The goal itself was a cracker – a free kick into the top corner from the edge of the box which left goalkeeper Matt Nurse rooted to the spot. The controversy came in its award as the keeper was penalised by the linesman for carrying the ball out of his area when kicking the ball upfield. It was a decision which clearly aggrieved the visitors and one which the Millers took full advantage of.

Les McJannet made two changes from the side which beat Stamford on Wednesday. Aaron Large and Massiah McDonald replaced Jermain Hollis and Ian Brown.

The Millers began well and Large shot just wide after good work from McDonald and Terry Hawkridge.

McDonald opened the scoring on 20 minutes when he slipped the ball home from close range after a cross by the impressive Hawkridge.

Quorn tried to get back into the game and hit the bar on 36 minutes.

Back came Carlton and Hawkridge shot just wide from 20 yards but on the stroke of half-time the visitors levelled. The Millers failed to clear a corner and Tony Law scored from close range.

In first half stoppage time Hawkridge went close again, but Nurse was equal to his long-range effort.

The Millers exerted early pressure in the second period and twice Nurse denied Hawkridge, the second time after the winger had picked up an excellent cross-field ball from Large and turned his full back inside out.

On 62 minutes came the moment that decided the match – Rob Gill’s stunning free kick, his opening goal of the campaign.

Danny Marshall was called upon to make an impressive save as time ran out and at the other end, Nurse thwarted McDonald as Carlton looked to wrap up the game.

Carlton Town: Marshall, Thornton, Fletcher, Kitchen, Darkin, Large (Shaw 68), Hall, Goward (Hollis 90), Hawkridge, Gill (Brown 74), McDonald. Unused substitutes: Grayson, Davis.

Goals: McDonald 20, Gill 62

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM – Terry Hawkridge

Att: 63