Thanks to SIMON HARRIS for this report.

With all 18 of Les McJannet’s slimmed-down squad present, plus the new committee members and a reasonable travelling support in a crowd of 390, it was with some optimism that the Millers kicked off the new campaign.

Carlton began playing right to left and sporting the new red and white away kit kindly sponsored by MRS news group. In the opening minutes both sides had chances, the best falling to Leek’s Richard Minor who managed to dribble his way through three challenges before Millers keeper Danny Marshall made the first of several top draw saves to keep Carlton in the game.

Just two minutes later Carlton forced home keeper Roberts into a great stop of his own to once again keep the score line level.

On 14 minutes Leek had what looked a good shout for a penalty turned down after one of their strikers went down in the area.

The let-off inspired Carlton and Ian Brown had an excellent chance to open the scoring on 25 minutes when found himself free just eight yards from goal. But his firm effort was well saved by the Blues goalkeeper.

Rob Gill was next to test the keeper with a belter from 20 yards which was turned away.

Throughout the first half both sides played some good football giving the bumper home crowd something to cheer about.

Jermain Hollis, who had an impressive game, whipped over a superb cross for Brown whose effort went just wide of the near post.

The opening goal came about through ex-Kidsgrove forward Matt Haddrell on 41 minutes as he clinically finished some good inter-passing and in turn condemned Carlton to a 1-0 interval deficit.

It could have been worse as Danny Marshall made an excellent stop immediately before the half-time whistle.

The second half kicked off well for both sides with Carlton captain Ashley Kitchen causing all sorts of problems with his long throws. From one of these on 51 minutes Nick Hall’s header drifted agonisingly past the far post with the Carlton fans behind the goal already celebrating an equaliser.

Throughout the game Millers number eight Terry Hawkridge caused no end of problems and showing the travelling supporters from Nottingham a glimpse of what is to come from the talented player.

Carlton should have levelled on 63 minutes. Hawkridge and Ryan Goward combined well down the left to set up Rob Gill inside the area but the striker missed his kick and the ball rolled harmlessly to the goalkeeper.

The rest of the second half continued without major incident except for the change of formation from McJannet to play four up front with ten minutes to go.

In the closing minutes the home side gave a third home debut for Doryl Proffitt and he had several chances to extend the lead but failed to show the killer instinct that was needed, with Marshall making one very impressive save.

Carlton Town: Marshall, Thornton, Fletcher (Chaplin 85), Kitchen, Darkin, Hollis, Hawkridge (McDonald 69), Hall, Goward, Gill (Grayson 77), Brown. Unused substitutes: Large, Davis.

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: Terry Hawkridge.