SOUTH Essex College’s Thurrock Football Academy squad have won the Essex County Schools FA Colleges cup final.

The team, who all study and train at the college’s Campus in Grays, beat Havering College 3-1 in extra time to take home the U19s 3rd Division Colleges trophy.

After a hard fought and even match in normal time, the game finished 0-0 at 90 minutes.

Extra time saw South Essex College score twice, with Samuel Vincent and Kian Monson hitting the back of the net, and then Havering pulling one back.

A Havering handball saw a penalty given to South Essex College, which was buried by Darien Thomas.

Elliot Stamps, Academy Course Leader and Manager, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the guys. They kept their fitness up for the long game and pulled together to win.

“The boys did everything asked of them and showed real cohesion epitomised through an excellent work ethic. We thoroughly deserved the victory and showed real quality at the right moments.”

Football Academy Level 3 Extended Diploma is offered at the College’s Thurrock and Southend Campus. The course prepares students to enter the sport industry. For more information, visit www.southessex.ac.uk