IT was heartbreak for Gable Hall School as they lost 2-1 to Thomas More High School in extra-time to win the Essex Under-19s Colleges Second XI Trophy final.

Thomas More had to come from behind to hoist aloft the silverware after Sonny Kirsopp gave Gable Hall a 6th minute advantage, but similar headed goals from central defender Alasdair Grant-Browning - one towards the end of the second half and the other mid-way through extra time - helped the Westcliff school emerge victorious.

Held at the match at East Thurrock United’s Rookery Hill home, Gable Hall started well when Darren Phillips stabbed Alex Papantoniou’s through ball into the gloves of Thomas More goalkeeper Kacper Frasczczak.

But the opener was forthcoming, as a long ball forwards picked out the run of Kirsopp, who held off the attentions of defender Blane Pearson to hook into the net.

Thomas More began to establish a foothold in the game and, in the 10th minute, Billy Ebbles curled a free-kick into Gibson’s gloves before Lewis Judge directed a back-post header wide of the left-hand post.

Both sides continued to exchange chances, with Gable Hall Captain Fraser Williams drilling a shot straight at Frasczczak in the 63rd minute but, with a little under 15 minutes remaining, Thomas More levelled.

Desouza’s corner was hung up to the far post and Grant-Browning was on-hand to emphatically nod into the net.

The winner came in the 100th minute. Again Desouza crossed from the left corner, and again Grant-Browning rose majestically to force his header past Gibson at the back post.

And St Thomas More High School teacher Eamonn Kearney was delighted to see his team vanquish the memories of a late defeat in last season’s 2nd XI Trophy Final to claim the 2015/16 crown with an extra time victory.

“We’ve been close to finals and winning trophies for a few years, both at county and national level, so it’s great to have gone that step further this year,” he said.

“I always felt we would have a chance in us and it was just about taking it when it came,” reflected Kearney. “It was about being patient and waiting for that chance to come, luckily Ally put it away.

“I’m really pleased for the team and the school to get their first county title. The boys have worked hard all season so it’s pleasing to have some silverware to show for it.”

Gable Hall School (from): William Gibson, Arri Perry, Lewis Hurrell, Elliott Page, Rhys Neaves, Harry Spence, Jack Church, Fraser Williams, Darren Phillips, Harry Hearn, Alex Papantoniou, Sam Ruby, Alex Morris, Sonny Kirsopp, Aidan Strizovic, Aaron Perry.

St Thomas More High School (from): Kacper Frasczczak, Michael O’Brien, Jake Prust, Tobias Desouza, Alasdair Grant-Browning, Tom Elliott, Erald Makolli, Jimmy Morgan, Ed Mukudu, Billy Ebbles, Lewis Judge, Keith Chapo, Blane Pearson, Jared Lunn, Thabang Ngwenya.