After knocking back Goole’s promotion hopes last week, Carlton repeated the feat by ending Belper’s hopes in a comprehensive 4-1 win.

With the score 0-0 at half time, a call came in from Grantham Town, “we are losing 1-0, are your lads on it? as we need you to win” said Grantham’s John Gilbert.

John need not have worried, Tommy Brookbanks has these lads totally focussed and they turned in a classy second half performance to run out comfortable 4-1 winners.

Goals for Fabian Smith (2), Darrell Thomas and Steve Chaplin ensured Carlton finished the season on a high, Jackson replied for Belper.

As it turned out, Grantham won anyway but the professional manner Carlton went about the job was a credit to the players and management team, it meant a 10^th place finish for Carlton with 86 goals scored and 82 conceded.

It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for Tommy Brookbanks and his players and Chairman Mick Garton went into the dressing room at the end of the game with drinks for the players and coaches.

“A tenth place finish is highly credible given we were favourites for relegation” said Garton.

“Our progress continues.

“I am very proud of them all but the challenge will be to build on this, no respite during the summer then but you somehow feel that’s the way the Carlton staff like it.

“For now though, they are entitled to a beer or two, it’s been a good season.” concluded Garton.

Phil Bignall’s 21^st goal of the season helped Carlton to an excellent 1-0 away win at Goole and virtually denied the home side any lingering hopes they may have had of making the playoffs.

Goole has the better of the first half and were denied by excellent keeper Bercherini and the teams went into the interval level.

Thomas had Carlton’s best chance to score but it was to be his strike partner Phil Bignall who would put Carlton ahead early in the second half after a mistake at the back.

It was Carlton’s 82^nd goal of the season and it proved to be a winning goal.

There were further chances at both ends but the crowd of 162 will have largely gone home disappointed.

One of Tommy Brookbanks great achievements over the years has been his team’s excellent away record; this season at Unibond level has been no different.

NOTTS SENIOR CUP SEMI FINAL  -  ATT: 185

EASTWOOD TOWN WON 5-4 ON PENALTIES

In a performance which Carlton Town Chairman Mick Garton described as ‘immense’ Carlton Town will be left shaking their heads wondering how Eastwood and not them will be competing in this years final at Meadow Lane.

After an early burst from Eastwood, Carlton upped the tempo and Bignall was denied by goal line clearances on two occasions.

Carlton thought they had won a penalty when an Eastwood player seemed to have handled on the line and they appealed to a man but unfortunately for Carlton the referee and his assistant remained unmoved.

A watching referee in the crowd commented that if the ref had given it, he would also have had to send the player off, fortunately for Eastwood he didn’t and they continued to ride their luck with their excellent keeper and the woodwork keeping Carlton at bay.

Bercherini too made an excellent save in the Carlton goal but a miss kick by Brindley was to cost Carlton dear and Matt Rhead picked up the loose ball and drilled an excellent finish into the far bottom corner to give Eastwood a half time 1-0 lead.

Things were to get worse for Carlton as the players left the pitch.

There was an altercation involving two players, one from each side but as the players entered the tunnel things seemed to have calmed but minutes later the referee came into the Carlton dressing room and showed a red card to Phil Bignall as Tommy Brookbanks was giving his half time team talk.

It is understood the referee had already entered the Eastwood dressing room and issued a yellow card to Gary Breach.

Carlton 1-0 down and a man down responded with an outstanding second half display against their Premiership neighbours.

Brookbanks left two up front and the middle three of Martin Ball, Marquin Smith and Dean Gent fought furiously for every ball and drove forward at every opportunity.

Marquin Smith’s excellent effort hit the crossbar but minutes later his header was turned into the net by Jay Smedley which gave Carlton an equaliser.

Carlton continued to press, Gent hit the post, another header was cleared off the line and McCarthy saved superbly from Chaplin.

Eastwood had their moments and also hit the crossbar before Darrell Thomas went close not for the first time in the evening and Chaplin’s fine run ended with his shot going inches wide.

Extra time came and again Carlton had chances to win it but they also defended bravely as Eastwood piled forward in the hope of clinching a winner themselves.

It was not to be and the dreaded penalties followed and once again Eastwood proved the masters at this vital art and component of the modern game and Carlton slipped up once and once was enough for Eastwood.

It was Steve Chaplin who suffered the dreaded Stuart Pearce, Gareth Southgate, David Batty moment as his shot crashed against the bar; it was the moment Carlton’s hopes drained away.

Carlton had dominated, they had done so for the most part with ten men but the bottom line is they had not put the ball in the net and that, at the end of the day is the name of the game.

When they didn’t get the handball decision, maybe one felt it wasn’t going to be Carlton’s night but credit to Eastwood, when the penalty pressure was on they kept their nerve and you can’t argue with five out of five.

“Maybe I’m just a promotion Manager” said Carlton Head Coach Tommy Brookbanks.

“I couldn’t have prepared better or asked for any more from the lads tonight, they were outstanding but the bottom line is we have missed out on a cup final again; maybe it’s not meant to be.

“We will have a drink or two at the Colin Addison night on Friday and regroup but right now this feels like a kick in the teeth, we certainly didn’t deserve to lose, not by a million miles.”

But, that after all is football and the final word fell to Carlton Chairman Mick Garton who said “Maybe last season, we got one or two breaks, we haven’t really had that this season and certainly not in this game so I suppose you could argue over time things remain even although it certainly doesn’t fell like that at the moment.

“I thought our performance tonight was immense but penalty shoot outs are part of the game nowadays and the Eastwood boys delivered when it mattered so credit to them and a big thank you to everyone from the Junior section and our supporters who turned out in numbers tonight along with quite a few ex players.

“I was proud of our team and gutted for them and equally for Tommy and the coaching staff but I’m sure a Cup will come our way one day. “Maybe the reserves can lend a helping hand over the next week or two by winning one, we will see.” concluded Garton.

Shpedhsed started brightly with two corners and made the early running but it was Carlton’s Darrell Thomas who nearly opened the scoring on 20 minutes but his first time shot was superbly saved by Shepshed keeper Hateley.

Carlton’s Gent went into the notebook for a foul on Whitehead but the game was turned on its head in the 27^th minute when Marquin Smith was dismissed for a high challenge on Sanders.

Carlton were up in arms with the decision which they felt was harsh to the extreme “A booking yes” said Secretary Paul Shelton “but never a sending off, there was no bad intent”.

The referee felt differently and Carlton were up against it.

Bercherini saved well form Cobley but he was beaten on 32 by Clark after Brindley and Martin failed to deal with a long ball.

Darrell Thomas thought he had pulled Carlton level but his effort was ruled out adjudged offside.

Clark had the chance to make it two either side of half time and indeed Carlton had their moments too but when Gent received a second yellow to take Carlton down to nine men, the game well and truly was up and it finished 2-0 to Shepshed, it was a game Carlton will be happy to forget.

Carlton Town’s Head Coaches’ decision to give his players the rest of the week off following their Easter Bank Holiday defeat to bottom of the table Spalding proved a master stroke indeed as Carlton put six past Quorn, a team they had lost 4-2 to on Good Friday.

Most managers would surely have brought the players in for extra training following Monday’s inept display but Brookbanks figured they needed a rest and they responded in superb style but after fifteen minutes it looked as though Brookbanks may have got it wrong.

2-0 down with goals from White and that man Hearn again and it wasn’t looking good but one thing Carlton have in their locker is goals and in Darrell Thomas and Phil Bignall they hit back in some style.

Thomas hit a fine hat trick inside fifteen minutes of mayhem and with Bignall also in on the act putting Carlton into the lead in the 38^th minute they went into the break 4-2 up.

Bignall added his second from the spot on 57 and Dean Gent back from injury made it six on 71 minutes. Only Retford who are top have scored more goals than Carlton and only Spalding who are bottom have conceded more, that in itself tells it’s own story.

24.03.08

Carlton Town manager Tommy Brookbanks gave his players the rest of the week off following this latest defeat which made it a miserable Easter week for Carlton.

Brookbanks explained “The lads are absolutely shattered; four games in nine days with the amount of injuries we are carrying has really took its toll.

“The lads have done excellent this season but having a small first team squad has caught up with us, we have promoted one or two lads up from the reserves but we are running on empty at the moment.”

Danny Cain, Andy May, Dean Gent and Aidan Brady are among the injured and just to add insult to injury, Carlton Chairman Mick Garton’s assessment that the crowd would be down due to the 3pm kick off which clashed with Forest’s game with Brighton was proved spot on.

“Last season we had a cracking attendance with a lunch time kick off prior to the Forest game but we could not agree this time round and suffered accordingly with only 66 attending.

“We hear complaints professional players play too many games but these lads have jobs to do as well, we are not complaining because it’s the same for everyone at this level but maybe one or two superstars should take a reality check.” continued Garton.

For the record, Spalding led at half time with goals from Jezeph and Forbes and looked a better side than their lowly position suggests.

Carlton fought back in the second period but only had a Darrell Thomas penalty to show for their efforts after Martin Ball was fouled in the box. Brookbanks will be hoping his rest cure for the lads will bring them out of their current slumber.

21.03.08

Freezing Good Friday conditions and heavy wind made things difficult in this Unibond clash and credit must be given to both sides who tried to play a good brand of football in such difficult circumstances.

The first two goals were both wind assisted with Quorn taking an early lead through Justin Jenkins and Wigley scoring an own goal to Carlton’s benefit early in the second half after a long, long kick by Carlton keeper Bercherini.

The game then opened up into a really good battle with chances at both ends.

The impressive Hearn put Quorn back in front on 71 before substitute Chaplin headed Carlton level again following a fine cross from Ball.

There was then a defining moment, Carlton right back Fabian Smith arrived in the box to get on the end of a cracking move but his effort was well saved by Quorn keeper Bowles.

With Smith out of position Quorn broke quickly exploiting the space on the left wing and Hearn added his second before Brett Darby put the game to bed in the final minite after more good work by man of the match Hearn.

Quorn will have been delighted with their 4-2 win while Carlton head back to Nottingham in the middle of the toughest spell in their first Unibond season.

Carlton’s previous good record over Sheffield counted for nothing when the two teams met this time and any outsider hopes Carlton may have had of securing a playoff place all but disintegrated as they went down 3-1 in this excellent contest.

Sheffield took an early lead through Darryl Winter but Darrell Thomas levelled things up in the 20th minute.

Carlton nearly went in front just before the half time interval but Martin Ball’s effort was cleared off the line and Sheffield made them pay for that miss when they retook the lead early in the second period, Vill Powell chipping Carlton keeper Bercherini before he pretty much made the game safe with a fine finish in the 70th.

Powell nearly earned Sheffield a 4th when he was fouled in the box by David Jephson but Bercherini saved Paul Smith’s penalty to give Carlton a lifeline and Terry Hawkridge pulled a goal back fro Carlton in the last minute.

It’s been a bad week for Carlton after a good run but one is sure there is more to come from Tommy Brookbanks’ young side.

Carlton Town Assistant Manager Dave Nairn said “The lads have got to learn to kill teams off if we are to progress further at this level.

“This was two points lost rather than one gained.

“We missed chances and then towards the end failed to keep possession and run the clock down conceding a penalty equaliser in the 94^th minute.

“If we had not drawn so many games, we would be right up there in the mix, having said that, I thought we should have had a cast iron second penalty after Marquin Smith was tripped rounding the keeper.”

For the record, Darrell Thomas had his earlier penalty saved by Brigg keeper Damian Steer.

This would have given Carlton a 2-0 lead as Phil Bignall had earlier headed Carlton in front.

Terry Hawkridge impressed for Carlton but they were unable to get that crucial second goal and Grimes made them pay scoring Brigg’s penalty to level things up at 1-1.

NOTTS SENIOR CUP QUARTER FINAL

It was a cold night, a windy night, a tricky pitch and had all the ingredients for a potential upset.

After all there have been plenty of those in this and other competitions of late so Southwell must have fancied it.

Their energy levels were excellent in the first half and although Carlton showed flashes of their Unibond class, those moments were few and far between and one felt Southwell at least deserved to go in at half time level.

The reason they didn’t was due to some excellent work by Andy May and Phil Bignall and a goal from Steve Chaplin that he openly admitted “just bounced off both his feet and went in.”

It was enough to tip the scales and although Carlton upped the anti in the second period, their second goal was also fairly fortuitous.

Aidan Brady made a fine run, got himself into an excellent position and then miskicked but in the swirling wind his effort hit the bar and Phil Bignall was on hand to head home the rebound and from then it was an uphill battle for Southwell.

Southwell had their moments and Carlton’s keeper had to be alert and at his best on two or three occasions in a good Southwell City spell.

At this stage, the next goal would be vital, 1-2 and Southwell’s tails would be up for the last period, 3-0 and Carlton would be home and dry and so it proved with an inspired substitution from Tommy Brookbanks.

Terry Hawkridge came on for Aidan Brady and his fresh legs immediately caused Southwell problems. Tricky feet, good crosses and indeed the crucial goal was young Terry’s contribution.

Carlton could have had a fourth when the youngsters cross was superbly headed home by Phil Bignall but the assistant referees flag was raised, wrongly in the view of Tommy Brookbanks who thought it was a fine goal but it was ruled out and the Carlton manager had to settle for what he described as a “job done”.

A job done that leaves him to look forward to a crucial clash with Eastwood Town in the semi finals in April.

Carlton Town’s fine run came to an end in front of a crowd of 82 at Stoke Lane on a windy March afternoon.

With representatives from the Unibond league and the Notts FA looking on, Carlton hoped to continue their excellent recent form but it was not to be in a scrappy contest which went Stocksbridge’s way although the swirling wind didn’t help either side.

The afternoon started on a positive with Carlton receiving the Unibond fair play award for February but despite early pressure, Carlton were unable to force an opening with Stocksbridge keeper Andy Jeffrey making several crucial saves.

One felt as the game went on that the first goal would prove to be vital, it was a feeling echoed by Carlton’s Mark Steggles “You could see particularly in the second half that whoever got the first goal would go on and win the game.”

Steggles was spot on and although Carlton felt play should have been pulled back for offside, they did have chance to clear before Riley pulled the trigger to make it 1-0.

With Carlton pushing forward, it was no surprise when popular sub Steve Wilkinson added a second on the break and Carlton’s fine run had come to an abrupt end.

Yet again there were no bookings but Tommy Brookbanks would probably have taken a couple in exchange for the points, it was not to be and he will have to settle for the whisky on this occasion providing the Vice Chairman hadn’t got there first.

Carlton Town achieved a well earned point at fourth place Nantwich on a pitch first team coach Gary Stones described as “reminiscent of Skeggy beach.

“It was a cracking stadium but the worst pitch we have played on this season.” Continued Stones

“We tried to play our usual good passing game but it was strength sapping and I was proud of the lads’ fitness levels.

“This was a hard place to come to, we picked up a few injuries throughout the game but I was pleased with a point overall.”

Nantwich had taken a first half lead with a breakaway goal and it was Darrell Thomas who scored Carlton’s equaliser early in the second half.

“It was slightly fortunate” admitted Stones "but substitute Steve Chaplin could have won it for us had he taken one of the two good chances that came his way later in the game.” concluded Stones. 

01.03.08 

Carlton Town once again defied the odds to score their second win of the season at high flying Grantham Town.

With the first half going on for 60 minutes due to an unfortunate injury to the referee, Carlton went in a goal down with the impressive Norris giving Grantham the advantage.

Michael Martin pulled things level in the 49^th minute with a fine header before the game took a decisive twist in the 59^th minute.

Dominic Thomas conceded a penalty and was also shown a red card by the referee for his foul on Mullarkey.

The same player then missed the spot kick putting it wide and in typical Tommy Brookbanks style, despite being a goal down and down to ten men, Carlton went for the win and not for the first time with a man short achieved it.

Marquin Smith was the hero on 69 minutes after a fine finish following an excellent pass from Darrell Thomas.

The win takes Carlton level on 48 points with Gresley Rovers, Belper, Sheffield and Nantwich and despite having played more games than seven of the eight teams above them, Carlton are certainly in the mix and upsetting the odds again.

28.02.08

It was third time lucky for this fixture which had twice been postponed due to Stocksbridge’s frozen pitch and all the goal action was crammed into an amazing eight minutes in the first half.

Carlton midfielder Dean Gent struck first for the away side in the 37^th minute and Riley equalised five minutes later for Stocksbridge.

Chaplin restored Carlton’s lead in the 43^rd minute and Carlton head coach Tommy Brookbanks was looking forward to going in at the break with the advantage but it was not to be and Carlton were undone by a set play for the second time in that frenzied period and Kennedy scored the equaliser on the stroke of half time.

One would have expected more goals in the second half and despite chances at both ends, it was not to be and the teams had to be content to take a point a piece from this midweek encounter.

Carlton’s assistant manager Dave Nairn said “In fairness, we could have been a few goals down in the first half as Stocksbridge had the better of it but we put in a much better performance in the second half playing some nice football and with a bit of luck could have gone on to win it.

“On reflection over the 90 minutes, a draw was probably the right result.” concluded Nairn.

Superb substitutions were at the heart of this win as Carlton overcame high flying Goole in an excellent game of football at Stoke Lane.

The teams seemed pretty evenly matched throughout and one felt the first goal would prove vital.

Styles were different with Goole opting for the more direct approach against Tommy Brookbanks’ well known passing game and it made for an intriguing contest.

Carlton held the upper hand in the first half in front of a useful crowd of 103 but were unable to break the deadlock and in the second period, Goole upped the anti and indeed took the lead when McDaid lobbed Bercherini on 65 minutes.

Carlton Head Coach Tommy Brookbanks responded instantly bringing on Fabian Smith and Steve Chaplin for Aidan Brady and Darrell Thomas.

The rewards were instant as Fabian Smith headed Carlton level and the icing was put on the cake when Steve Chaplin crashed home a superb second goal worthy of winning any game.

Local MP and Government Minister Vernon Coaker, who had sponsored the game made an excellent speech in the clubhouse after the game and awarded Marquin Smith the man of the match award; a bottle of champagne. It was a good day all round for Marquin who also won on the number card and a good day in particular for Carlton Head Coach Tommy Brookbanks with those fine and decisive substitutions who went on to praise his players “I am so relieved to get another monkey off my back because we have never beaten Goole.

“I was absolutely delighted with the performance and the character the lads showed in getting the ball down in difficult windy conditions and playing good football and coming back from a goal behind.”

Carlton’s biggest supporter Chris Chaplin unplugged himself from his medication, left a note on his hospital bed and made his way on his crutches to Stoke Lane for this top eight clash at Stoke Lane.

Committed yes, foolhardy yes that as well and he didn’t even get a pint as Chuck and Steggs wouldn’t serve him.

Was it worth the trip and the rollocking from the doctors that followed? Well, probably not given the number of chances that Carlton missed but we are sure Chris didn’t see it that way.

For the record, Gresley took a first half lead and David Jephson headed a late equaliser, but in between and before the goals Marquin Smith headed against the bar, Phil Bignall missed a sitter, Andy May hit the bar and a whole host of chances went begging and Carlton were guilty on mass but at least a point sustains Carlton’s good run against high flying opposition.

A minutes silence was held for Carlton Coach Ron Walker who sadly died in hospital a few days earlier. Ron’s family were guests at the game which played in his honour and the programme editor Andy King also dedicated the match day programme to the memory of Ron. His son expressed how proud he was and thanked the club for what they had done, Carlton Town will all miss him.

Carlton Town Head Coach Tommy Brookbanks is a firm believer in making a positive start to a game, particularly when you are playing lower league opposition who are up for a giant killing.

Three goals in the first twenty minutes certainly put this game to bed allowing Carlton to fully control the game.

Piliero got the opener, Darrell Thomas followed up after an Andy May pile driver has been spilled by Sutton’s keeper.

Phil Bignall scrambled home the third before Piliero added his second before the interval.

A nasty jaw injury for Carlton’s Danny Cane was the only downside as he clashed accidentally with an opponents head, loss of a tooth and a fair bit of blood kept Carlton physio Martin Jephson busy.

In the second period, it was much of the same and although Sutton had a couple of bright moments and went close, Carlton secured their second clean sheet in four days.

Further goals for Darrell Thomas, an excellent turn and finish by Phil Bignall, a penalty which completed Piliero’s hat trick and a fine solo from Fabian Smith ensured Carlton’s passage into the next round in emphatic style.

Sponsors Christie & Co were impressed by the clinical nature of Carlton’s win, spokesman Paul Shepard gave special mentions to defender Andy May, midfield maestro Marquin Smith who was outstanding and forwards Phil Bignall and Darrell Thomas who hit a brace a piece but their man of the match bottle of champagne went to Piliero, the hat trick hero.

There was even time for Christie’s Magic John John to perform a few card tricks for the boys and club captain Mike Martin went on the microphone and thanked the sponsors for their support.

Despite only getting a point, Carlton will be pleased to have held table topping Cammell Laird who came to Stoke Lane on the back of an excellent run. Carlton’s first goal came in the 18th minute when the in form Chaplin lifted the ball over Whitfield in the Cammell Laird goal.

Carlton had started brightly with Daryl Thomas going close on two occasions. Chaplin followed up by nearly scoring a second but his header was cleared off the line. With Bridnley also going close, Carlton were in the ascendancy but it was Cammell Laird who would score next.

A foul by Michael Martin gave Laird a free kick and despite a good block by Brindley, the ball fell for Hay who lashed the ball past Brearley. Carlton however were soon to regain the lead and it was a defensive mix up that gave them the 2-1 lead as Lynch put the ball past his own keeper. Hay continued to be a thorn in Carlton’s side and equalised for the visitors on 50 minutes after another free kick.

Both teams had chances to win it but 2-2 it was to finish after a competitive second half in which Chaplin again went close but Laird finished the stronger.

Despite the result, Carlton put in an excellent performance on a cold and rainy November evening at Stoke Lane. A crowd of 81 braved the miserable conditions to witness a cracking game of non league football.

Goole, on the back of some good results came out all guns blazing and took a deserved lead inside the opening exchanges but after a poor first 20 minutes, Carlton came to life and took the game to their northern opponents.

Fabian Smith produced a fine run and finish to bring Carlton level and in the second period, Carlton went on to dominate and missed several guilt edge chances; Gent, Chaplin and Thomas all missed excellent opportunities within minutes of each other as Carlton piled on the pressure and continually cut open a bewildered and often out pace Goole defence but one felt Carlton could well get punished if they failed to put away one of these chances and so it proved as Goole responded on the counter punch with the almost inevitable late goal.

Substitute Bignall went close in the dying embers but this really was a match Carlton shouldn’t have taken something from.

Carlton’s Steve Chaplin netted to rescue a point for the visitors after their second half bombardment broth through the Alsager defence.

Alsager, who hadn’t conceded a goal in the last three games, took a first half lead with a well taken goal from Dorryll Proffitt.

Jimmy McCarthy put Proffitt through on goal in the 12th minute and he whopped the ball past Steve Brearley.

Carlton captain Michael Martin came close to equalising 15 minutes later when he had a shot cleared off the line by the Bullets defence.

Proffitt should have bagged a second ten minutes before the interval when he found himself through on goal but Brearley pushed his shot wide.

The second half was constant pressure from Carlton, but it wasn’t until the 76th minute they broke Alsager’s stubborn rearguard.

Darrell Thomas’ ball found Chaplin and he slotted the ball home to give them their well deserved equaliser.

Carlton’s best performance of the season saw high flying Sheffield put to the sword in a cracking game at Stoke Lane.

Carlton under impressive acting manager John Birch started with a flourish and had several chances to take a first half lead, the best falling to Darryl Thomas but it was Fabian Smith who finally got the breakthrough following excellent wing play by Aidan Brady.

The excellent Martin Ball made it two with a towering header after a fine run and cross by Steve Chaplin but Sheffield were to get a lifeline when David Jephson headed a swirling long ball past advancing keeper Steve Brearley in the 60th minute.

Jephson made amends with a crucial goal line clearance soon after and Sheffield’s cause was not helped when Stuart Copnell was sent off for a second yellow card.

Although Sheffield still had their moments, Carlton increased in confidence and purpose and Darryl Thomas scored an excellent third after the Sheffield keeper had failed to get hold of a loose ball.

Carlton got a late fourth when Brady’s cross shot was deflected past Holmshaw and Carlton had also rattled the crossbar in the second half, it was a 90 minutes they could be proud of against their famous and prestigious opponents.

Carlton got back to winning ways with an excellent performance against local rivals Shepshed Dynamos but it nearly went oh so wrong.

A first half super show from strikers Daryl Thomas and Phil Bignall had put Carlton into the ascendancy.

Thomas was declared man of the match following a superb brace and the assist for Bignall’s goal and Carlton went into the interval with a well deserved 3-0 lead.

In the second half the game was turned on its head. Firstly Carlton right back Dominic Thomas received a red card for a foul on Jordan Lambert and then Shepshed pulled a controversial goal back. Mark Leeson hit a pile driver from 35 yards and the ball cannoned back off the bar and into play but the linesman ruled it had crossed the line despite video evidence later showing he had made an incorrect call and when Channon North’s powerful header beat Steve Brearley, it was game on.

Carlton soaked up further pressure but could have scored themselves as Brookbanks instructed his team to go on the offensive and despite being a man down, he brought on another striker.

It was entertaining to the end but remained 3-2 and Carlton were happy to hear the final whistle.

VLADIMIR SCISSOR KICK CLINCHER!

Vladimir Santos Farrell scored a superb scissor kick on his Carlton debut and made the game safe for Carlton who were coming under severe pressure at 2-1 up against Quorn.

Carlton started in the ascendancy and with both wingers Brady and Smith lively, they created several half chances but it was Quorn who took the lead against the run of play as White took a cross field pass in his stride and left Brearley flat footed with a fine finish.

Thomas hit back on 29 when he latched onto a Chaplin flick on to finish superbly and Carlton took the lead early in the second half with a superb effort from Dean Gent.

Gent turned on the ball 35 yards out and let rip with a corker into the top corner giving keeper Haystead no chance.

Quorn hit back and Carlton were grateful to Fabian Smith for a superb goal line clearance and after dealing with a sustained spell of pressure, Carlton went back on the offensive and it was new signing Vladimir Santos Farrell who came to the party with a superb overhead kick which in effect put the game to bed and gave Carlton a much needed victory over opponents who were one place above them in the Unibond division one south.

BETTER PERFORMANCE BUT RETFORD HAVE THE EDGE!

Attendance: 115

Carlton Took on top of the table Retford on the back of three straight defeats and assistant manager Dave Nairn had called a team meeting on the Thursday prior to the game in an attempt to turn things around.

Although Nairn didn’t achieve the result he desired, he certainly got a much improved performance and will have gone away disappointed but encouraged.

Retford started strongly but the game erupted when Jephson caught Godber with a poor tackle in the 19th minute.

The Retford striker seemed to retaliate and both were shown the red card by the match referee.

Carlton seemed to react better to going down to ten men and Thomas gave them the lead with a cracking shot into the bottom corner on 33 minutes and Ball could have made it two, but his goal bound effort was blocked.

Last ditch tackles by Dominic Thomas and Michael Martin kept Retford at bay and Carlton were into the break a goal to the good.

Retford came out blazing in the second period and showed why they are top of the league, three goals in a dominant fifteen minute spell,

The first scored by the impressive Goddard more or less put the game to bed but all credit to Carlton who kept going.

The impressive Fabian Smith clipped the bar before Martin Ball pulled on back in the last minute with a swerving 25 yard strike.

Carlton could not force an equaliser in injury time but could at least hold their heads high after giving their all against the Unibond division one south leaders who were strong and decisive and will have been delighted to leave Stoke Lane with 3 points.

Carlton were taught a hard lesson by their Derbyshire neighbours after matching them in the first half of this entertaining FA Cup tie in front of an excellent crowd of 187 at Stoke Lane.

Carlton carried on where they had left off in midweek and had their Unibond Premiership opponents on the back foot for good periods in the first half but failed to make the all important breakthrough.

Matlock came out for the second half with all guns blazing and quickly punished a mistake by Dominic Thomas, Taylor giving Matlock the lead.

Carlton had a nightmare fifteen minutes and Taylor got himself a hat trick and Barraclough a solo as Matlock raced into a 4-0 lead.

It was a combination of excellent strike play but also bad defending from a shell shocked Carlton.

Carlton upped their game in the final twenty minutes and pulled two goals back from Darryl Thomas and sub Steve Chaplin and indeed could have made it closer had Chaplin and Gent done better with efforts during that excellent spell of pressure.

It was a learning curve for Carlton and one they will not forget in a hurry.

Carlton gave Tommy Brookbanks the perfect tonic prior to his testimonial dinner at the Village Hotel on Friday with a five star performance and chalked up their first league home win of the season against Gresley Rovers at Stoke Lane.

Carton put in an excellent first half performance and hit Gresley with power and pace through the middle and down the flanks.

Carlton had already hit the bar direct from an in swinging corner before Phil Bignall gave them a lead with a superb volley from the edge of the box on 33 minutes.

On 39 minutes, Darryl Thomas turned superbly in the box and was upended, the referee pointed straight to the spot and Thomas picked himself up and slotted home the penalty.

In between the goals, Smith had hit the post with another fine effort and Gresley went close as a cross shot caused problems for Brearley.

Carlton started the second half as they finished the first with another goal and it was Thomas again who reacted first to Michael Martin’s flick on in the box to make it 3-0.

Gresley hit back and Blenkinsopp scored a fine goal on 55 minutes but was lucky the linesman seemed to be behind the play as he looked clearly offside.

The goal gave Gresley a boost and they upped their game putting Carlton under pressure for a sustained spell.

The game flowed from end to end before Brookbanks made late changes to slow the game down and help ensure Carlton held onto their well deserved lead to pull off a fine victory which moves them up the Unibond league.

A second half recovery saw Shepshed Dynamo salvage a point from a Unibond Division One South match that they looked like losing, yet really should have won.
Shepshed spurned two gilt edged chances in the opening three minutes. A corner from the right found Joe Carter unmarked in the box but his free header sailed over the bar. Then Chris Parr found himself in a similar situation but failed to squeeze his header in the big gap between keeper and post.

Shepshed found themselves a goal down in the 15th minute from what was the visitor’s first real attack. Shepshed keeper Gary Hateley completely misjudged his challenge to an angled through ball to Aidan Brady on the left and found himself in no-mans land as the Carlton No11 squared for ex-Shepshed striker Daryll Thomas to sweep into the open goal. Shepshed appealed for offside but their pleas were based more on embarrassment than fact.

Three minutes later Thomas again had the ball in the net from a cross from Dean Gent but this time he was offside. A second goal was however not long in coming. On 21 minutes Hateley was again at fault as he failed to hold a 25 yard shot from Philip Bignall at the base of his near post and allowed the ball to run up his body into the net.

Whilst Carlton were looking dangerous with every attack, especially down the flanks, Shepshed were finding it difficult to retain possession. Channon North and Ade Adelukan were willing runners up front, but lack of control and timing, there were countless offsides, were their downfall.

Early in the second 45 although Shepshed were territorially enjoying most of the play the game was dying on its feet. Then a break in the game for a triple substitution by Shepshed in the 65th minute worked wonders. From the restart a lack of concentration by the visitors saw an unmarked North head home a Robbie Banks cross to reduce the arrears.

With a rejuvenated Shepshed now well on top, an equalizer seemed certain and it duly came in the 80th minute. Great work by Banks down the left flank, in which he shrugged off three challenges, ended with him crossing to North whose shot went in off the inside of the post.

Shepshed:-Hateley, Guiney, J Carter, Munn, Mottershead, Hill, Banks, Parr (Spencer 65), North, Adelukan (Francis 65), Weekes (Williams 65).

CARLTON TOWN 2 - 1 PILKINGTON XXX

Carlton booked themselves a potentially lucrative clash with Unibond Premier side Matlock Town in the next round of the FA Cup after defeating Pilkington 2-1 but it was a performance Carlton will be far from proud of.

They laboured for large periods of the game, regularly gave away possession and failed to dominate the crucial midfield area. That said, they have pulled off a vital win and if you can win on the bad days, it bodes well.

Pilkington were well up for the game and nearly took the lead through Brookes but Brearley saved brilliantly under his bar.

Brearley also saved well from Johnson and it was Pilkington who made most of the early running and also forced a number of dangerous corners but it was Carlton who scored first on the break.

Walton picked up a loose ball and made good ground before feeding Phil Bignall who cut in from the left leaving defenders in his wake and slotted past Pilkington keeper Sanders to give Carlton an undeserved 1-0 half time lead.

Club sources say head coach Tommy Brookbanks’ half time team talk rattled the building and it seemed to have the desired effect as Carlton started the second half brightly but after failing to add to their lead, Carlton allowed Pilkington back into the game and it was no surprise when they equalised through the excellent Brookes.

It was no more than Pilkington deserved and the game seemed to be heading for a replay before Michael Martin popped up at the far post to slot home a crucial winner in stoppage time.

Mikey does not get many goals but if there was ever a time to score, this was it and Carlton progress into the next preliminary round of the FA Cup despite a poor performance and the Chairman raised a smile in the bar afterwards, he was somewhat agitated earlier.

Attendance: 167

A crowd of 167 packed into the Bill Stokeld Stadium for this Bank Holiday clash and few will have left disappointed in what was a thrilling contest.

Grantham dominated the early stages and were on top for the first 20 minutes and took the lead at the back post through Tom Byrne.

Carlton hit back in some style and Bignall, Thomas and Gent all wasted good opportunities.

Fabian Smith has hit the bar early on and Grantham too had connected with the woodwork before they scored.

Brearley saved well in the Carlton goal just before the break after a defensive error but in general, Michael Martin and Dan Cane were solid and in control at the back for Carlton.

More chances went begging for Carlton prior to the interval and Grantham were fortunate to be in front at the break.

Carlton continued to press in the second period but continued to lack penetration in front of goal and Grantham could well have wrapped the game up missing two or three excellent chances themselves as the game opened up late on.

Dean Gent proved Carlton’s hero late on with a fine run and superb drilled finish across the keeper to make 1-1 and indeed could have won it but his late effort cleared the bar.

Grantham finished strongly with two corners in stoppage time but Carlton held firm and 1-1 it finished.

Kidsgrove made the early running at home to Carlton Town and were rewarded in the sixth minute when a dreadful mistake by visiting left back Dave Jephson let in striker Michael Lennon for an easy finish past keeper Steve Brearley.

Dominic Thomas was booked as Kidsgrove dominated the opening half and Brearley had to make a good save from Aidan Matranga.

Martin Ball shot over the bar for Carlton and then Fabian Smith forced Kidsgrove keeper James Coates into a smart save, with Darryl Thomas hitting the rebound over the bar.

Phil Bignall replaced Steve Chaplin on the hour mark and it was Bignall who shot wide with just the Kidsgrove keeper to beat.

Kidsgrove immediately broke down the slope and increased the lead through Matt Rhead.

Jephson’s disappointing afternoon was complete on 80 minutes when he received a double booking for a rash tackle and dissent and was sent off.

Grant Brindley and Tian Walton came on for Carlton for the last seven minutes and Carlton gained consolation in the 89th minute with Phil Bignall heading home.

Carlton Town came out on top in a thriller at Brigg Town and put their first Unibond points on the table.

Steve Chaplin preferred ahead of Phil Bignall justified the managers faith in him by giving Carlton an early lead before Brigg equalised on 22 minutes.

Carlton however soon regained their lead when Ball hit a 35 yard screamer. Brigg equalised on the stroke of half time but Aidan Brady then restored Carlton’s lead before it was cancelled out yet again with another Brigg equaliser.

The game finally went Carlton’s way when Fabian Smith scrambled home a winner in stoppage time. Head Coach Tommy Brookbanks described it as a “cracking performance.”

A 60th minute winner from Alsager’s Whittaker should not leave Carlton Town too disappointed.

Carlton put in a spirited display and dominated the first half but clear chances were few and far between and one felt one goal would always settle it.

Alsager were pressed back for large parts of the first half and had to be thankful to goal keeper Conkie who made two or three fine saves to keep Carlton at bay.

In the second period, Alsager upped their game and it was clear Manager Dean Stokes had put in a few harsh words to really his team.

The crucial goal came after Carlton keeper Steve Brearley had parried will at his post from a free kick. Although the ball was cleared, Carlton’s defence then got caught in no mans land as Peter Heler’s cross came back in and Whittaker found space to loop the header over the advancing Brearley giving him no chance.

Darryl Thomas should have equalised at the far post after good work by substitute Tian Walton but seemed to take his eye off the ball at the crucial moment and Alsager had three points in the bag.