Carlton Town 4-3 World Game Changers XI (Friendly) 30.05.21

Goals from James Matthews and Joel Daft either side of a Tyler Blake brace saw Carlton Town beat a World Game Changers XI 4-3 in an entertaining charity game played in front of a packed Bill Stokeld stadium with proceeds going towards grass roots football within the club.

Managers Tommy Brookbanks and Mark Harvey named a strong Carlton Town side featuring recent signings Matthews and Nat Watson and Matthews opened the scoring on 24 minutes from the penalty spot after he himself was fouled.

Blake made it 2-0 three minutes later, lobbing goalkeeper Luke Browne after a fine through ball by Watson.  And just before half time Blake extended Carlton’s lead, rounding Browne and tapping into an empty net.

In scorching heat, each half was 30 minutes and the visitors, who featured Colin Barrett, John Thompson, Chris Freestone and Forest Ladies stars Lyndsey Harkin and Jemma Iommi amongst others, looked to rally in the second period.

However it was Daft who put the home side 4-0 ahead on 46 minutes with a delightful strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Iommi pulled one back from the penalty spot with five minutes remaining after an audacious panenka past Jack Steggles. Goalkeeper Steggles was then “sent-off” and replaced by Phil Jennings from the Carlton coaching staff.

Iommi then set herself up with a lovely touch but could only fire wide before Freestone pulled a second goal back, firing home from a corner.

With virtually the last kick of the game Iommi scored again in what was a fine way to end the truncated season at Stoke Lane.

Carlton Town: Steggles, Brown, Johal, Gorman, Moore, Holmes, Elliott, Matthews, Blake, Watson, Thomas. Subs: Whitton, Daft, Cockram, Shaw, Flint, Jennings.

Goals: Matthews 24 (pen), Blake 27, 30, Daft 46; Jemma Iommi 55 (pen), 60, Chris Freestone 57

Venue: Bill Stokeld Stadium (500)

*Main image @CarlLitchy action from a fantastic charity event at Carlton Town FC.