Sussex schools are through to four south east regional semi-finals for the first time in the same year.

Jake Robinson (2) and Dean Cox scored as the under-16s beat Inner London away to win their qualifying group.

Jamie Brotherton netted as the under-15s pipped Middlesex 1-0 at Steyning to secure top spot.

The under-14s went through in second place after losing 2-1 to Surrey at Croydon, while the under-19s secured second place to qualify earlier in the season Sussex treasurer Alan Ball, an English SFA committee member, said: "It's quite an achievement considering the Sussex Schools FA has been going for 100 years.

"The success of the teams is down to the players, the team management and the support from the youth development team at Brighton and Hove Albion."

Under-15s manager James Waring said: "All but one of our players are with Albion and I must thank them for their support. They have someone at all our games and always try to avoid fixture clashes so our boys can play for the county."

The under-16s entertain either Devon or Somerset in the quarter-finals of the English Schools' Trophy. The age group won the competition four years ago and were semi-finalists the following season.

Ball has appealed for funding to back the successful teams.

He said: "We've got five extra five matches. They come at a price and our standard funding for league fixtures has all but been used up. To prevent us going in the red, we need sponsorship from somewhere.

"It costs approximately £150 per match home or away to put on a county fixture. Someone out there must see an opportunity that is too good to miss.

"The priority is the national quarter-final and we are looking towards the west of the county to host the match on an evening in the week beginning March 10."

Dorothy Stringer (Brighton and Hove) under-14s and under-16s have made the last eight in their English Schools' Cup competitions.

Aaron Gunn struck twice as the under-16s defeated Gravesend Grammar 2-0 at Varndean, Brighton and Hove.

Goals by Sonny Cobbs and Jamie Brotherton secured a quarter-final place for the younger age group who defeated Benjamin Britten (Lowestoft) by the same score.

The under-14s have been drawn at home to John Henry Newman (Stevenage) next week. Manager Andy Marchant said: "It's unbelievable. I don't know what they are having for breakfast but it's working. This is the best year we've had in national competition since Ross Johnson, the former Albion player, was in our side."

Under-16s boss Wayne Pottbury, who is part of Albion's centre of excellence set-up, said: "The players have done the school proud."