MATCH REPORT: Carlton Town 1:0 Stamford

A last-minute goal from Lamin Manneh in the second minute of injury time saw Carlton Town knock higher-ranked Stamford out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win at Stoke Lane.

It was no more than the Millers deserved after their impressive performance, particularly in the second half, against a side that came into the game as league leaders and unbeaten this season. But Carlton worked incredibly hard, limited Danield to just a couple of chances and would have won the game by a bigger margin but for some good saves from visiting goalkeeper Thomas Jackson. As it is, the win meant Carlton eliminated a third-tier opponent for the second consecutive time this round.

Mark Harvey and Tommy Brookbanks made two enforced changes to the team that lost at Garforth last time. Nat Watson was suspended and Jack Newall was ruled out of Burton Albion's cup campaign. Newcomers to the team were Shea Thompson-Harris, starting for the first time this season, and Niall Hylton.

There was the welcome return of Lawrence Gorman to the bench.

– Advertising –

Stamford's squad featured no fewer than four former Carlton players, with Charlie Marzano in the starting line-up and Oliver Clark, Billy Bennet and Connor Bartle all on the bench. Former manager Wayne Scott was also in attendance in his capacity as part of Stamford's coaching staff.

The Daniels suffered an early setback when influential Dale Vince had to leave the field after just seven minutes due to injury and was replaced by Clark.

The first half was a tight affair, with Stamford playing against a strong headwind but enjoying the majority of possession. Carlton, with Manneh as the lone striker in attack, gave Stamford no time on the ball. Michael Ford, back in midfield following Thompson-Harris' return, and Alex Howes both played well alongside the ever-reliable Khyle Sargent and Hylton.

In fact, the first real chance of the game came just after the half hour mark when Jackson did a good job of denying Hylton's shot after an excellent run and cross from Manneh.

“As the game progressed, Stamford made a number of substitutions in an attempt to regain some control, but Carlton appeared to have the better scoring opportunities.”

Stamford began to push Carlton back as the half progressed and Dean Freeman and Dan Brown in defence were heavily involved in denying Stamford's advances while Thompson-Harris and Durow did the same on the wings. But the chances that came fell to the home side when Howes blocked a shot after a lovely pass from Hylton.

– Advertising –

Thompson-Harris made a superb last-gasp clearance to deny what looked like a certain goal from Rob Morgan, before Tom Siddons fired over from close range following a cross from Lee Shaw. Stamford were awarded a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time when Tobias Liversidge was pulled back by Durow following a lovely pass from Clark. However, the linesman and referee ruled the foul to have been outside the box and the free kick was ineffective.

Stamford had a chance early in the second half when Clark shot over, but after that Carlton took control of the game. A nice move involving Howes, Niall Davie and Hylton resulted in a shot from Manneh which Jackson saved. Shortly afterwards Manneh sneaked past Joe Burgess and shot on goal but Jackson again saved.

The Millers' work intensity across the pitch was superb and there was no sign of any difference in performance between the teams. In the 65th minute, Carlton thought they had made the breakthrough. Freeman headed on a throw from Durow and Howes fired the ball home but was stopped by an offside flag.

As the game progressed, Stamford made a number of substitutions in an attempt to regain some control, but Carlton looked to have the better chances. Howes' effort flew over the bar and a number of Carlton crosses went in from good positions. Davie then played a nice ball into the path of Ford, but his attempts to get a shot off were well defended by Stamford.

The visitors had a couple of chances to equalise in the final three minutes of normal time, but Jack Duffy fired over the bar and Sargent was on hand to block a shot from Jon Challinor.

– Advertising –

As the game entered the second of four minutes of added time and a replay seemed likely, Carlton scored a dramatic late winner. Davie won a header in midfield and Hylton shielded the ball well, who played it into the path of Manneh. He surged forward, beat Jordon Cooke and William Glennon and fired past Jackson, causing ecstatic scenes on the Carlton bench and among the home fans.

The Millers had to endure another five minutes, including a corner for Stamford, but some smart play from Neo Saunders and Hylton towards the end meant the Daniels ran out of time and Carlton were able to celebrate a great victory with their cheering fans.

Carlton Town: F Annan, S Thompson-Harris, L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman (L Gorman 87), K Sargent, N Hylton, M Ford, N Davie (N Saunders 90+4), A Howes, L Manneh. Unused Substitutes: Z Hill, J Gilbert, L Richardson

Goals: Lamin Manneh 90+2

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOM – Lamin Manneh

Participation: 190