NPL First Division East – 9 March 2024

Carlton Town went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat against title chasing Stockton Town at Stoke Lane.

The Millers matched the league leaders for long spells of the game, even after being reduced to ten men midway through the second half and can consider themselves unlucky not to have taken a share of the spoils with a number of chances going begging.  But Stockton did create some good opportunities of their own and hit the woodwork in addition to their two goals.  Ultimately, they just had a little bit more than Carlton on the day.

Mark Harvey and Tommy Brookbanks made one change to the side which had beaten Bridlington last time out, with Alex Howes returning for Shea Thompson-Haris.  That meant Lawrence Gorman moved to right back with Howes in midfield.

Stockton came into the game having tasted defeat for the first time in over four months after a midweek loss to Newton Aycliffe, but they got off to the perfect start with a goal after just 80 seconds.  A corner from the right from Glen Butterworth found Stephen Thompson and he converted unchallenged.

Minutes later Michael Roberts ran clear on goal, only to be denied by a wonderful save from Felix Annan.

Carlton responded with their first attack and it really should have led to a goal.  Lewis Durow found Greg Tempest.  His through ball sent Micah Jebbison clear on goal, with Alex Hardwick alongside him.  Jebbison elected to take an extra touch when he could have shot and visiting goalkeeper Nathan Harker dived at his feet to save.

Carlton had a strong wind at their back and were using it to try and get in behind the Anchors defence.  They were desperately close to equalising on 31 minutes when Dean Freeman’s header from a Durow throw beat Harker, only for Thomas Portas to head off the line.

Stockton moved the ball around neatly but in general terms Carlton kept them at bay, with Dan Brown and Freeman dealing with the threat down the middle and Durow and Gorman likewise on the wings.

Durow ought to have levelled minutes before half time when he met a Tempest corner at the far post, but he couldn’t keep his header down and the ball flew over the bar from a couple of yards.

The Millers made a dream start to the second period and were level in the first minute.  Another Durow throw was only half cleared to Howes on the edge of the box.  His attempt at goal was mishit but Sargent stretched, won the ball whilst on the floor and got to his feet in a flash before lifting the cheekiest of chips into the corner of the net beyond Harker.

What momentum the goal had given the home side was extinguished within five minutes as the visitors regained the lead with the softest of goals.  A free kick from the left from Butterworth found Thomas Coulthard unmarked and he headed home from eight yards to the delight of the excellent travelling support, who included former Premier league referee Jeff Winter in their number.

Stockton were buoyed by the goal and Annan had to be alert to make a fine save from Thompson soon after.  At the other end Niall Hylton fired just over the bar.

The wind had died down in the second half and both sides were playing some impressive football on a pitch that had recovered well from the recent lashings of rain.  The Millers brought on Lamin Manneh and Niall Davie with half an hour remaining and Manneh in particular was a threat.

But Carlton’s task was made more difficult on 65 minutes when Sargent was sent off for a second yellow card following a foul on Thompson.

The Anchors really should have secured the win with 20 minutes remaining when, after a quick break down the right hand side, Kevin Hayes arrowed in on goal.  His shot was blocked at the far post by Brown, who fell over in the process, but with the entire goal at his mercy Roberts some how lifted his shot high and wide from six yards.

Carlto looked to take advantage of the let-off and Manneh and Hardwick combined well on the edge of the box before Harker rushed off his line to deny the former.

Multi-marathon running Michael Ford was brought on in the closing stages but it was the visitors who went closest to scoring when Butterworth fed Michael Fowler whose lovely shot from the edge of the box beat Annan but struck the post and was cleared.

Carlton continued to push forward and in the dying minutes of added time they were awarded a free kick just outside the area.  Stockton were able to clear Tempest’s delivery and the referee then ended proceedings.  The Millers team received a well-deserved round of applause from their supporters at the end.

Carlton Town: F Annan, L Gorman, L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman, G Tempest, M Jebbison (L Manneh 59), A Howes (N Davie 59), A Hardwick, K Sargent, N Hylton (M Ford 80).  Unused Subs: D Adegbola, P Dearle

Goals: K Sargent 46; Stephen Thompson 2, Thomas Coulthard 51

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: Khyle Sargent

Att: 155