Andover Lions 8 Swallow 0.

Andover League Open Cup quarter-final.

Lions cruised through to the last four of the Andover League Open Cup at a rain sodden Charlton Sports Centre last night.

The Hampshire Premier League Division One side were always too strong for Swallow but the Andover Leaguers battled to the end and were not disgraced.

Vinnie Rusher’s long career has produced many memorable moments and he started a game alongside his son Reece for the first time and both had a say in the final outcome.

Swallow began well and Grant Kemp, Ben Hammett-Brady and Nick Ward all tested Andy Burt in the Lions’ goal and their defence was comfortable until Jamie Pollard’s crisp finish on the half hour broke the deadlock.

Two more goals just before half-time effectively killed the game off and Lions enjoyed the second half with half an eye on Saturday’s Intermediate Cup match at Broughton.

Chris Boothe was felled in the box leaving Reece Rusher to tuck home the spot-kick and moments later his free-kick found Boothe all alone to nod home the third.

After the break as Swallow tired Casson Spencer’s cross was tucked away by substiitute Ryan Steele before four goals in the last 15 minutes gave the game a slightly unfair look.

Steele robbed a defender to give Boothe the fifth then minutes later Vinnie Rusher did the same and drilled home the sixth past Dominic Ware.

Spencer’s hard graft throughout was rewarded with a superb individual goal for the seventh and near the end Boothe’s dipping 20 yarder completed his hat-trick.

Dan Lang went close late on for what would have been a deserved Swallow goal but it wasn’t to be and Lions are in the draw for the semi-finals where they could possibly meet neighbours Andover Town.