STEGGLES THE PENALTY HERO IN EPIC BATTLE AT RADFORD FC!

Carlton Town probably had over 70% of the ball in an epic Cup tie against Gedling Miners Welfare at Radford Fc on another horrendous evening weather wise in this winter where it never stops raining!

There was plenty of sleet in the weather mix too , but Carlton who went into the game undercooked started brightly with plenty of threat , but little in the way of penetrating the opposition goal with shots going everywhere but on target.

Arron Opoku hit the post after a wonderful run, but Gedling’s keeper remained pretty much untroubled and it was perhaps no surprise when Gedling took the lead with a superb header from former Miller Josh Thornton after a cracking cross from a free kick just before the interval.

Carlton continued to dominate possession in the second half, but once again lacked a cutting edge and Chairman Mick Garton told Vice Chairman Barry North who was not in attendance, that he could not see Carlton forcing an equaliser unless there was a moment of brilliance or a penalty.

A Penalty did come Carlton’s way in the 88th minute after a handball and Arron Opoku duly slotted it home and when Carlton upped the anti in stoppage time, Gedling were thankful for a goal line clearance which proved the last kick of normal time.

Both teams huffed and puffed in extra time, but their were few clear chances and it was no surprise when it went to penalty kicks.

Things started badly for Carlton with Niall Davey’s weak effort saved,  but Jack Steggles pulled off a fantastic save from Gedlings 2nd penalty and with Clark, Opoku, Blake and Thomas all scoring for the Millers, it went to sudden death. Dan Brown slotted home his penalty with the pressure on and cometh the hour , cometh the man as Jack Steggles saved his second penalty to ensure Carlton reached the semi final of the competition once again.

It would take a hard hearted person not to feel some sympathy for Gedling Miners Welfare, their players including several former Carlton players and an historic legend in Dean Gent gave everything for their manager and losing on penalties is cruel indeed, but Carlton have been there in the past themselves, so will take the victory and move on!

The club would like to thank everyone at Radford Fc for their kind hospitality and for hosting the game, a nice club with nice people and a semi Final awaits for the Millers!