2007/2008 Season - Under 16's

Croydon Schools' Under 16s 0  Waltham Forest Schools' U16s 0 (May)

Croydon Schools' Under 16s shared the London Schools' Football Association Hawke trophy, when the final at Chipstead Football Club last week finished goalless after extra-time. Croydon started brightly with strikers Jordan Regelous (Riddlesdown) and England International, Ibra Sekajja (Ashburton) linking well to force some fine saves from the Forest keeper. Then Grant Ludford (Ashburton) broke away to hit a powerful shot which hit the bar.

The visitors gradually came into the game attempting to catch Croydon on the break, but the Croydon defence held firm. Unfortunately Steven Cox (Shirley) had to leave the field with a nasty eye and leg injury, following a strong tackle.

Although Waltham Forest had the better chances at the start of the second half, it was Croydon who looked more likely to score. Both teams had plenty of possession, but could not find the net as both goalkeepers Cullen (Riddlesdown) and Fitzsimons (Walthamstow Academy) were in fine form.

The game came alive, when Croydon introduced Luke Massiah (St Andrew's) to the game on the hour. He made an immediate impact with a number of intelligent passes, crosses and link play. After 65 minutes Waltham Forest nearly scored from a resulting corner, but it was cleared away by Croydon's defence.

Ludford had a glorious opportunity to seal victory for Croydon with the best move of the game involving Massiah and Regelous, but he shot well over the bar with his volley.

The game went to extra time and both teams continued to cancel out each other. However, with minutes left, Liburd (Riddlesdown) nearly sealed victory for Croydon with a well taken 20 yard shot.

Croydon manager, Barry Regelous, was delighted with his team's performance.

Croydon Schools' Football Association Under 16s v Waltham Forest

Croydon squad:  Cullen, Elliott, Regelous, Liburd, Armstrong (all Riddlesdown), Celia, Ludford, Sekajja (all Ashburton), Connor, McGuire (both Edenham), Massiah (St Andrew's), Thoroughgood, (Whitgift), Cox (Shirley), Fitzgerald, Green (both St Joseph's) Penton (Harris CTC)

Croydon Schools' Under 16s 2  Woking Schools' Under 16s 3 (29th April)

Heavy rain failed to dampen the spirits and skill of Croydon and Woking who battled out the Surrey Schools' Under 16 Cyril Black Cup Final at Chipstead Football Club on Tuesday evening.

In a tenacious match Croydon nudged ahead after fifteen minutes when Jordan Regelous (Riddlesdown) scored, but the visitors equalised five minutes before the interval.

Woking went into a 2-1 lead and shortly afterwards Regelous saw his shot rebound off a post.  But Croydon hauled themselves back into the tie when a Grant Ludford (Ashburton) free-kick from just outside the penalty area rebounded off the Woking keeper and Regelous tapped home from close range.

Regelous was prevented from notching his hat-trick when his "goal" was disallowed for offside, and Woking stole the show and lifted the Cup with the winner five minutes from time.

Croydon squad:  Cullen, Elliott, Regelous, Liburd, Armstrong (all Riddlesdown), Celia, Ludford (both Ashburton), Connor, McGuire (both Edenham), Massiah (St Andrew's), Green (St Joseph's), Thoroughgood, Munnery (both Whitgift), Wilkshire (Coulsdon), Cox (Shirley), Fitzgerald, Green (both St Joseph's)

Croydon Schools' U16s 3 Islington & Camden Schools' U16s 1 (27th March)

Croydon Schools' Football Association's came from behind to earn themselves a place in the final of the London Schools' Football Association's Hawke Trophy, winning 3-1 against Islington & Camden Schools at Croydon Arena last week.

An unfortunate own goal by Stephen Cox (Shirley) who headed past his own keeper in the fifth minute put the visitors ahead.

Croydon's defence withstood some pressure from the visitors, with Omar Green (St Joseph's) having an outstanding game, well supported by Sami Celia (Ashburton), Matthew Connor (Edenham) and Tynan Elliott (Riddlesdown).

The visitors conceded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area when their goalkeeper handled outside the box. Grant Ludford (Ashburton)'s kick rebounded off the 'keeper and Jordan Regelous (Riddlesdown) was on hand to equalise.

Croydon had a let-off early after the interval when an Islington effort hit the Croydon crossbar but after a period of pressure Croydon went ahead when Ludford and Regelous combined for Regelous to grab his second.

Goal scorers in Croydon Schools' Under 16's 3-1 win
over Islington & Camden on 26.03.08
Jordan Regelous (2) Grant Ludford

Islington pressed hard for an equaliser but Ludford volleyed home a strong left foot shot in the last minute of the match.

This was an encouraging performance with no fewer than nine Croydon players making Croydon debuts.

Croydon now meet Waltham Forest Schools in the final.

Croydon Schools' Football Association Under 16s v Islington & Camden

Croydon squad:  Paul Cullen (Riddlesdown), Sami Celia (Ashburton), Matthew Connor (Edenham), Luke Massiah (St Andrew's), Tynan Ellliott, Jordan Regelous, Rowan Liburd, Jordan Armstrong, Robert Butcher (all Riddlesdown), Omar Green (St Joseph's), Jamie Thoroughgood (Whitgift), Reece Wilkshire (Coulsdon), Stephen Cox (Shirley), Wayne Fitzgerald (StJoseph's), Grant Ludford (Ashburton)

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Wednesday, 27 August, 2008

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