The defeat, Carlton’s third in succession in the league, was a huge disappointment against a side who came into the match below the Millers in the table after the optimism generated by the win over Chasetown in the FA Trophy last time out. Without a considerable improvement, the campaign is set to follow the trajectory of the last two seasons’ relegation battles.

Manager Wayne Scott made three changes to the side which beat the Scholars. There were surprising omissions for the previously ever-present Lawrence Gorman and Josh Rae as well as captain Romaine Graham. Into the side came Jake Wholey, Luke Smithson and Romello Nangle.

Wholey, a predominantly left-footed player, had the unenviable task of playing at right back and Kidsgrove were quick to focus their attacks on his flank.

Ex-Coventry City midfielder and Trinidad and Tobago international Chris Birchall saw one golden chance deflected wide before the visitors opened the scoring on 19 minutes. Another attack down the left saw an off-side looking Harry Clayton advance into the area and fire across Jack Steggles and into the far corner of the net.

The Millers showed precious little of the attacking threat they had mustered against Chasetown, resorting far too often to aimless long balls which were dealt with comfortably by the Kidsgrove defence.

Scott acted at half time, bringing on both Gorman and Graham for Wholey and Daniel Gordon. The changes seemed to have some effect as Carlton began the second half in a more positive vein with Niall Davie drawing the first save of the game from Harry Pickering in the Kidsgrove goal.

However, what hope there was was all but extinguished on 58 minutes when Kidsgrove doubled their lead. This time they attacked down the right hand side where Ben Mills shrugged off some ineffectual defending and fired across Steggles.

Gorman went close with a well-struck free kick, whilst at the other end Kidsgrove had a goal disallowed for a push and Clayton fired just wide from the edge of the box.

Scott brought on Rae for the last 15 minutes and he had an immediate impact, forcing a corner after a lovely bit of skill. Graham then did well to create a chance for Eddie Schoenecker who dragged his effort wide.

Kidsgrove almost added to their tally in injury time but Steggles made an excellent save from Clayton. It was however a very disappointing afternoon for the home side on the day they debuted their new home kit.

Carlton Town: Steggles, Wholey (Gorman 46), Fletcher, Schoenecker, Keane, Walker, Smithson (Rae 74), Elliott, Nangle, Davie, Gordon (Graham 46). Unused subs: Sturgess, Newton

Goals: Harry Clayton 19, Ben Mills 58

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM – Danny Elliott

Attendance: 73