No.43 – Sat. 3rd February 2007; Northern Counties East League Premier Division 3.00 at Bill Stokeld Stadium, Stoke Lane, Gedling, Notts (att: 82; prog: 20 pp £1)  View matchday images  01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Carlton Town (0) 3  Sheffield FC (0) 0                   Town victory leads to double celebration!         Two second half goals from Anthony Howell and a Danny Blair penalty settled the game for Carlton in what was a convincing victory at the Bill Stokeld Stadium. This was no fluke, Town played the better football and thoroughly deserved to win the game. The result was especially pleasing for the Nottinghamshire based club because they had beaten their South Yorkshire opponents back in October at the Coach and Horses (see Ramblings No.24). Since my last visit to Stoke Lane (Sneinton v Clipstone Welfare, 2-3, Floodlit League Cup 2nd leg on 18/12/01), the club have not only changed their name but have relocated their pitch, albeit only a relatively short distance from the old one. The new  venue is situated at right angles to the previous site, the land for which is now occupied by tractors and JCB's as a new by-pass is being built on it. The NEW ground is fully enclosed by a high wooden fence with acess via a turnstile along the side nearest to the car park/main facilities. As you would expect there is still much work to be done and part of the stadium is fenced off for safety reasons whilst this building work continues. The club use temporary accommodation in the right hand corner for changing. Alongside is a vibrant club house complete with bar and kitchen and several picnic tables in front close to pitch side. Most spectators chose to watch the game from this patio area. A smart new stand positioned behind the goal to the right provides the only cover at the ground. This smart structure creates a favourable impression with travelling fans and boasts several rows of tiered blue and yellow tip up plastic seats inside. Viewing from here was only made difficult by the low position of the sun which shone brightly throughout the afternoon. The rest of the ground comprises of newly constructed open hard standing. The pitch which is quite undulating in places has a post and rail perimeter fence, also painted in the club colours. Town issued a 20-page computer generated programme complete with the match details on the front cover for this NCELP game. Although a bit thin on reading material it is still a decent effort nontheless. A wide range of hot and cold food was available from the clubhouse and the service provided was excellent. Mrs W was well impressed. The club is based about four miles to the east of Nottingham and is actually in the parish of Gedling, a short distance from neighbouring Carlton. To reach the ground follow the A612 (Nottingham Road and then the Burton Road) passing through Burton Joyce. Take a left turn down Stoke Lane where the ground entrance and car park are visible on the left hand side of the road. A visit to the new Stoke Lane ground is highly recommended and travellers will be made to feel most welcome. For more details about the club and the NCEL in general, log on to the excellent league website. FGIF Rating: 4* Links - Map l Carlton Town FC Website