Blidworth Welfare 1-2 Carlton Town

A good run out for both these teams - Blidworth look a good outfit and will do well in the CML Supreme, while Evo-Stik Div One side Carlton played a lot better than they did at Clipstone last week. The home team lost to a stunning goal, and although Carlton were, on the whole, a lot quicker to the ball, Blidworth Manager Brett Marshall must be happy with his teams overall performance.

Thumbs up to Rob Hornby for producing a splendid programme - and even though a fair proportion was allocated to Mansfield Town ( who scrapped their youth team on Friday, so couldn't send a team), well worth the £1 asking price, especially with profits going to APTCOO.

Thumbs down to Blidworth. £4 admission - we were told it does "include a raffle ticket" ..... ok - but if you're going to do that, at least announce the winning ticket number. I might be sitting here with the winning ticket ....who knows?

Blidworth started the game well, and only a smart save from the Millers' keeper kept out a Jason Edwards 20 yarder - Dean Rick pounced on the loose ball , but his effort was well blocked. Carlton gradually took a hold on the game and in the 25th minute Ricky Gardener unleashed a fierce drive that was deflected away for a corner. Blidworth had the best effort of the half on 30, when Carl Haslam made a mazy run into the box and fired across the keeper - to his dismay the ball crashed off the foot of the far post and flew away to safety. H-T 0-0

Carlton began the second half on the proverbial front foot, and in the 52nd minute Blidworth keeper Paul Stanhope had to scramble the ball off his line, after Seb Darling made a great run down the right and fired across the goal. On 56 it was Darling again causing the home defence problems, twisting and turning before crossing to the the far post where Warren Hatfield was waiting - unfortunately the striker had to stretch for the ball and couldn't direct it at goal.

In the 57th minute and totally against the run of play, Blidworth went ahead. Rick forced his way into the box and seemed to stumble - but he had the presence of mind to play the ball across the Carlton goal where BRADLEY WELLS was on hand to bundle home. The lead lasted barely 10 minutes though - a low driven free-kick from the left glanced home by CHRIS HUDSON.

On 82, Antwon Bonnick turned well and fired a rocket shot that Stanhope did well to palm away for a corner, but the keeper never stood a chance five minutes later when BONNICK raced down the left, cut into the box and fired low into the net. Great goal - deserved to be the winner. F-T 1-2 Admission £4 ( say no more)

H/C 120

Programme £1 - excellent publication by Mr. Hornby, just a pity that the Stags couldn't send a team.

Tuesday - Forest Town v Parkhouse