FA TROPHY DRAMA AT BUTLIN ROAD AS TEN MAN MILLERS WIN ON PENALTIES

A 0-0 bore draw this was not as Rugby Town hosted Carlton Town in the Fa Trophy at Butlin Road.

It was the first time the two teams had met and the Carlton Commitee in attendance were warmly welcomed by the home directors, which was noted and much appreciated by the visitors.
Carlton started well and played some impressive football in the first half and Rugby were grateful to excellent goalkeeper Paul Hathaway who made a couple of fines saves including a blinder from a fierce Nat Watson effort.

Rugby were better in the second half, although Carlton still manufactured the best chances and both substitute Jack Newall and Lamin Manneh had opportunities to win the game, but when Kyle Sargent was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the second half, Carlton were undoubtedly up against it and with Rugby freshening things up with key substitutions and looking dangerous, particularly on the break, Carlton were grateful to an outstanding late save from Felix Annan to keep the scores level.

No extra time in the Fa Trophy, straight to the dramatic drama of penalties and back from injury substitute Liam Moran had his spot kick saved and Rugby scored their first, Carlton were on the back foot, up stepped another Carlton favourite returning from injury and Lawrence Stewart coolly hit the back of the net with his effort.
Rugby hit the post with their next effort and then Felix made a superb save from their next one, while Lord Marfo and Lamin Manneh scored either side of that and shushed the noisy Rugby spectators behind the goal.
Rugby scored the next one and it fell to Nat Watson to see the Millers home, but Nat’s penalty was saved and after Rugby made it 3-3 , it was down to sudden death.
Massive credit to Dean Freeman who followed up an excellent game with an assured spot kick and to Michael Ford who was the next to step up to the plate for the Millers, Rugby had scored their first sudden death penalty, but Felix the cat superbly save the next one to see the Millers home.

After last weeks drama had seen the Millers defeat Stamford in the Fa cup in Injury time, the Millers left it late again, but went home happy indeed after their dramatic victory.

The win means Carlton’s game v Ashington on Saturday 21st September at Stoke Lane will have to be rescheduled, the Millers will be hoping however for a home tie in Monday’s draw, with some Merthyr Town fans who the club have formed a brilliant bond with, due to come down and support them on that particular Saturday.

Carlton Town Tv managed to grab a word with Felix following his penalty heroics, before he retreated to the dressing room and also caught up with Tommy and Mark after the dramatic penalty shootout win and we also have Felix’s big save and it’s all below.