A stunning performance from visiting goalkeeper Myles Wright meant Carlton Town had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw with Sheffield at Stoke Lane.
A fairly even first period was followed by a relentless Carlton onslaught in the second half of a thrilling encounter but Wright stood firm and on the one time he was beaten the post came to Sheffield’s rescue as the points were shared. The attendance, which appeared higher than the official 218, certainly got their money’s worth.
Tommy Brookbanks and Mark Harvey made just one change to the side which had beaten Bridlington on the opening day of the season, with the returning Nat Watson replacing Cuba Mayer. In glorious summer sunshine on a fine playing surface, the Millers got off to the perfect start when they took the lead on just four minutes. A Lewis Durow throw found Lamin Manneh in space on the left side of the penalty area. His clever pass to Jack Newall saw the Burton loanee hit a lovely first time shot into the corner of the net in a move that was pure art.
Carlton continued to push forward but Club levelled with the first attack on 19 minutes. A quick attack down the left saw an excellent cross find Luke Aldrich ins space and he fired across Felix Annan to equalise.
The remainder of the first half was a fairly even scrappy affair, partly as a result of a number of unnecessary yellow cards. Niall Davie fired one effort wide and Newall was desperately close to scoring after some lovely interplay with Manneh but his shot dropped just wide of the post.
At the other end Sheffield always carried a threat and Rory Coleman drew one fine save from Annan, while a late “goal” was correctly ruled out for offside.
Carlton brought on Khyle Sargent for Michael Ford at the break and they took the game to Sheffield immediately upon the restart. There was one reason and one reason only why the Millers didn’t win the game and that was Wright.
Just eight minutes into the half a superb run and shot from Niall Hylton drew an excellent save from Wright. The loose ball fell to Newall but his shot was also blocked by wright and when Davie also had a go Wright was equal to that as well. It was a fantastic triple save.
Another delightful Carlton move involving Sargent, Newall and Manneh led to a fierce Watson shot which was goal bound until another top-drawer Wright save.
On 65 minutes Carlton got a free kick on the left hand edge of the penalty area. Up stepped Watson and his rasping drive beat the keeper but struck the post to deny the home side.
Still Carlton came forward and when another mazy run from Hylton saw a shot deflect into the path of Manneh, the striker looked certain to score only to see his effort diverted wide by a covering defender.
Although Club always looked capable of getting forward, Dean Freeman and Dan Brown were once again having sterling games at the back, denying Sheffield barely a glimpse of a chance on the odd occasion they got past Alex Howes and Davie in midfield. Instead, Carlton continued to push forward and there were loud claims for a handball penalty when a Durow shot was blocked on the line with six minutes remaining but the referee wasn’t interested.
A late free kick from Manneh went just over the bar and a late corner came to nothing before the game ended. Carlton got deserved applause from their supporters for their efforts and Wright fully merited the beaming smile upon his face and the congratulations from his teammates as he left the pitch.
Carlton Town: F Annan, M Ford (K Sargent 46), L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman, N Davie (S Thompson-Harris 67), L Manneh, N Watson, J Newall (L Marfo 83), A Howes (Z Hill 90), N Hylton (N Saunders 78).
Goals: Jack Newall 4; Luke Aldrich 19
Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: Lamin Manneh
Att: 218
