Once again there was no lack of effort from the Millers and none of the supporters present could criticise the team for their endeavour. But as has so often been the case this season, the difference between the sides was the quality in the penalty areas and Carlton were found wanting once again. With effectively a 10 point gap to automatic survival and only 11 games left to play, the Stoke Lane outfit face a monumental battle for step 4 safety.

Carlton made two changes to the side which drew with Sheffield last time out. Lawrence Gorman came in for the injured Aaron O’Connor, with Khyle Sargent moving into midfield and Nat Watson moving up front. And with goalkeeper Louis Turner having completed his short loan spell, Mikey Emery was due to return between the posts until he pulled out injured during the warm up meaning that Richard Stainsby started in goal.

On the bench there were first appearances by recent signing Lamin Manneh and the returning Romello Nangle, back at Carlton for the first time since leaving Wayne Scott’s side in 2017.

The Hornets came to Stoke Lane firmly in the play-off mix but it was Carlton who started the better and Kyle Tomlin had their first effort, albeit high over the bar.

Shortly afterwards Hebburn broke quickly and only a fine Sargent interception snuffed out the attack.

Hebburn took the lead on the half hour against the run of play when Dan Moore headed home unmarked at the back post from a corner. It was a really soft goal to give away and was a good indicator of why the side is 19th in the table.

The Millers’ best chance of the first half came just before the break when goalkeeper Shaun Newbrook failed to deal with a Niall Davie chip into the area and Tomlin headed towards goal, but Newbrook recovered to save comfortably.

On the stroke of half time Davie sent a dangerous free kick into the area but no-one in a Carlton shirt was alive to the chance and Newbrook held.

Hebburn had in truth been second best in the first half but they looked much more assured after the restart and Jake Hackett drew an excellent save from Stainsby with a fierce free kick.

The visitors extended their lead on 61 minutes when Liam Henderson advanced down the right and crossed for Robbie Spence to head home at the near post.

Substitute Nangle darted into the area from a Tomlin ball and fired into the side netting as Carlton tried to respond but Hebburn kept the Millers at bay without any real difficulty and saw the game out.

The Carlton players came across to the home fans at the end as they generally do. It must get more difficult as the defeats mount up but it is always appreciated.

Carlton Town: R Stainsby, L Gorman, N Hylton, D Freeman, D Brown, K Sargent, N Davie (L Durow 63), K Tomlin, B Wells (R Nangle 63), N Watson, A Howes (L Manneh 73). Unused substitutes: M Emery, K Dixon

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM – Khyle Sargent

Att: 136