BAY ATHLETIC are within touching distance of taking the Under 17 League title but their hopes of completing the double were dashed when they were undone by a Tom Healey penalty in their 1-0 RCD Cup Final defeat to Rastrick.
Rastrick have blown hot and cold as their season has been disturbed by players being selected for representative team duty, but they saved their best until last to lift the Cup in a fascinating final between two sides at the top of their form.
Bay have already proved themselves to be the best team in the league and Rastrick started the game determined not to allow their opponents time to settle.
But, despite taking control, they were very lucky not to be at least a goal down in the opening minutes as, first, a Karl David cross found Luke Walker, whose shot flew just over and, then, a Jordan Townend back header rebounded to safety from the bar.
But Rastrick refused to be intimidated and after mounting a couple of dangerous attacks referee Mick Roberts had no hesitation in awarding a penalty after Takunda Simbi was pushed over and Healey converted the spot kick to give Rastrick a welcome early lead.
Simbi almost doubled Rastrick’s lead minutes later but his goalbound shot was cleared off the line by Ruben Jerome.
With half an hour played it was now clear that, despite enjoying more possession, Bay were struggling to find a route to goal as the Rastrick defence of Reece Glasbey, Calum Lewis, Josh Simpson and the outstanding Matthew Hartley blocked the way.
Rastrick, meanwhile, were making the most of their advantage and looked certain to double their score when Will Tolley’s cross found Simbi, but the striker snatched his shot over the bar.
With half time approaching fast, Rastrick were beginning to take control, but although Matty Waller flashed a shot wide of the target and Tom Ponter headed just over, the score remained unchanged at the break.
The game re-started in much the same vein and Bay keeper Ash Whittaker was soon forced to produce an excellent save from Will Tolley as Rastrick tried hard to build on their slender lead – but a couple of early substitutions changed Bay’s fortunes as they went in search of an equaliser.
Sylbert Stewart went close on the hour mark but, after rounding the keeper, he was unable to take advantage from an extremely tight angle and his shot hit the outside of a post.
Minutes later, Joe Vickers had a golden opportunity to seal the game for Rastrick but his rushed shot flew over the top.
With the end of the game in sight, Karl David curled what looked a certain equaliser from 12 yards toward the top corner, but keeper Joe Stead pulled off a terrific save to retain Rastrick’s lead.
Bay will be disappointed not to have got something from a game which they dominated for long periods but, in the end, there was little to choose between them and Rastrick’s defence must take the credit for limiting Bay’s goalscoring chances.
