In the only game in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South on Wednesday night Carlton Town raced into a 2-0 lead inside six minutes against Chasetown but had to settle for a 2-2 draw in controversial circumstances, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.
The Millers goals came from a dourth minute Matt Varley penalty after Luke Smithson was fouled and a Nick Hall strike two minutes later following an excellent Smithson run and cross.
That was how it stayed in appalling conditions and continuous rain until the 49th minute when the referee adjudged Varley to have fouled Danny Smith, despite claims by the Millers to the contrary.
Mark Branch converted the spot-kick and although the Scholars enjoyed large amounts of possession, they struggled to create any openings of note until eight minutes from time when they were awarded a second penalty when substitute Daniel Ashton appeared to fall over his own feet as he tried to turn Will Gordon. But the official saw a foul and Branch's second spot-kick crept over the line, despite the efforts of Martin Kearney in the Carlton goal.
The Millers put the visitors goal under sustained pressure in the closing stages of the game and Chasetown keeper Ryan Price made two superb saves from Josh Thornton and Reuben Wiggins-Thomas to keep the scores level.
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