LEEK TOWN 4-1 CARLTON TOWN - MATCH REPORT

The Millers have a miserable record at Harrison Park, with just the one win in eight previous visits and that never looked like changing after Grice bagged his first goal on 21 minutes.

Manager Wayne Scott made two changes to the side which lost at Northwich Victoria last time out. In came Daniel Fletcher and Danny Gordon, replacing Jake Carlisle and Josh Rae.

On a magnificent surface Grice had the first effort but his long range chip was comfortably saved by Jack Steggles.

Gordon then fired a free kick across goal which no-one could get onto.

Leek came into the game on the back of five straight defeats and Carlton had the better of the opening exchanges. However, Leek were still creating chances and Steggles made an excellent save from Grice after a lovely cross from the left.

The opening goal came on 21 minutes. Sam Grimshaw’s cross from the left should have been a routine gather for Steggles but he dropped the ball and Grice was on hand to tap home.

The Millers passed up a glorious chance to equalise just two minutes later. Alexander Troke won the ball from Grimshaw. His excellent cross was missed by Gordon and when the ball fell to Niall Davie at the back post his shot lacked conviction and flew wide.

Troke saw a free kick caught by Ben Chapman before the home side made it 2-0 on the half hour. Grimshaw took a free kick quickly on the left hand side and when the ball was crossed in Grice had time and space to slot home.

Leek were now buzzing and Grimshaw made it three just before half time. He played a lovely pass and move with Peter Williams and kept his composure to slip the ball past Steggles. It was, in truth, a lovely goal.

Scott brought on Malcolm Podier at half time and he had an immediate impact, causing Leek problems early in the second half as Carlton sought a way back into the game.

William Mellors-Blair saw a dangerous cross turned over the bar by a Leek defender but from Troke’s corner Kieran Walker headed home.

That came on 47 minutes and the opening 15 minutes of the second half were end-to-end al out attack. Danny Elliott saw a shot deflected inches wide after good work by Podier before Steggles made a superb save from Tom France.

The Millers missed a wonderful chance to make it 3-2 on 51 minutes. Mellors-Blair dispossessed Danny Smith and Chapman and the ball fell to Gordon, 20 yards out with an open goal in front of him. Unfortunately he lifted the ball over the bar.

Back at the other end Steggles made another fine save from Grice but the striker secured the match ball on 57 minutes when he cut inside from the left and fired low into the corner of the net.

The home side almost made it five when they hit the post after a goalmouth scramble whilst Niall Maguire did well to head a Davie cross away from Mellors-Blair.

Lawrence Gorman saw a goal-bound header cleared off the line as Carlton pushed forward while Steggles made a double save from Rob Stevenson and Chris Budrys late on.

Eddie Schoenecker headed just over deep into injury time in the final action of the game.

Carlton Town: Steggles, Troke, Fletcher, Schoenecker, Gorman, Walker, Mellors-Blair, Newton (Podier 46), Gordon (Carlisle 82), Elliott (Wallace 75), Davie. Unused subs: Stovell, Rae

Goals: Walker 47; Tim Grice 21, 30, 57, Sam Grimshaw 43

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM – Daniel Fletcher

Attendance: 121