RUSTHALL’S Reserves bowed out of the Kent Intermediate Cup at the quarter-final stage after a tough contest against Cray Wanderers’ Under-23 team.
Cray started off brightly using their quick young attackers to good effect and it looked like they would dominate the game.
However, Rusthall were soon enjoying an equal share of the match. Michael Tubbs fired over and Lynos Rwodzi saw an effort blocked .
After 20 minutes a clever ball through the Rusthall defence saw Robbie Daye swiftly get into position for a one-on-one with keeper Jake Cornish and he coolly slotted home.
Cornish had been excellent in the Rusthall goal but six minutes later he had to go off injured.
Once again the forward Callum Strachan was called upon to take the gloves.
The second half was again an even contest but Cray got a second goal on 56 minutes when a corner which was headed in by Ben Hullet from close range.
Rusthall raised their game and began to dominate, and their pressure was rewarded on the hour-mark when Arnel Maga confidently volleyed into the net.
That prompted a wave of home attacks in search of the equaliser, and Cray scored again on the counter-attack from a Rusthall corner.
Deep into injury time, Akan Kasab cutting in from the right to finish calmly.
Rusthall First XI are at home to Sheppey United in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division on Saturday [January 12, kick-off 3pm].
