Staveley Miners Welfare 4-0 Carlton Town (Friendly) 21.07.21

Carlton Town endured a torrid night as they lost 4-0 at Staveley Miners Welfare in their latest pre-season friendly.

All the goals came in the opening 45 minutes and as well as Staveley played, the truth is that the Millers were abject.  Indeed, but for some wayward finishing the deficit could have been even higher.

Carlton did improve in the second half, no doubt after some words were had at half time, but the game was long since over as a contest by then.  There was certainly plenty of food for thought ahead of the new season, which is only three weeks away.

On another very pleasant evening at an excellent ground Staveley were ahead inside 30 seconds.  Tucker Poole was able to cut in from the right and shoot across Jack Steggles, who saw the ball go through his hands and into the net.

The home side looked sharper and more committed across all areas of the pitch and they swarmed forward.  It was only a matter of time before they scored again and the second goal duly arrived on 24 minutes. Steggles palmed a corner at the back post to Will Eades who was allowed time to turn and slot home unchallenged.

Carlton were unable to keep any possession and the third goal came on 33 minutes.  The Millers lost the ball in midfield and a lovely cross-field pass sent Dec Howell sprinting down the right wing.  He reached the edge of the box and then fired low and hard across Steggles and into the corner of the net.

Still the home side came forward and shortly before half time they scored their fourth.  Tom Maddison lost possession in midfield to Rieves Boocock who was allowed to run through without challenge before shooting past Steggles.

Carlton started the second half with a noticeable increase in energy and commitment and Niall Davie had the visitors’ first shot of the night on 47 minutes, firing low and drawing a fine save from the Staveley goalkeeper.

Davie had a couple of other efforts that flew wide of target and saw a couple of dangerous crosses go begging.  Substitute Kai Moore had the best Carlton chance of the night but he couldn’t control a delightful Nat Watson pass when through on goal and the goalkeeper saved.

Beyond that Staveley still found it far too easy to run through the Carlton midfield and defence and the team will be expected to show some improvement in the remaining friendlies before the season begins on 14 August.

Carlton Town: Steggles, Brown (Cockram 46), Fletcher, Gorman, Moore, Maddison, Johal (Daft 63), Matthews (Sargeant 46), Thomas (Moore 58), Watson, Davie.

*Article provided by Sky Blue Miller.

*Main image @StaveleyMWFC Inkersall Road looking fabulous after it’s recent 3g installation.