CAPTAIN Nicky Bridle believes Sussex under-16s can lift the English Schools Trophy thanks to Albion.

The county defeated Hampshire 1-0 in the semi-final through an Alex Harrison goal after just five minutes at Selsey.

Hove Park pupil Bridle, 16, one of several Seagulls' Centre of Excellence players in the squad, is now confident about the final against West Midlands or Staffordshire at the Baseball Ground, former home of Derby County FC, on May 9.

He said: "I feel we've had a good season and can do well in the final because most the players play with each other for Brighton. It helps when you play and train together all the time.

"Hopefully we can complete a double because we're in the semi-final of the South East Region against Bedfordshire next month."

Eric Barrett, Chris Greatwich, Danny Harding, Danny Beck and Phil Bartholomew also combine Albion and county.

Sussex and ESFA administrator Alan Ball believes the relationship between the county and the county association is good.

He said: "So often you hear about difficulties between league clubs and counties over players but we work well together with Albion."

Martin Hinshelwood, the Albion director of Youth, confirmed Ball's views, adding "Everyone benefits."

His nephew Adam Hinshelwood, who with Bridle who will begin a scholarship deal with Albion next season, was superb against Hampshire.

Delighted manager Andy Hibbert said: "We showed discipline after taking the lead so early and Ross Scott was outstanding."

Sussex: Eric Barrett (Thomas Bennett, Crawley), Nicky Bridle (Hove Park), Ross Scott (King's Manor, Shoreham), John Maynard (Hazelwick, Crawley), Chris Greatwich (Lewes Priory), Chris Clarke (Worthing High), Adam Hinshelwood (Manhood College, Selsey), Grant Vanson (Worthing High), Danny Harding (St Bede's, Upper Dicker), Danny Beck (Blatchington Mill, Hove), Alex Harrison (Willingdon, Eastbourne).

Subs: Phil Bartholomew (Cavendish , Eastbourne) for Beck, Paul Young (Warden Park, Cuckfield) for Harrison, Non used subs: Ronan Callaghan (Dorothy Stringer, Brighton), Ronald Mawajee (Thomas Bennett).

Littlehampton Community College beat Varndean College 4-1 in the Sussex Six-A-Side final at Varndean.

Meanwhile, Boundstone (Lancing) reached the semi-finals of the Sussex Girls under-16s Cup with an

8-1 win at Hailsham.

Carolyn Walters (3), Emma Derham (2), Jamie Stevens (2) and Donna Onslow were on target

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