RUSTHALL FC upset the odds to clinch the George Piper Courier Cup with a stirring fightback at the Culverden Stadium.

Hosts Tunbridge Wells took the lead in the final of the four team tournament through Andy McMath, but underdogs Rusthall took home the cup thanks to late goals from Brad Moon and Danny McGann.

Rusthall boss John Ronaldson said he was "ecstatic" at securing the victory.

"I wasn't expecting it, but on both days the boys did themselves proud," Ronaldson said. "They've raised the profile of the whole club. In the first-half they (Wells) probably had more of the play, but we had the better chances. In the second-half I always had a feeling we would get back into it and nick a goal.

"Over the whole 90 minutes I don't think many people would argue that we didn't deserve to win it. It was also nice to beat them on their own patch!"

The tournament really showed what Rusthall is all about. The lowest ranked of all the teams on show, they beat Tonbridge Angels on Saturday - albeit an Angels youth team - before toppling Wells on Sunday.

Ronaldson is confident of a good season and is hopeful of a top four finish in the Kent County Premier Division.

"We played Tunbridge Wells in a friendly last year and while we lost 1-0, we were the better side. People can see where Rusthall are going. We want to move up the leagues and the idea for us is to be playing in the same league as Tunbridge Wells.

"The problem is we need planning permission for floodlights. We've tried before and applied to the council, but were turned down on various things like light pollution and some neighbours complaining. We might reapply or look to a ground share. We'll see, but the most important thing is getting into the top four this season."

The weekend was really a team effort as far as the winners were concerned, although one man stood out, player of the tournament Joe Cameron. He impressed against Angels on Saturday and then brilliantly marshalled Ross Cable on Sunday.

"Joe is a young lad who was in our under 18s and played for Langton last year," Ronaldson said. "This is a big season for him but he is a very good young player. Ross (Cable), who used to play for us a few years ago, got a glimpse at the end, but Joe was quick to get back. He kept him quiet and that is no mean feat."

Ronaldson also hailed the success of the newly expanded tournament. For a good few years Tunbridge Wells and Angels have battled alone for the cup, but judging by the crowds that turned up to watch Crowborough Athletic and Rusthall join the party, it would appear the revamp was a success.

"It was a brilliant event," Ronaldson said. "I spoke to Martin Larkin (Wells boss) and Colin Blewden (Angels reserve boss) and they both said it was a good run out for their players. For years people have watched the Emirates Cup with Arsenal in - it was like that, but on a smaller scale. Everyone was talking about it in the pub on Friday, asking me what team I'd be putting out."

He added: "It would be really good to get it down at Jockey Farm next year. We'd put on a really good show down there."