NPL First Division East
25 March 2023
Stockton Town brought Carlton Town’s four game winning run to an end as they defeated the Millers 2-0 at Stoke Lane.
The Anchors came into the game in the play off positions but struggling for form while Carlton had won their previous four matches. But all of those had been away from home and back on a dreadful home surface the Millers were unable to make any real inroads against a solid Stockton defence and could ultimately have no complaints about the outcome.
Mark Harvey and Tommy Brookbanks made three changes to the side which had won at Ossett last time out. Into the side came Lawrence Gorman, Kyle Tomlin and Jared Holmes in place of Nat Watson (suspended), Niall Hylton and Danny Elliott.
One of the advantages of the recent run of away games has been the opportunity to play on pitches that aren’t Stoke Lane. Back on home turf the Millers found it all but impossible to play any football, especially in the opening half hour when the Anchors were in complete control.
As early as the third minute Matty Tynan hit the post with a scissor kick and then drew a superb save from Mikey emery with the follow-up.
A fine Stockton move was then only thwarted by a fine Dan Brown interception as Stockton poured forward.
The breakthrough came on 20 minutes from the penalty spot. A free kick on the left was cleared. The ball was knocked back into the area albeit Gorman looked to have been fouled. Either way, Alex Troke handled the cross unnecessarily and Kevin Hayes sent Emery the wrong way from the spot.
Moments later the same player fizzed a dangerous cross in front of goal but fortunately for Carlton there was no one on hand to convert.
Carlton’s first effort came on 25 minutes when Callum Roberts saved comfortably from Niall Davie before Hayes drew another save from Emery.
The Millers finally got into the game in the 15 minutes before half time and Tomlin and Troke combined well on the left before Tomlin’s cross was blocked by Lewis King’s hand but the referee turned down claims for a penalty.
Carlton’s best chance fell to Kyle Dixon just before the break when he was played into space by Troke but he dragged his effort wide. Alex Howes then advanced down the right and hit a cross-shot that was deflected just beyond the onrushing Davie.
The second half was largely devoid of goalmouth incident as both defences dominated. Khyle Sargent picked up a booking midway through the half for coming on as a substitute without the referee’s permission,
Davie fired inches wide on 73 minutes after Stockton had failed to clear a Dean Freeman throw-in and the same player also just missed the target shortly afterwards.
By the end of the match Carlton had Troke, Aaron O’Connor, Oliver Wilson and Freeman all playing up front and the vistors took advantage o the gaps at the back to wrap up the points in the last minute of added time. Mikey Roberts spend down the left and his cross was fired at goal by Elliott Beddow. Emery made a wonderful save but was helpless when Tymon converted the rebound to conclude the scoring.
There was still time for Davie to draw another decent save from Callum Roberts as there was no way through for the Millers. They now have five games to save themselves and the chances are they will have to win the three remaining away games to stay up.
Carlton Town: M Emery, L Gorman (K Sargent 65), K Tomlin, D Brown, D Freeman, J Holmes, K Dixon (A O’Connor 74), C Marzano (O Wilson 80), A Troke, N Davie, A Howes. Unused substitutes: R Stainsby, D Elliott
Goals: Kevin Hayes 20 (pen), Matty Tymon 90
Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM – Dan Brown
Att: 224
