Thurrock Schools U11s 0
Croydon Schools U14s 4

Croydon Schools Football Association's U11's borough side pulled off their best result of the season when they were comfortable 4-0 winners in an away London Schools' FA Crisp Shield semi-final against Thurrock at South Ockendon on Saturday, writes David Lomas.

Croydon had expected a tough encounter in view of Thurrock's 100 per cent record of 13 straight wins this season, and their opponents recent form in which they had scored 13 goals in their last four matches without conceding a goal.

But Croydon got off to a great start with good inter-passing involving James Lowry (Woodcote) and Jamie Backshall earned Croydon a corner which Lowy took, Louis John (Ryelands) headed the ball home from six yards.

It was 2-0 to Croydon shortly before half-time when Alex Wynter (Davidson) broke through the middle and although he was brought down he managed to slip the ball past the advancing keeper.

An injury to Backshall meant a shuffling of the Croydon pack with a resulting loss of momentum but solid defensive work by Hassani Francis (Chipstead Valley) and Harry Osborne (Davidson) plus a superb display by goalkeeper Ben Kosky (Coulsdon) kept Thurrock at bay.

George Gomez (Ridgeway) rifled the ball home for his 17th goal of the season. and scored again shortly before the final whistle.

Croydon Schools U12s 3
Brighton Schools U12s 2

Croydon's U12s had to work hard against a determined Brighton side at Corydon Arena last Wednesday but they edged through to the semi-final of the English Schools South-East area and kept their unbeaten record intact with a sound 3-2 win.

Ebra Sekajja (Ashburton) latched on to a fine pass from skipper Sam Driver (Whitgift) to put Croydon ahead after only five minutes but the lead was short-lived as Brighton equalised five minutes later.

Croydon began the second half brightly and Sekajja grabbed a second after two minutes and four minutes later Ethan Pinnock's left footed free-kick made it 3-1. Croydon looked well in command and Brighton had to be content with a scrambled goal four minutes from time.

- Croydon's U12s bid for a place in the London Schools Cup Final tonight when they host Blackheath Schools at Croydon Arena, kick-off 7pm.