OLD Southendian footballers claimed the first piece of County cup silverware in their 102-year history as they recorded a 3-0 triumph over Rochford Sports and Social at a wintry Park Lane.

They won the Essex Saturday Veterans Cup final and joint manager Chris Bunce exclaimed: "As a club this is quite a feat to have won a County cup after 100 years - normally we're knocked out by the end of September!"

But he was thankful the match went ahead saying: "I'd like to thank the officials and also Canvey island FC for doing everything they could to get the game played."

Gulls officials cleared the pitch markings of snow to ensure the go-ahead for the match on Sunday.

Southendian were led by former Southend United and Charlton winger Garry Nelson, 47.

They took a 31st minute lead when Perry Ames cut in from the right and Jason Thomas scored from the rebound after Rochford keeper Joseph Jones parried the first effort.

Thomas made it 2-0 10 minutes into the second-half and the victory was complete in the final minute when Dave Neale burst through in the counter-attack and set-up Bunce's joint manager Dale Brewerton.

Bunce added: "They had their share of possession, but they did not deliver many dangerous crosses and Stuart Grant and Gary Willis were superb at the back.

"This is Jason Thomas's first season as a veteran and he and Duncan Raggett were excellent while Garry Nelson is just class."