2007/2008 Season - Under 15's

Croydon Schools' Under 15s 1  Aldershot & Farnborough Schools' U15s 1 (8th May)

Honours were even when Croydon Schools' Under 15s hosted Aldershot & Farnborough Schools at Chipstead Football Club last week.  In a pulsating encounter not even extra-time could separate the teams and the Surrey Schools' Invitation Cup was shared.

Croydon went ahead in the first minute after the interval when England international, Ibra Sekajja (Ashburton) volley the ball home from the edge of the penalty area.

But within a minute the visitors were back on level terms, converting a penalty – a decision which mystified the crowd and the Croydon team management.

Chances fell at both ends and the introduction of Dominic Lugard (Woodcote) in midfield proved a good one as he provided opportunities for Sekajja and Meshach Smith (The Archbishop Lanfranc).

Croydon had a close range shot blocked by the goalkeeper, but in truth, neither side deserved to lose.

Croydon skipper, Arron Toovey (Riddlesdown), had an outstanding match at right back and there were useful contributions from the ever reliable Eamon Gaughan (St Joseph's College) at centre back, Cameron Watt (Woodcote) in midfield and Sekajja upfront.

Croydon Schools' Under 15s who shared the Surrey Schools' Invitation Cup
with Aldershot & Farnborough at Chipstead on 8th May 2008

Croydon squad:  Dane Johnston, Cameron Watt, Dominic Lugard (all Woodcote), Arron Toovey (Riddlesdown), Eamon Gaughan (St Joseph's) Gary Andrew, Meshach Smith (both The Archbishop Lanfranc), Mamadoo Dialo, Ibra Sekajja, Dre Wright, Kirk Samuel, Josh Turner, Robert Appiah (all Ashburton), Elliot Welch, Piers Hanifan (both Royal Russell), Jevan Spencer (Selsdon)

Aldershot & Farnborough Schools' U15s 1 Croydon Schools' U15s 1 (2nd February)

Croydon Schools' Football Association's Under 15s were denied a well-earned win in this Surrey Schools' FA Invitation Cup league match at Farnborough on Saturday morning when Aldershot & Farnborough scrambled an equalising goal in the last minute.

Both teams battled hard to conquer the difficult conditions. The home team should have gone ahead in the first half, seeing a shot rebound from a post in the 20th minute and being thwarted by a good save by Dane Johnston (Woodcote) three minutes later.

Cameron Watt (Woodcote) created several chances as Croydon strove to go ahead., Croydon took the lead 24 minutes into the second half when Shaun Brown (Thomas More) – playing his first Croydon match this season - latched on to a chip from Watt and outpaced the oncoming keeper.

It looked as though Croydon would hold out for a draw but Aldershot grabbed a point in the last minute.

Croydon squad:  Dane Johnston (Woodcote), Arron Toovey (Riddlesdown), Dean McQueen (Coulsdon), Eamon Gaughan (St Joseph's), Dre Wright-Edwards, Josh Turner (both Ashburton), Cameron Watt, Jonny Pitt, Dominic Lugard (all Woodcote), Elliot Welch, Piers Hanifan (both Royal Russell), Josh Turner (Ashburton), Shaun Brown, Meshach Smith, Ashley Nicholas (all Thomas More), Kirk Samuels (Ashburton)

Hackney & Tower Hamlets U15s 3  Croydon Schools' U15s 2 (8th December)

On a cold, wet and windy morning Croydon went down 3-2 away to Hackney and Tower Hamlets at Victoria Park, in the first round of the London Schools' Corinthian Shield.

This third encounter between the two teams in the space of six weeks, was a scrappy affair, with neither side able to play a good passing game - the unfavourable pitch conditions not helping.

The first half consisted of both teams relying on counter attacking moves, which for Croydon resulted in their first goal during a sustained period of Hackney possession.  With 27 minutes gone Robert Appiah (Ashburton) won the ball in midfield and played a well-angled through ball for strike partner Juevan Spencer (Selsdon) to run onto, and finish with a well taken shot, giving the home keeper little chance, and putting Croydon 1-0 up.

The score remained the same until half time, with Croydon taking a deserved lead into the break.

The second half was a different story, with Hackney starting much the sharper and equalising within two minutes with a crisp passing move that took Croydon by surprise.

Hackney continued to pressure Croydon and again caught Croydon's defence out with a well worked team goal to take the lead with 30 minutes to play.

Both sides continued to battle well in the conditions with neither side being able to dominate until some individual skill by the Hackney captain followed by a well taken shot on the edge of the area, gave Hackney a deserved 3-1 lead with 24 minutes remaining.

Croydon continued to press forward at every opportunity, but could never find the quality of ball to hurt Hackney that may have changed the result.

Croydon finally made a breakthrough, two minutes into stoppage time when a well taken corner by Johnny Pitt (Woodcote) was met superbly by Cameron Watt (Woodcote) for an unstoppable downward header to give the Hackney keeper no chance.

But there was barely time to re-start, and the East End boys went through, 3-2.

Croydon Schools' Football Association's U15s v Hackney and Tower Hamlets
on 8 December 2007

Croydon squad:  Dane Johnston (Woodcote), Arron Toovey (Riddlesdown), Dean McQueen (Coulsdon), Eamon Gaughan (St Joseph's), Dray Wright (Ashburton), Elliot Welch (Royal Russell), Gary Andrew (The Archbishop Lanfranc), Cameron Watt, Jonny Pitt (both Woodcote), Mamadoo Diallo (Ashburton), Piers Hanifan (Royal Russell), Juevan Spencer (Selsdon), Robert Appiah (Ashburton)

Croydon Schools' U15s 2  Blackheath Schools' U15s 6 (21st November)

Croydon Schools 15's were quick off the starting blocks, going ahead in the second minute against visitors, Blackheath, in the third round of the English Schools' inter-association trophy at a windswept Croydon Arena last Wednesday.

England international squad striker, Ibra Sekajja (Selsdon) who posed a lot of problems for a strong Blackheah side, which included two Republic of Ireland internationals, and seven boys registered with academies, was the scorer.

It could, and should, have been 2-0 after 14 minutes, but Jonny Pitt (Woodcote) hit his shot at a defender on the goal-line, from short range within the six yard box.

Blackheath drew level after 20 minutes, and went ahead from a corner.

Croydon responded with a fine individual equaliser by Robert Appiah (Ashburton) on the stroke of half-time.

The game then hinged on a penalty miss by Gary Andrew (Lanfranc), following a tackle on Sekajja as he bore down on goal. The Blackheath keeper was lucky to escape with a yellow card.

From this point onward Blackheath dominated the match and overran Croydon, scoring four goals to earn a 6-2 win and a place in the fourth round.

Croydon squad:  Dane Johnston (Woodcote), Arron Toovey (Riddlesdown), Dray Wright (Ashburton), Eamon Gaughan (St Joseph's), Dean McQueen (Coulsdon), Elliot Welch (Royal Russell), Gary Andrew (The Archbishop Lanfranc), Cameron Watt (Woodcote), Piers Hanifan (Royal Russell), Juevan Spencer (Selsdon), Jonny Pitt (Woodcote), Robert Appiah, Mamadou Diallo, Ibra Sekajja (all Ashburton)

Croydon Schools' U15s 4 Hackney & Tower Hamlets Schools' U15s 1 (10th November)

Croydon Schools' Football Association's earned a place in the third round of the U15 English Schools' inter-association trophy following an impressive display in a second round replay at Shelton Sports & Leisure, Warlingham, on Saturday, winning 4-1 against visitors, Hackney & Tower Hamlets.

Although Croydon were restricted to a single goal by Cameron Watt (Woodcote), five minutes before half-time, they finished the game strongly, netting three times in a nine minute spell, in the last twelve minutes of an entertaining match.

Robert Appiah (Ashburton) saw his close-range effort tipped round the post seven minutes after the interval and Hackney's attacks were few and far between. Jonny Pitt (Woodcote) was on hand to finish a defence-slitting cross from Juevan Spencer (Selsdon) on the half hour.

Two goals inside a minute, sealed Croydon's 4-1 victory. A fine run by Gary Andrew (The Archbishop Lanfranc School) ended with Spencer scoring from close range, from a rebound off the keeper. Robert Appiah got Croydon's fourth whereas Hackney had to be satisfied with a consolation goal in the last minute.

(l to r) Jonny Pitt, Juevan Spencer, Robert Appiah, Cameron Watt

Croydon's Joint Manager, Peter Yates, was full of praise for the team's performance:

"We were solid at the back, creative in midfield and lively and productive up front: a good performance that did not flatter us."

Croydon Schools' Football Association's U15s v Hackney and Tower Hamlets
at Warlinghham on 10 November 2007

Croydon squad:  Dane Johnston (Woodcote), Arron Toovey (Riddlesdown), Dray Wright (Ashburton), Gary Andrew (The Archbishop Lanfranc), Dean McQueen (Coulsdon), Eamon Gaughan (St Joseph's), Elliot Welch (Royal Russell), Robert Appiah (Ashburton), Piers Hanifan (Royal Russell), Juevan Spencer (Selsdon), Jonny Pitt, Dominic Lugard, Cameron Watt (all Woodcote), Mamadou Diallo (Ashburton)

Hackney & Tower Hamlets Schools U15s 0  Croydon Schools U15s 0 (aet) (3rd November)

Croydon Schools' Football Association's Under 15s had to fight all the way to gain a second round replay in a somewhat tepid tie against Hackney & Tower Hamlets Schools at Victoria Park Hackney on Saturday morning.

Goalmouth action was at a premium, but Croydon secured a well-earned result in a goalless encounter and live to fight another day at Shelton Sports, Warlingham, tomorrow (Saturday) - kick-off: 10.30am.

Hackney had more chances than Croydon, shooting wide on two occasions and somehow missing an opportunity which fell their way inside the six yard box.

Croydon had what looked a good shout for a penalty turned down two minutes after half-time, when tall striker, Piers Hanifan (Royal Russell) appeared to be upended in the home penalty area but the referee would have none of it and awarded a corner.

Croydon permutated their three substitutes and battled all the way but in the end the result was better than the performance, especially as they were without key players.

Croydon squad:  Dane Johnston (Woodcote), Arron Toovey (Riddlesdown), Dean McQueen (Coulsdon), Eamon Gaughan (St Joseph's), Dray Wright (Ashburton), Elliot Welch (Royal Russell), Josh Turner (Ashburton), Gary Andrew (The Archbishop Lanfranc), Jonny Pitt (Woodcote), Piers Hanifan (Royal Russell), Sam Driver (Whitgift), Jeuvan Spencer (Selsdon), Dominic Lugard (Woodcote), Mamadou Diallo (Ashburton)

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Wednesday, 27 August, 2008

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