Carlton Town moved up to 17th in the table on Saturday after a much needed home win over Loughborough Dynamo FC.
A crowd of just 70 witnessed the Millers’ first win under new manager Wayne Scott with the only goal of the game coming courtesy of a Daniel Gordon free kick which took a wicked deflection to wrong foot the Loughborough keeper early in the second half.
Loughborough had a late goal chalked out for offside and were clearly unhappy with the official’s decision but the Millers’ keeper Curtis McDonald insisted the correct call had been made.
Millers’ manager Wayne Scott had given a start to youngster Niall Davie after two impressive performances for the academy and the youngster did not let his manager down with a lively full debut, but tragedy was to strike for the talented youngster.
Anthony Howell had got away from his marker as Carlton hit Loughborough on the break and Davie tried to attack Howells cross but went down in a heap and Carlton coach Iain McCuloch who was watching from the stand quickly called for help for the stricken striker who looked to have serious ankle damage.
Davie was taken to hospital and the club earlier this week confirmed there was no bones broken, but suspected ligament damage would probably sideline the player indefinitely.
Millers’ chairman Mick Garton dedicated Saturday’s win to the young striker who remained in hospital.
He said: “I was delighted that Niall got his chance today and gutted for him with the injury.
“I said to him before he was taken to hospital that hopefully the lads could hold on and get the win and credit to them for doing that, it was a good day at the office and those have been few and far between in recent times.”