Match Preview

As dictated by the league the next home fixture for Carlton, against fifth placed Pontefract Collieries, will actually take place at nearby Step 3 side Basford United’s home ground in Nottingham’s inner west suburbs. The continual battle with the wet weather which created postponements across the league programme throughout February especially, led to the extraordinary orders being imposed on Carlton, Dunston and Sheffield.
The Colls demolished fellow play off contenders North Ferriby 4-1 at the weekend and are in steady form. Three defeats in the last four represents the worst run of the season for the Millers. An encouraging display against Stockton couldn’t be built upon last weekend as once again Carlton saw a match lose out to the weather, as the game at Liversedge failed a pitch inspection.
These two last met on the opening weekend of the season. Carlton snatched the points with a 2-1 victory, Lamin Manneh and Niall Davie finding the target. In this fixture last season Davie was again on the scoresheet in a 1-0 victory, one of very few home wins for Carlton last year.
This season the Millers are win or bust at home. Six wins and six defeats, one of those against Stockton last time out. The Colls are happy on their travels and have only lost three times away from home all season, winning 8 of their 14 away contests. Pontefract’s defence is the third meanest in the division so Carlton will have to be at their best to get something from this one. Who adapts quickest to the unfamiliar surroundings will also play a part in the eventual outcome here.