Davie, making his 200th Carlton Town appearance, followed up after visiting goalkeeper Lloyd Allinson could only parry a Brad Wells strike to score the only goal of the game. The win not only moved Carlton out of the relegation zone, but it also meant a first clean sheet in eight games as the club continues to adjust to life in the Eastern section of the NPL.

Tommy Brookbanks and Mark Harvey made two changes to the side which had lost at home to Stocksbridge last time out despite dominating the game. In came goalkeeper Richard Stainsby for his first league start of the season along with the return of Jared Holmes. Out went Mikey Emery and the injured Kyle Dixon.

The teams came out to the Last Post played impeccably by Millers season ticket holder Alistair Weir and there followed a minute's silence for Remembrance weekend.

Pontefract came into the game in the playoff positions having suffered only one defeat all season and the Millers knew they had to be aware of their threat from wide positions. With Lawrence Gorman playing alongside Dan Brown at centre half, Khyle Sargent moved to right back with Niall Hylton at left back. Both full backs had excellent games and it was noticeable that they only advanced forward sporadically, ensuring first and foremost that they were in position to deal with any attempts to get in behind them down the wings.

Danny Elliott had Carlton’s first attempt on goal, with his 25 yard left-footer being tipped away by Allinson.

Aaron O’Connor then went on a fine run before feeding Wells. His shot was saved by Allinson but Alex Howes looked certain to score from the loose ball before Kevy Tarangadzo made a superb goal line clearance.

Elliott then fed Davie whose lovely cross was missed by O’Connor in the area.

Gorman and Brown had dealt comfortably with any Pontefract threat. Indeed, Collieries in general offered little – they were plainly having an off day given their excellent start to the season – with multiple crosses being overhit and dropping harmlessly out of play.

But Stainsby mishit an attempted clearance on 23 minutes and Joe Lumsden only just missed the target from 25 yards with the goal empty.

O’Connor then beat Allinson to a through ball on the left hand side. He lifted the ball over the retreating keeper but Callum Brook was on hand to head off the line.

O’Connor pulled up with an injury before the half was over and was replaced by Aaron Opoku.

The second half continued in much the same vein and Wells saw a shot blocked after an excellent run.

Elliott, having a fine game alongside Holmes in midfield, saw another effort well saved by Allinson as Carlton tried to get in front.

Collieries attacked on 67 minutes and Brown had to be alert to intercept, before Opoku tracked all the way back to his own goal line to block a cross. Tarangadzo headed over from the resultant corner and it was a key miss as within a minute Carlton were ahead.

Holmes played a lovely pass to send Wells away on the left. He outpaced Brook before rifling an angled drive at goal. Allinson could only parry across the goalmouth where Davie was on hand to tap home to the delight of the home support.

Opoku looked to be brought down by Tarangadzo soon afterwards but the referee wasn’t interested in Carlton’s penalty claims. Soon afterwards the striker chased back again before Sargent took the ball away from Fabian Bailey.

As the game entered its closing stages Carlton began to sit too deep and invite Pontefract pressure, but the visitors created litte of note. Indeed, the best passing move of the game led to Howes delivering a peach of a cross to the back post on 85 minutes which Opoku really should have scored, but he could only look on in disbelief as the ball flew inches wide of the post.

With the game in the final minute of added time Opoku was sent off for a second yellow card offence of kicking the ball away. The ten men only had to play out 30 seconds before securing a welcome home win.

Carlton Town: R Stainsby, K Sargent, N Hylton, L Gorman, D Brown, J Holmes, N Davie, D Elliott (K Tomlin 70), B Wells, A O’Connor (A Opoku 35), A Howes. Unused substitutes: M Emery, R Tait, L Czerwak

Goals: Davie 68

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM – Dan Brown

Att: 133