Islington & Camden’s Under-15 side have been awarded a place in the last 16 after their tie at Havering was called off following a mass brawl.

The I&C boys were 2-0 up with five minutes remaining when Havering scored a penalty and attempted to wrestle the ball back from goalkeeper Jonty Purdom.

That squabble escalated into a general ruck, with a number of spectators coming onto the pitch, and the referee eventually decided to abandon the game.

However, the English Schools FA confirmed on Monday that Islington & Camden’s 2-1 advantage would stand and the district will now face either Brent or Hillingdon for a place in the quarter-finals.

I&C coach Andy Taylor said: “We’re just relieved to be in the next round. The Schools FA contacted Havering and their view was that we’d been the better team.

“We had two key players unavailable, so this was always going to be a tough test, but the boys passed it with flying colours and proved what a good squad we’ve got.”

Defences were on top during a scoreless first half and, although Havering had the better possession, the tide turned after the break as I&C substitute Samuel Ababio made an impact with his driving runs through midfield.

The visitors took the lead 18 minutes into the second period, with the ball played wide to Nick Marshall, whose low cross was smashed home at the far post by Josh Daniels.

Matthew Kanjeyo made it 2-0 just two minutes later, heading in Marshall’s corner – but Havering reduced the deficit after a harsh penalty decision against Moein Tadayon.

I&C are at home in their last 16 tie, likely to be played in January.

Islington & Camden squad: Appah, Ababio, Lebbie, Luyindula, Menghi (St Aloysius); Domi (St Mary Magdalene); Daniels (Hampstead); McCarthy, O‘Shaughnessy (Haverstock); Kisunga, Marshall; (Holloway School); Kanjeyo, Purdom, Tadayon, Williams-Cavder (University College London); Tlalim (William Ellis).