Rugby Town's opening fixture of the Northern Premier League Midlands campaign ended in defeat against Carlton Town at Butlin Road.

The visitors who have been switched from the NPL East scooped all three points despite late controversy at Butlin Road.

Harrison Nee and Ryan Sahota came into the side among four changes while there were first starts for goalkeeper Marcus Bald and winger Cairo Taylor.

Second-half strikes from Lewis Durow and Ashley Chambers gave Carlton a two-goal cushion, after Valley had been on top in the opening period with Callum Griffin and Ryan Sahota denied by ex-Rugby keeper Nykah Liburd-Hinds, and Harrison Nee's shot deflected wide.

At the other end, Dean Freeman's header to Durow's long-throw was pushed onto the bar ahead of the break, before Carlton went ahead on 57 minutes when Durow powered home after Niall Davie had slipped him in.

Chambers clipped in Liam Bateman's delivery on the hour, but Rugby reduced the arrears through Rivel Mardenborough's strike on 88 minutes.

The hosts then appeared to have been awarded a stoppage-time penalty, but saw the decision subsequently overturned amidst much confusion.

Full report to follow.

Valley Line-up: Bald; Tye (McNeil 86'), Kabeya, Thomas (Francis 90'+7), Hanson; Sahota (West 83'), Elliott, Griffin (Palmer 77'); Taylor (Reid 73'), Nee, Mardenborough. Subs not used: None. Booked: Thomas, Nee.