Rolls fight back for glory in Cup thriller

2:30pm Thursday 22nd May 2008

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HIGHAMS Park-based Rolls Park retained the East London Senior Cup in thrilling fashion after a second half comeback saw them beat Meath United 3-2.

The East London Division One winners raced into a 2-0 lead before the break at the West Ham United Youth Academy at Little Heath, with the Park boys struggling to get out of first gear on Sunday A half-time dressing down by head coach Bradley Glen got his troops fired up and midfield general David Field closed the gap at the start of the second period with a crisp finish.

But a rash tackle by central defender William Reeve shortly after left the holders down to ten men and a mountain to climb.

Glen's busy troops stepped up a gear again though and a brilliant 30-yard free-kick from sub Gary Barnett levelled.

The best was, however, yet to come as fellow sub John Beasley broke down the left before throwing a couple of defenders with his trademark step over and finishing from an acute angle to break Meath hearts.

Delighted manager Glen said: "We looked well beaten at half-time, but we were fantastic in the second period.

"Meath are one of our oldest rivals and having beaten them in the final last year as well, I'm sure they are getting fed up with playing us at this stage of the competition."