A solitary goal was sufficient to see Croydon Schools' Under 13s through to the final of the South East Area Wimbledon Challenge Trophy, when they took on Brighton Schools at Greenacres, Warlingham, on Saturday morning, writes David Lomas.

Croydon skipper, Jack Walker (Edenham) was the hero as he rifled home a free-kick on the edge of the Brighton penalty area, awarded when the visiting keeper stepped outside his area and handled the ball, 13 minutes before the end of a well-contested semi-final.

It was no more than Croydon deserved, for they withstood the first half-pressure of a goal-hungry Brighton side and got on top after the interval, taking advantage of the slope.

Defenders Marc Dowdeswell (Edenham), Rhys Coleman (Whitgift) and Stephen Ashton (Riddlesdown) snuffed out the Brighton attack.

There were few opportunities created at both ends, although the match was played at a fast and furious pace. Both sides had the ball in the net but their efforts were ruled out for offisde infringements.

Croydon's Under 11s swamped Godalming, 6-1, in an away Surrey Schools Football Associations Sydney Black Trophy league match.

It was one-way traffic from the start, with Philip Platts (Oval) carrying on from where he left off last week, with a tap-in after nine minutes.

Then two goals within a minute sent Croydon into cruise mode. Jordan Armstrong (Ridgeway) netted with a strong volley in the 12th minute, and then it was Grant Ludford (Ashburton) on target with an effort from 20 yards.

Ludford and Platts scored again in a second half onslaught and Godalming had to be content with a consolation goal, the best of the match. Armstrong completed the scoring shortly before the final whistle, grabbing his second and Croydon's sixth goal.

Three district matches are scheduled for Saturday (February 1). The Under 14s entertain Canterbury in a South East Area Eagles Trophy semi-final at Greenacres, Limpsfield Road, Warlingham (KO 11 am).

The Under 11 B squad take on neighbours, South London Schools, in the Lester Finch Trophy, at Powerleague, Turle Road, Norbury (10.30am) whilst the A squad travel to the Mayford Centre, Woking to play Woking Schools in a Surrey Schools FA Sydney Black Trophy league match (also 10.30am).

Weather permitting, there is another county schoolboys match at Croydon Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, tonight (Wednesday) when Surrey Schools' Under 16s entertain Bucks Schools in a South-East England Schools Football Association LC Hill Trophy fixture (KO 7.30pm).

January 29, 2003 12:00