Re-shuffled Whitby Town slip to shock North Riding FA Senior Cup loss at Great Ayton side five levels below them

Midfielder Layton Watts made his debut in the loss at Great Ayton. Photo by Owen CoxMidfielder Layton Watts made his debut in the loss at Great Ayton. Photo by Owen Cox
Midfielder Layton Watts made his debut in the loss at Great Ayton. Photo by Owen Cox
​Whitby Town were dumped out of the North Riding FA Senior Cup on Wednesday night, by North Riding Football League side Great Ayton United

A late Lewis Reeves strike separated the sides and ensured the competition’s holders were knocked out at the hurdle, writes Will Berwick.

Town made several changes to the side with goalkeeper Nick Cranston being awarded his first competitive start for the Seasiders. Recent arrival Layton Watts was also given a start, along with local lad Alfie Jackson.

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Whitby immediately took control of the game with Alfie Steel stinging the palms of Ayton’s shot-stopper six minutes in.

Alfie Steels stands near the Ayton goalkeeper. Photos by Owen CoxAlfie Steels stands near the Ayton goalkeeper. Photos by Owen Cox
Alfie Steels stands near the Ayton goalkeeper. Photos by Owen Cox

The Blues’ best chance of the half came in the 18th minute after some lovely work from Stephen Walker down the wing enabled a cross for Watts, who cannoned an effort against the crossbar from just a matter of yards out.

Watts looked lively and saw a free-kick tipped over shortly after hitting the bar, while Alfie Doherty, Connor Simpson and Joe Gibson all tested Jay Baker, though the Ayton gloveman left them all frustrated with stops going into the interval.

Newly-signed teenager Rocco Stamp came on for his club debut replacing Watts on 66 minutes, though it would be the hosts - five levels below the Seasiders in the pyramid - who struck, after Whitby’s struggles to break down Ayton’s compact backline continued.

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Reeves’ free-kick from 20 yards in the 77th minute took a wicked deflection sailing into the back of the net leaving Cranston, who had not put a foot wrong all night, frustrated in goal as it passed him to ensure the hosts came away with a famous victory.​

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