NPL First Division East – 30 September 2023
Carlton Town suffered their first away defeat of the season with a 3-0 loss at Hebburn Town.
The margin of victory was not reflective of a tight competitive game with Carlton pushing for an equaliser and Hebburn scoring twice in the 90th minute. But ultimately the home side earned the win because they took their chances and Carlton didn’t with the Millers failing to score for the first time this campaign.
Tommy Brookbanks and Mark Harvey made two changes to the side which had beaten Chasetown last time out with Michael Ford replacing the suspended Khyle Sargent and Lamin Manneh returning for Niall Hylton.
The Millers were backed by a fantastic following for such a long trip, with supporters from as far afield as Ireland making the trek to the North East.
The Hornets started well, but Carlton soon responded and Manneh was the subject of a couple of early industrial challenges.
Felix Annan was called upon to intercept a cross from the dangerous Joe Walton. Minutes later he made a superb save, tipping over the bar a fierce Olly Martin drive that was heading for the top corner.
Carlton put the home side under some pressure as the half progressed and a lovely ball from Lewis Durow sent Alex Hardwick away on the left. He sent a cross into the danger area but it was just ahead of the onrushing Alex Howes.
Niall Davie then went on a trademark run before feeding Hardwick who shot wide. And with six minutes remaining in the half Hardwick had Carlton’s best chance, turning Lewis Ritson and advancing into the area. But with just goalkeeper Shaun Newbrook to beat, the striker couldn’t find the net with Newbrook making an excellent stop.
Annan was called upon to make another fine save from Aidan Heywood shortly before the half ended.
Within six minutes of the restart Hebburn were ahead. A quick free kick saw Martin sprint down the left and when he crossed, Robbie Spence was all alone and he headed past Annan.
The Millers came back and Newbrook made another good save, this time from a Greg Tempest free kick. Carlton brought on Musa Jawarra and Hylton as they looked to get something from the game and within 60 seconds Hardwick was clean through on goal again, but once again Newbrook saved his strike.
Hardwick then combined with Manneh before heading over the top, while at the other end Dean Freeman made an excellent block to thwart the Hornets.
Zak Hill came on as Carlton’s final throw of the dice for the final 10 minutes but the home side sealed the win with their second goal in the 90th minute. David Adegbola tried to shepherd the ball out of play but Joe Walton dispossessed him and forced home from close range. And with the game in the sixth and final minute of added time Hebburn added a third when Heywood rounded Annan twice and slotted home.
The players came across to the sizeable travelling support to thank them for their efforts and as always it was appreciated.
Carlton Town: F Annan, D Adegbola, L Durow (Z hill 80), D Brown, D Freeman, G Tempest, N Davie, M Ford (N Hylton 67), A Hardwick, A Howes (M Jawarra 67), L Manneh. Unused subs: S Thompson-Harris, L Bateman
Goals: Robbie Spence 51, Joe Walton 90, Aidan Heywood 90+6
Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: Felix Annan
Att: 210
