GOOD START TO THE SEASON
The Reserves had a good start to the season winning 3-1 against melbourne Dynamo. Although wasn’t the dream start for carlton, when they were forced into a early substitution within minutes of the start, causing Paul to reshuffle and think quickly.
Melbourne took advantage of Carlton struggling to settle. On the 10 minute mark the first chance of the game fell to Melbourne where Steggles pulled off a double save from close range to prevent melbourne taking the lead.
Carlton continued to give the ball away and was making silly mistakes. Melbourne were unlucky not to be in front.
Carlton finally started to settle down, with both wingers Aaron and Ellis keeping the width and getting into the game. Aaron beat his full back and finds ellis who beat the keeper from a couple of yards out 1-0 carlton
Melbourne quickly turned the game back around and were knocking on the door.
Paul continued to try and get his message on the pitch for the lads to relax and play football. On the stroke of half time carlton broke forward to be met by the onrushing melbourne keeper who handled out the box which resulted in him being sent off. The free kick deflects off the wall for a corner. A good delivery from Ellis finds Jamie Davies who converted his header from 6yds.
2-0 half time
2nd half started with both teams cancelling each other out. Melbourne 10 men wasn’t going to go down easily, With the first chance from a corner bought another good save from Steggles. Minutes later some tidy football from carlton a neat one two edge of the box between Ellis and danny Elliott saw a shot go just over the bar
Melbourne pulled a goal back 2-1
As melbourne started to gamble carlton exploited the space and gaps. Danny Elliott, Jack Cockram and Aaron all had good chances but were unable to convert. Carlton finally got there 3rd when Kai picked up the ball in his own Half beating his defender to have a one on one makes it 3-1
On the stroke of full Time carlton gave away a penalty, but again steggles wasn’t going to get beat easily and pulled of another great save.
Melbourne were unlucky not to take anything away from the game but credit to the young millers for taking their chances.
MOM Jack Steggles – His experience encouragement and positivity gave the young team exactly what was needed in their debut in the central midlands league on the transition from youth to senior football.
Jack Cockram (pictured) included in the first team squad this coming season. As a youngster JC played a year up through his junior years before joining the successful lions team. He was part of the lions team that won the copa santa competition in Spain
