It was a father and son occasion as Hurstpierpoint Has-Beens lifted the Millennium League P&S Gallagher Vase.

Alan Bedford, 52, rolled back the years by scrambling home a late winner against league leaders Three Bridges Sports.

Earlier his strike partner up front, 18-year-old son, Chris, had fired Hurstpierpoint into the lead.

Alan's goal was a fitting end to a brilliant cup final for the Bedfords.

Dad was particularly proud: "To come back to soccer after a decade, reach a final, play alongside your son who gets the first, and then score the winning goal is the stuff of dreams."

Alan, despite falling into the dreaded 'middle aged' category, has been regularly hitting the headlines in the Sussex sporting scene - as an American footballer.

His gridiron exploits saw him win six international caps for Wales up until last summer as well as being a regular tightend for Sussex Thunder.

Chris said: "We've been winding him up about his age. He started playing football again this season after ten years out to keep himself fit.

"When you get to his age, I guess you have to do something to keep your fitness levels up.

"But he has done a good job. I kept telling him he was past it and he said 'watch and learn.' And fair enough he showed he still has it when it comes to poaching goals."

Alan not only showed his predatory skills in the box, but also displayed some creative talents.

Dad set Chris up for his goal too, winning a flick for his strike partner to finish.

The veteran, who is chief executive of East Sussex Brighton and Hove Health Authority off the pitch, carried Chris on his back almost up to the halfway line when his goal went in.

Chris, who has played three times in the frontline with his dad, is the club's top-scorer with five goals in six matches.

He is the youngster of the side that comprises many veterans in their late 30s and 40s.

"I bring the average age down a little bit, but not by much," laughed Chris.

Alan is still going to keep playing, his football taste improved by Sunday's triumph.

"It's nice to still show I can score goals," said Alan. "I've played up front for years and was confident I could still do a job."

He used to play County League for Hurstpierpoint and played semi-pro in the Midlands during the 1970s. His last outings on the field were during his days as player-manager ten years ago with Hurstpierpoint Reserves in the Brighton, Hove and District League.

Manager Dave Billingham said: "We were thrilled to bits that Alan got the winner. He is a tough competitor and showed there's still life in the old dog yet.

"He proved he can still show the youngsters a thing or two."

League chairman Chris Beard said: "I couldn't believe Alan was 52. He played like someone half his age.

"His pace might have deserted him, but his football brain was still there in one piece.

"I'm delighted for Hurstpierpoint but feel for Three Bridges Sports. Hurstpierpoint fully deserve their win on determination alone. They have drawn a lot of games this season but have a lot of useful players."