But conceding a late equaliser shouldn't take away from an excellent Carlton performance against a very good Halesowen side in what was a superb game of football. The crowd played their part too, with the home fans creating a superb atmosphere and the decent midweek travelling support responding in kind.

Carlton started the better and had early chances to take the lead through Davie and Nat Watson. But Halesowen were not league leaders for nothing and it was they who opened the scoring when Preston palmed a Paul McCone shot into the chest of Tyler Johal with the ball crossing the line.

The Millers responded and were level within five minutes when Davie headed home at the back post after a super Lawrence Gorman cross was flicked on by Tyler Blake.

Blake turned creator again on 71 minutes, whipping over a cross that Davie converted from close range after some excellent play by Preston and Watson.

But the Yeltz laid siege to the Carlton goal in the final minutes and levelled the scores two minutes from the end of normal time.

Carlton survived five minutes added on in part for a bizarre incident when a Halesowen fan seemed to throw a crutch at Watson while Blake was being treated for an injury, which led to the usual melee.

But the Millers held firm and left the field to generous applause from both sets of supporters after what was an excellent game of football.

The draw means both sides remain unbeaten. Halesowen are still top but Carlton drop to third place with 17 points from seven games. They return to action on Saturday when Ilkeston Town are the visitors to Stoke Lane.

A full report on tonight's game will be on site tomorrow evening.