Two Croydon Schools borough sides made first round cup exits on Saturday after closely-contested ties against Thurrock, writes David Lomas.
The U14s began their competitive programme, travelling to Corringham to take on Thurrock in the Sun Shield.
They forged 2-0 ahead with goals from skipper Sam Driver (Whitgift) and Johnny Pitt (Woodcote) but defensive lapses enabled the home side to take the match into extra-time.
It was a cruel ending for the Croydon boys. They had a strong penalty appeal turned down, before Thurrock struck a last minute winner.
Croydon's U13s went behind against Thurrock in the Gill Shield at Greenacres, Warlingham but equalised through Kyle de Silva (Harris CTC) before half-time.
Thurrock eased ahead but de Silva was again on target to take the game into extra-time.
Thurrock's striker grabbed his hat-trick in the dying seconds to deny Croydon.
Meanwhile, the U11s had a sound 2-0 win over Woking in the Surrey Schools Sydney Black League.
Kieran Scantlebury (Davidson), and skipper Connor Gathercole (Woodside) got the goals.
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