Ipswich Academy reached the last 64 of the English Schools FA Under-16 National Cup with a 4-2 win in extra time over Cliff Park High School last week.

Warren Curtis struck twice and Connor Ward and Tyler Dickson both scored as the hosts dug deep to knock out the visitors from Great Yarmouth and progress to the next round.

“The team worked exceptionally well and tirelessly for all 100 minutes of the game,” said coach Samuel Fox.

“They are proof of what hard work and effective team work can produce and were a real credit to the school.”

It was Cliff Park High School that broke the deadlock in the third minute, but Ipswich Academy responded with spirit and resilience.

Ward nearly restored parity moments later after being set-up by Dickson but just missed.

However, the duo linked up again on the cusp of half-time and this time Ward fired low into the bottom corner.

It was a deserved equaliser, and Ipswich Academy came out fighting once more in the second period.

A solid display from the defensive set-up of Keelan Hall Folkes, Sam Day, Luke Dunn and Ashley Archer thwarted many attacks.

Daniel Fenton was working hard in midfield to help break up play, and it was from one of his many interceptions that led to Ipswich Academy taking the lead.

Dickson and Chandler Jeffs interchanged expertly and Curtis scored from close-range to give Ipswich Academy the lead.

But minutes later the visitors found themselves level when the impressive Kyle Wells saved a penalty but could only look on as the rebound was smashed home.

However, it was Ipswich Academy that controlled the 20-minute period of extra- time.

Dickson tapped home from two yards and four minutes from time Curtis grabbed his second following fine work from Brandon Holmwood and Dickson.

n Ipswich Academy Starting XI: Kyle Wells, Keelan Hall-Folkes, Sam Day, Luke Dunn, Ashley Archer, Daniel Fenton, Tyler Dickson (C), Chandler Jeffs (80), Connor Ward, James Kemp (80), Warren Curtis. Subs: Brandon Holmwood (80), Kyron Andrews (80)