quality was certainly evident in the open 15 minutes as Matlock flew out of the blocks and pinned Carlton back. An early corner was headed clear by Dean Freeman and when the ball was played back in Khyle Sargent made a superb block.
Kiyani Clayton then fired just wide of the post as Carlton struggled to retain any possession. A goal looked like it was coming and it arrived on 15 minutes via the penalty spot. A corner was played into the Carlton penalty area, Lewis Durow brought down Elliott and Washington sent Felix Annan the wrong way.
Clayton then sent up Elliott for a shot only for Annan to make a superb save.
Carlton overcame their sluggish start and had their best spell of the game in the final 25 minutes of the first half. Tempest and Durow combined for Ash Chambers to strike at goal, but his effort was blocked. At the other end Dan Brown had to be alert to intercept as Matlock raced forward, but Carlton began to take control of the midfield, with Clark particularly impressive against his old team.
Durow crossed for Sargent to volley at goal which earned Carlton a corner. Tempest whipped in the ball for Clark to head goalwards, only to be denied by a superb save to his left by Jake Oram. Moments later the same two players combined with Clark heading over.
Roared on by a large travelling support Clark advanced down the left before crossing to Chambers whose shot beat Oram but agonisingly hit the post. That was the closest Carlton would come to scoring.
Matlock always looked dangerous though and when Brown held up Washington, Elliott was on hand to fire high over the top. Annan was then called upon to make another fine save, this time from Clayton.
Carlton pushed forward themselves and Chambers chipped just over shortly before half time.
The second half was a scrappier affair with Carlton working hard but Matlock keeping their shape and full back Declan Eratt-Thompson covering seemingly all of the Millers attacks. Brown had to be alert to block an early Washington effort while Tempest lifted a free kick just over after Sargent was fouled.
Tempest saw another shot saved with Chambers claiming a penalty n the build up for a push, but the referee was not interested.
Both Freeman and Brown got in important blocks as Matlock moved the ball around menacingly. Chambers dispossessed Harlain Mbayo on the half line and spotted Oram off his line. He tried an audacious chip but it lacked purchase and Oram saved comfortably.
Carlton made a number of substitutions in an effort to get an equaliser and by the end of the game Freeman was playing as an additional striker. But in truth the changes failed to have the desired effect as Matlock kept their shape and kept the Millers at arms length.
Liam Moran did see one shot saved by Oram and with four minutes remaining Carlton had their final chance. Moran and Sargent combined to play the ball to Niall Hylton on the edge of the box. He turned beautifully to leave his marker trailing but then fired wide of target.
Matlock sealed the win in the 90th minute when Washington held off Shea Thomspon-Harris and rifled home from inside the area. Deep into added time Annan made a fine save from Cameron Wilson but there was still time for the Gladiators to score again when Eratt-Thompson darted forward before setting up substitute De Girolamo who arrowed a drive into the corner of the net.
Those final goals were harsh on the Millers who claimed both may have been offside (the video suggests it was very tight either way) but there was no disgrace in going out to a side with such resources in the strikeforce. The Milllers deserved the applause from the traveling support on the final whistle.
Carlton Town: F Annan, L Bateman (S Thompson-Harris 78), L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman, G Tempest (E Robson 73), A Howes (L Moran 65), K Sargent, A Chambers (A Troke 78), O Clark (K Watson 73), N Hylton. Unused subs: L Manneh
Goals: Conor Washington 15 (pen), 90, Diego De Girolamo 90+5
Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: G Tempest
Att: 507
