BURNLEY United Miners rolled back the years to win the Umbro National Over 40s Veterans Cup.

The northern champions came from behind to beat southern counterparts, Essex United Vets, 4-2 at Rushton and Diamonds’ Nene Park.

Essex took a 10th minute lead before the Miners, man-aged by Gary Evans and Keith Gilbert, hit back.

Kiko Rodriguez, father of Burnley striker Jay, rattled the crossbar with a dipping 30-yard effort before levelling matters with another long range shot from Jonathan Irvine’s lay-off.

Rodriguez then turned provider for Irvine to tap-in from close range.

Miners led at the break but Essex were back on level terms within 50 seconds of the restart.

Miners then had keeper John Lister to thank for keeping Essex at bay before taking the lead with just five minutes remaining.

A Rodriguez header was tipped on to the post but Ady Wilson rolled home the loose ball.

And victory was assured in the final minute when Ian Boggs – on for the injured Rodriguez – was tripped on the edge of the area and Darren Whittaker curled home the resulting free kick in to the top corner.

“There are a lot of aching bones in the team but it was well worth it,” said Boggs. “We had a good celebration after the match but we definitely want to defend the cup.”