The last time this match preview was penned, Hebburn’s form was in a bit of a slump. Since then, the rains have abated (a bit), and the Hornets form has boomed. Big wins against Brighouse, Sheffield and Dunston see the visitors third in the table, unbeaten in eight games and one of the few sides that can still win the division if they convert games in hand to points on the board. That however, is not straightforward in this league. Amar Purewal has bagged twenty three goals already this season which makes him not just Hebburn’s leading man in front of goal but also the top scorer in the division. The Hornets arrive at Stoke Lane on the back of a three called off matches, the latest against Ossett United on Saturday. Their last outing was a 4-0 win against local rivals, Dunston, a fortnight ago.
Back in February the Millers form was also indifferent but has shown a real uptick in the last month, especially against teams in the top eight. A well earned point against Pontefract and superb wins against Stockton and Dunston underline Carlton’s own playoff credentials. Alex Hardwick leads the scoring with eleven goals this year but valuable contributions from all around the squad mean Carlton’s goal threat is varied and fluid. A hard fought 2-0 win against Ashington at the weekend has Carlton coming into this encounter with three wins on the bounce.
The Hornets have had the better of Carlton in recent meetings. A 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season and a 2-0 win in this fixture last year outlines the task ahead of the Millers this coming match day. However, Carlton followers will have fond memories of a Niall Davie goal (voted Goal Of The Season) at Hebburn last year in a 2-0 victory which kickstarted the great escape. Both sides have a busy final month so squad depth, resilience and luck will all play a part in where they each end up.