Carlton started the post-Tommy Brookbanks era with just one player from last year’s squad in their starting line up. It was that player, Ricky Gardner, who was the first to test Craig Turner in the Lincoln goal with a shot from the edge of the area which was comfortably saved.

Lincoln then began to impose themselves on the game, West having to make a save from the dangerous Sam Mullarkey, conceding a corner which came to nothing.

Carlton then attacked with an excellent run down the left by Gardner, who sped by two defenders before finding Joe Naylor in space. He in turn fired in a shot which Turner saved impressively to keep the scores level.

The Millers took the lead in their next attack as the excellent Grayson played the ball wide to Gardner. His cross was met first by McDonald who forced the ball past Turner from close range, with just 15 minutes on the clock.

The goal seemed to lift Carlton and they began to put the Lincoln defence under sustained pressure, with Gardner and Thornton attacking the visitors down the flanks.

As the game moved towards half time, Lincoln started to get back into the game, but the Carlton defence held out.

The Millers enjoyed a tremendous start to the second half. They extended their lead on 47 minutes, Joe Naylor leaping high to head past Turner following a corner by Josh Thornton. It wasn't long before they were 3-0 up. McDonald racing down the right before putting a low ball across the box where Naylor missed his kick but Gardner following up made no mistake.

Lincoln by this stage cut a demoralised outfit and Carlton were clearly on top. More good work by Mcdonald , this time on the left, resulted in Turner pushing a Gardner effort onto the bar. Carlton continued to push for a fourth breaching the Lincoln defence numerous times, but Turner in the Lincoln goal kept the Millers at bay.

McJannet was able to make changes towards the end of the game, and the Millers faithful saw an impressive cameo from Alex Troughton, who came on for goalscorer McDonald with 20 minutes remaining. The game finished with Carlton ending comfortable winners.

Carlton Town: West, Darkin, Goward, Clarke, Kitchen, Hall, Thornton, Naylor (sub Shaw 77), Grayson (sub Bonnick 74), McDonald (sub Troughton 70), Gardner. Unused substitutes: Darling, Walton.

Goals: McDonald 15, Naylor 48, Gardner 55.

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM - Neil Grayson

Att: 62