A LATE comeback by Old Sodbury was not enough to prevent Premier Division leaders Mendip United from retaining the Combination League Cup at Friends Life’s Sports Ground.

Former Yate striker Joe White scored late on to set up a thrilling finish after Mendip sailed into a 2-0 lead, but Sodbury could not find an equaliser.

The higher league opponents created the best of the early chances, with Del Attwell shooting wide and Tyson Notts firing over before Ash Riddock gave them a 24th minute led when his header from Dean Maggs’ cross went in off the underside of the bar.

Sodbury were indebted to goalkeeper John Rendell, who made some great stops, including a superb double save from Riddock and Maggs.

Mendip increased their lead nine minutes into the second half when Jon Mead powered a header past Rendell.

Sodbury began their fight back as Ben Rhodes went close with a header from Jimmy Deane’s cross and Kelvin Martin had a fierce shot well saved by Mendip goalkeeper James Burnham.

White pulled a goal back when he got on the end of Warren Shepard’s pass and rounded Burnham before applying the finish, but it was too late for Sodbury.