The referee added 12 minutes to the end of the game after delays occasioned by injuries to Ian Brown and Daniel Fletcher. And in the 10th of those added minutes, Thornton reacted quickest to Sam McVicar's excellent cross to fire the ball into the roof of the net.

In a pulsating encounter in front of a season-high attendance of 272, the Millers had taken the lead on 61 minutes when McVicar had stabbed home from close range after Reuben Wiggins-Thomas's effort had fallen into his path.

But the Gingerbreads have forged a deserved reputation for late goals this campaign, and despite being reduced to 10 men following the 84th minute dismissal of Paul Grimes, they levelled with three minutes of normal time remaining when Phil Watt crashed home following a corner.

Grantham thought they had won it in the fourth minute of added time when substitute Gary King hit a superb effort from 30 yards which was goalbound until Andrew Richmond pulled off a magnificent save.

And with time running out, Anthony Griffith Junior sent McVicar away down the left, and his fierce low cross was met by Thornton ahead of two defenders to fire home from six yards.

A full match report will appear tomorrow.

Carlton are next in action on Saturday when they entertain Romulus in the First Division South.