BLUES GRIND OUT WIN OVER MILLERS

After defeat in their last outing Leek Town returned to winning ways with an entertaining but closely fought victory over Carlton Town to maintain their 5pt lead at the top of the Bet Victor South East Division.

The Blues got off to the best possible start with a goal after just 3 mins. Rob Stevenson, who was to terrorise the Carlton left back, Jacob Sturges, for most of the afternoon was fouled just outside the right of the area, and Matt Bells delicious inswinging free kick was met by a powerful header by Olly Harrison from 6yds that gave goalkeeper Jack Steggles no chance.

Carlton, however, were to prove they would be no pushover all afternoon and drew level on 9mins. Leek lost possession in midfield and the ball found its way over to Tyler Johan on the left. His early shot across Danny Roberts was palmed away by the Leek keeper but Tyler Blake was first to the loose ball to fire it into the empty net.

In a pulsating start to the game Leek regained the lead just 3mins later. Marc Grocott found Stevenson on the left hand side of the Carlton area and as he cut into the box to try and get a shot onto his right foot he got past one challenge but was then upended by the second defender to earn a penalty that captain, Darren Chadwick, coolly slotted home.

And just shortly afterwards it could have been 3 for the Blues as Stevenson easily beat Sturges and put across the first of his numerous low crosses from the right but Tim Grice, normally the scourge of Carlton, could not force the ball past Steggles from close range.

Stevenson also had an opportunity to make it 3 himself on 21mins as he latched onto a long ball over the top from Chadwick and had a chance to lob the on rushing Steggles but did not get enough elevation on his effort and hit it straight into the keepers hands.

Carlton were certainly playing their part in a game that felt as if a chance could arrive for either side at any moment and thought they had drawn level again on 33mins as a free kick was flicked on to the far post where Toby Moore fired home, but the linesman’s flag had already been raised for offside. The Millers also came close after winning their first corner of the game on 40mins as a header at the far post was headed down but wide of Roberts right hand post but a 2-1 lead to Leek at half time felt about just right on the balance of the half.

HT Leek Town 2 - Carlton Town 1

As with the first half, the second half commenced in a lively manner and Leek again nearly had a perfect start and came close to extending their lead in the 46th minute after winning a corner. From Billy Reeves delivery Chadwick saw his header cleared off the line by Sturges.

The Blues were stunned, however, on 53mins when Carlton pulled the scores level again. Some close interplay down the Leek left resulted in Oliver Robinson getting round the back and as the ball was played low to the far post Blake had got ahead of Chris Baker to fire home for his second goal of the game.

At this stage it looked as if it could be anyone’s game as Carlton gained confidence from the equaliser and Leek looked to step things up to try and regain the advantage. Stevenson was the player leading the charge for Leek; twice, within a minute, beating Sturges to advance into the area, the first time delivering a tantalising ball across the face of the 6 yard box that just avoided Grice and the second time being blocked by Steggles.

Despite these efforts, the Blues started to lose their way a little with Carlton beginning to look comfortable against the Leek attack and still posed a threat through the focal point of Aaron Opoku, who was generally being handled well by Olly Harrison in an intriguing physical battle. So, with approximately 20 minutes remaining manager Neil Baker chose to make changes with Jacob Twyford and Aaron Bott replacing Chris Baker and Tim Grice respectively.

It was to prove an inspired decision as the two players, who have not enjoyed a lot of game time during the Blues unbeaten run but to their credit had been patient and waited for their chance, combined to deliver the decisive blow, but not before the Blues fans had been put through a nervous spell where Carlton had enjoyed a period of pressure and forced a number of corners that had to be defended resolutely.

However, on 84mins Bott received the ball down the right, attacked and beat Sturges, and lifted the ball back to the penalty spot where Twyford met it with a first time effort low into the net to send the Blues faithful wild behind the goal.

After virtually matching Leek for most of the game the goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Carlton somewhat and for the closing minutes of the game they were unable to recover sufficiently to mount any serious challenge and suggest they could find a third equaliser with the Blues relieved to edge a tight competitive game.

FT Leek Town 3 - Carlton Town 2

Report by Winners Lad

Leek Town line up as follows

1. Roberts
2. Agbozo
3. Keenan
4. Grocott
5. Harrison
6. Chadwick
7. Baker replaced by Twyford (67)
8. Reeves
9. Grice replaced by Botte (70)
10. Bell replaced by Short (78)
11. Stevenson

Substitutes : Bavanganga, Walford (Unused)
Attendance 343