A second half strike from debutant Jack Newall saw Carlton Town start the season with a 1-0 win at Bridlington Town.
The win was fully deserved with the Millers controlling the second half after a cagey opening 45 minutes. But for a couple of fine saves from former Polish international goalkeeper Seb Malkowski the margin of victory would have been greater.
Newall was signed on a month’s loan from Burton Albion only a few days before the match after the Millers suffered some injuries in training. Also brought in on loan was Cuba Mayer and he too started in a side that otherwise contained nine players who were part of the squad that qualified for the playoffs last season.
Cheered on in glorious sunshine by an excellent away following, Carlton started the game reasonably well with some neat passing on a fine surface. But in the opening stages they rarely threatened the Brid goal and it was the home side who had the first two efforts, with Jack Morre-Billam firing just over and then just wide.
Lamin Manneh became an increasing threat to the Seasiders as the half progressed and after a jinking run he was denied by a fine save from Malkowski. Captain Niall Davie also saw an effort fly just wide after a clever flick from Niall Hylton.
Shortly before the break Dean Freeman had to treated for a cut to his head after an accidental clash and he played the second half with a bloodied bandage a la Terry Butcher / Paul Ince / John Wile (delete as appropriate based on your age).
Carlton replaced Meyer with another debutant, Jonny Gilbert, at half time and it was obvious from the restart that Carlton had got control of the midfield and a grip on the game.
Newall opened the scoring on 51 minutes, running onto a Freeman flick from a Lewis Durow throw and calmly steering the ball past Malkowski. Newall then played the ball to Hylton whose superb run and shot was deflected behind for a corner.
Manneh was then at it, darting down the left and crossing for Newall who looked certain to score only to be denied by a superb stop from the Brid keeper. And Malkowski was quickly up to cut out a follow-up cross from Alex Howes.
Freeman and Dan Brown dealt comfortably with the Brid attacking threat and Michael Ford and Durow had accomplished games at full back. Indeed, the defensive work was of such quality that Felix Annan didn’t have a genuine shot to save all match.
The same couldn’t be said at the other end and Malkowski made another excellent save on 70 minutes to deny Manneh.
There was time for further debuts from the bench for Lord Marfo and Neo Saunders and Saunders hit a late effort over the bar before the referee ended proceedings. The entire squad came across to thank the efforts of a raucous travelling support who were helped along by some impressive drumming from some Brid youngsters.
Carlton Town: F Annan, M Ford, L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman, N Davie, L Manneh, C Mayer (J Gilbert 46), J Newall (L Marfo 79), A Howes, N Hylton (N Saunders 90). Unused subs: Â Z Hill, Osa Soloman
Goals: Jack Newall 51
Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: Lamin Manneh
Att: 253
