CARLTON TOWN RESERVES 5  -  0  NETTLEHAM RESERVES

Carlton Town Reserves completed a fantastic treble to secure the Presidents Cup in front of a decent crowd at Southwell FC on a pleasant spring evening as they beat Nettleham 5-0.

There was an obvious gap in class between the two sides and although Nettleham could not be criticised for their endeavour, Carlton were always making the running with an exciting brand of free flowing football which runs through the heart of the club.

It was as early as the third minute when Carlton took the lead with Ricky Gardener sweeping the ball home after a flowing move. Danny Hayes was to put away a first half brace and despite a ten minute flourish when Nettleham could have claimed a goal themselves, Carlton were always in control although Nettleham had a fair shout for a penalty early on when Leslie looked to have handled in the box.

Veteran Ian White had to limp off after a horrible challenge from Nettleham’s number 10, it appeared late and premeditated and many felt he was lucky to receive a yellow card rather than a red.

With Carlton 3-0 up at the break, it was a case of ensuring no slip ups in the second half but manager George Hulley need not have worried.

His team ripped Nettleham’s back line to pieces, overran them in midfield and the score would have been more but for some fine saves from the Nettleham keeper, often with whichever part of the body he could get in the way but Simon Wilkinson came to the party in the second half with Terry Hawkridge and young striker Stephen Cox running at Nettleham across the channels and through the middle and Wilkinson, who’s finishing continues to impress head coach Tommy Brookbanks producing more master classes and his brace made it 5-0 to Carlton.

His first goal the result of a flowing move started from the keeper and involving Hawkridge and Cox which Wilkinson finished in the box, his second a classy finish when put through on goal late on.

Carlton Academy Director Darryl Claypole struggled to come up with a man of the match, he was “that impressed with the whole team” and first team assistant manager Dave Nairn reeled off a number of names.

Chairman Mick Garton and groundsman Bob Sharpe were two of the first to arrive determined not to miss this final after having to stop at Stoke Lane for George Hulley’s previous success and once again there was an excellent turnout from Carlton which didn’t go unnoticed by Hulley’s assistant Frank Corrigan who thanked “everyone for the tremendous support”

There was a moving moment when Carlton Captain Tremayne Walters went to collect the trophy with Francis Walker, wife of the late Ron Walker. It was a fitting end and the perfect way to celebrate a fine treble by Hulley’s excellent young side.

It had been a rollercoaster of a weekend at Stoke Lane with the Tommy Brookbanks situation claiming all the headlines both inside and outside the club but with that situation put to bed, it was time to get back to the football and everyone at the club knew that a win against Kimberley Town Reserves would secure Carlton Town reserves the title. 

Carlton were taking no chances and big guns Phil Bignall, Marquin Smith and Martin Ball lined up alongside promising youngsters Simon Wilkinson and Terry Hawkridge as reserve coach George Hulley attempted to secure his second trophy of the season. 

New Academy Director Darryl Claypole, Chairman Mick Garton, Secretary Paul Shelton and Head Coach Tommy Brookbanks along with all the first team squad and coaching staff had come along to support the reserves as well as Executive Director Vaughan Williams along with one or two supporters and parents who braved the elements. It was a foul evening indeed, but an evening in which Carlton would triumph in terrific style. 

While Manchester United were beating Barcelona and catching the eye in Carlton’s clubhouse sports bar, Carlton Town reserves were wrapping up the title against a willing but limited Kimberley side. Hatricks for Chris Newbold and Phil Bignall and braces for Marquin Smith and Simon Wilkinson did the damage in an outstanding 11-0 win, excellent youngster Terry Hawkridge got the other goal and Head Coach Tommy Brookbanks and Chairman Mick Garton both went into the dressing room and popped a cork or two and congratulated George, Frank and the lads who have done so well this season.  

Ron Walker would have been proud of them. Rest in peace Ron, this ones for you!!

Paul Shelton's exclusive report

Following a disappointing defeat to Pinxton in the league just 10 days ago, the Reserves put in a truly wonderful performance to take the Central Midlands Reserve League Cup at Blidworth Welfare last night.

Manager George Hulley sprang a surprise or too with his selection, Liam Corrigan suffering from a virus had to be left on the bench and 16 year old Stephen Cox started up front.

No place for Terry Hawkridge because of too many 1st team appearances and Paolo Piliero was unavailable due to injury, as was Sam Winch with a broken leg.

The game started poorly for Carlton when Pinxton took an early lead with an unstoppable shot past 15 year old keeper Luca Rocco.

Pinxton were always dangerous from dead ball situations and certainly looked to control the game in the first 20 minutes.

Gradually Carlton started to put their game together with their passing game despite numerous late challenges from Pinxton players.

In particular club captain Ian White was on the wrong end of numerous fouls which went unpunished.

One of Carlton Town's bright young stars, Simon Wilkinson equalised just before half time with a superb solo finish.

The second half was all Carlton with Pinxton just reduced to kicking anything that moved.

Ricky Gardner struck a superb left foot free kick to put Carlton 2-1 ahead early in the second half.

Simon Wilkinson then finished a lovely ball in from Ian White to secure the 3-1 win.

Won't single any player out for special praise. The whole team played better than I have seen for some time.

The league title is still there to be won with 4 games still to be played starting at Kimberley Town on Saturday.

The Presidents Cup Final against Nettleham Reserves is at Southwell on Friday 02 May.

WINFIELD TURNS ON THE STYLE TO TAKE RESERVES TO SECOND FINAL

Talented young midfielder Ashley Winfield turned in a man of the match performance for Carlton’s Reserves as they reached their second final of the season by beating Dunkirk in the Central Midlands reserve league cup semi final at Stoke Lane 4-2.

Winfield got Carlton’s first goal but they had to come from behind after Dunkirk had turned on the style and taken a 2-1 lead.

Back from injury Simon Wilkinson pulled Carlton level before Paolo Piliero and substitute Sam Winch sealed Dunkirk’s fate.

Carlton will play Pinxton in the final on the 16^th April at Blidworth while the Presidents Cup final in which Carlton take on Nettleham will take place on Friday 2^nd May (venue TBA).

It leaves George Hulley’s young side with a chance of doing the treble!

Carlton cruised into the semi final of the Presidents Cup with a comprehensive win against Teversal at the Bill Stokeld Stadium on a cold winters evening at Stoke Lane.

Both teams played good passing football in the first half but it was Carlton who took the lead.

A fine powerful run by Ricky Gardener set up Dean Gent for a chance and although at the time of going to press it was unclear whether the final touch came from Gent or the Teversal defender, the one thing that was clear was that Carlton had a 1-0 lead.

Teversal hit back and a good spell of pressure saw them force a deserved equaliser but Carlton responded instantly and goals from Gent and Gardener gave Carlton a commanding 3-1 lead at the break.

Carlton dominated play in the second period and it was no surprise when impressive young substitute Cox finished well to make it 4 and then a fine first time finish from Terry Hawkridge put the game to bed and beyond doubt.

The on looking Head Coach, Chairman and Vice Chairman were clearly impressed with the performance as were Mark Steggles and Champagne Ray who arrived fresh from his sons stag weekend in Barcelona to lend his support and warm everyone up with a few stories. The story for George Hulley is two semi finals to come, of that he will be delighted!

QUARTER FINAL LEAGUE CUP

Carlton Town Reserves reached the semi final of the Central Midlands league cup with a hard fought win over Rainworth.

Conditions spoiled the game with a swirling wind making it hard for both teams to play a decent band of football and chances were few and far between but the one big chance Carlton got in the first half they took with Franko’s excellent cross being superbly headed home by Paolo Piliero which gave George Hulley’s side a 1-0 interval lead.

Often dominating proceedings with Tremaine Walters and the returning from injury Terry Hawkridge outstanding but they were unable to add to their lead and at times had to defend well to keep out Rainworth who at 1-0 were still very much in the game.

Hulley was delighted with the win “All 14 lads put body and soul into this win and I am delighted to be through to the semi finals, over the moon in fact. “I felt we deserved it but had to work hard for it nonetheless.” concluded a smiling Hulley.

It was the first reserve game since the sad death of coach Ron Walker and a minutes silence was held prior to kick off in respect of a great football man.

He would have been proud of his young stars as they ripped into Graham Street Prims.

Ricky Gardener opened the scoring with a fine free kick on 14 minutes but it was team mate Ashley Winfield who starred with 4 goals in this 8-1 rout.

Steve Chaplin coming back from injury and Sam Winch and Mark Smith also got on the score sheet and players took the opportunity to impress watching head coach Tommy Brookbanks.

There was a good turnout from Carlton’s senior staff with Chairman Mick Garton, Vice Chairman Chuck Fowler, Club Secretary Paul Shelton and Mark Steggles all in attendance along with all the clubs coaching and ground staff.

It was the ideal tribute to Ron and George Hulley and Frank Corrigan will have been proud of their boys efforts as they eased into the next round of the cup.

Carlton Town Reserves began the new season away to Greenwood Meadows down at Lenton Lane. Carlton Started the game brightly with a goal on the 11th minute by striker Chris Newbold after a good run by Marcus Marshall. Marshall then got on the score sheet himself when left back Ricky Gardner crossed in after a great run.

At the other end GK Jason Turner pulled of 2 stunning saves which kept Greenwood at hold. Carlton nearly made it 3 nil when Ashley Winfield headed against the bar. 2 minutes later Carlton did make it 3-0 after Simon Wilkinson pulled the ball back for Chris Newbold to slot home for his second goal. Carlton went into half time 3 nil up after a scrappy first half.

Carlton came out for the second half looking to improve on there 1st half display after manager George Hulley wasnt impressed. They started the 2nd half well and Ricky Gardner added the 4th carlton goal, heading in after Marcus Marshalll hit the bar. Greenwood then pulled one back after a near post flick on from a corner, after a foul on GK Jason Turner went unseen again by the referee.

Sam Winch then came off the bench to earn carlton a penalty which he cooly slotted away himself. He then got his second goal 5 minutes from the end after a great work from Simon Wilkinson and Terry Hawkridge.

Full Time - Greenwood Meadows 1 Carlton Town Res 6