Premier Division
Carterton Town 2 North Leigh FC 1
Thursday, 26 December 2002
Clash of the Day in the Premier Division saw leaders North Leigh at 2nd placed Carterton Town. North Leigh?s last defeat was at the hands of neighbouring Carterton in August having gone seventeen league matches since that defeat. Carterton have suffered only a single league defeat in twenty outings and were well ready for this clash.
Carterton were put under pressure by North Leigh from the kick off but the Carterton defence held strong not allowing many clear cut opportunities to Harry Burnley and Adam Hamp. Carterton had few attacking chances and were happy to defend in the face of a strong wind. The home team held out until the 39th minute when following a corner from the right the ball was not properly cleared and it was left to Sean Bott to slot the ball into the Carterton net to give the current champions the lead.
Half Time: 0-1
The 2nd half was a different matter as Carterton with the wind at their backs mounted attack after attack on the North Leigh goal but had little to show for their endeavours until the 69th minute when a Kenny Clarke shot was mishandled by North Leigh keeper Kevin Alder and recent signing Matt Allen poked the ball home in a goalmouth scramble. The game became very intense and referee Bert Barry brandished several ?Yellow Cards? to maintain control of the proceedings. The usual vociferous appeals made by both benches only added to the passion of the game. The winner came in the 84th minute when a penalty was awarded for a blatant off the ball push by Lewis. Alder saved the initial kick from James Mortimer-Jones but he followed up his own kick and tapped in from six yards to give Carterton the points and a ?League Double? over their neighbours.
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