Trojans complete thrilling comeback to win 'Rambo Cup'

Trojans 4 ... Don Boscos 3

This game was a credit to youth football in this city as these two young teams served up an absolute cracker with the outcome in doubt right up to the end.

Boscos started at a blistering pace and took an early lead when Conor Hunter outpaced the Trojans defence and beat the advancing keeper to give his side the lead.

Trojans were stunned by this setback but worse was to follow when Boscos doubled their advantage.

Conor Hunter turned provider when he broke clear on the left before playing the ball across the area to the inrushing Jake Johnstone who forced the ball home at the back post. The Trojans management made a couple of positional changes in an effort to get back in the game.

Don Gillespie with his grandchildren at the Andrew Gillespie (Rambo) Cup final held in the Brandywell Stadium, on Monday night. Included are Trojans captain Charlie McCleery, Don Boscos captain Caleb O'Doherty, Paul Quigley, referee, Sean Doherty andEoin Connolly, linesmen.

Midway through the half they were awarded a free kick on the left touchline. Charlie McLeary took the responsibility and his inswinger deceived everyone to find the net. This gave Trojans a lift and they began to apply pressure on the Boscos defence.

Ali Fasir was proving a constant threat and it was good work by him which led to the Trojans equaliser.

He won the ball on the right and played it into the area where Charlie McLeary took a touch before turning a defender and firing a superb shot beyond the Boscos keeper to level the game.

The second half was a tight affair with Trojans having slightly the better of the chances.

However, it was Boscos who regained the lead after fifteen minutes of the half. A quickly taken free kick released Jake Johnstone who raced into the Trojans box before unleashing a fine strike which found the net via the post.

Trojans team who beat Don Boscos 4-3 in the Andrew Gillespie (Rambo) Cup final held in the Brandywell Stadium, on Monday night.

So for the second time in the game Trojans found themselves behind. However they once again dug in and with ten minutes remaining they equalised. Ali Fasir was brought down thirty yards from goal.

Charlie McLeary stepped up and struck the ball superbly and with the aid of a slight deflection the ball struck the underside if the crossbar and found the net to complete his hat-trick and bring the sides level again.

The game was now in the balance with either side capable of winning it, but it was Trojans who manufactured the decisive moment.

With seven minutes remaining a cross from the right was met by Ali Fasir who met the ball on the half volley and found the corner of the net giving the keeper no chance.

Boscos threw everything at Trojans in the final minutes in search of an equaliser but Trojans held firm and the final whistle brought wild scenes of celebration as they claimed the Rambo Cup for the first time in several years.

Don Boscos team who played in the Andrew Gillespie (Rambo) Cup final held in the Brandywell Stadium, on Monday night. (Photos - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

The cup was presented to Trojans captain, Charlie McLeary, by members of the Gillespie family.

The man of the match award, chosen by the match officials, was presented to Ali Fasir of Trojans by Don Gillespie.

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Congratulations are due to both teams for a fantastic game watched by a large and appreciative crowd.