On Tuesday the pitch at the Portway resembled a top notch bowling green and, bathed in sunshine, Eastleigh and Andover provided an ideal two-fold opening to the season.
Glen Damen's decision to retire prompted his well deserved testimonial against the Conference South side who paid him the compliment of sending a strong squad and treating the game as a full on match with few holds barred.
With the Lions fielding any number of new faces all eager to impress, it produced a highly entertaining evening, full of endeavour and not short of spectacular goals. Andover began with Damen at the heart of midfield in front of new giant centre-half Paul Jones, who has changed beyond recognition since his heyday in the Sixties with Manfred Mann.
The home crowd also welcomed back local boys Vinnie Rusher and Danny Sullivan and before they had time to settle Mike Turvey had curled in a peach of a shot from out on the left and the Lions were up and running within four minutes. Dave Hook was soon busy keeping out James Baker and Chris Mason but on 21 minutes Baker prodded home from five yards after Aaron Milburn had been given too much space on the left.
Eastleigh's one touch football was pleasing to the eye and, at times when they had possession, Andover showed they could play too although Jones, and a rejuvenated Owen Elias were kept busy at the back. Hook showed his class with a superb brave save at the feet of Milburn just before the break the Sullivan and Rusher combined but the final shot came to nothing.
After a raft of substitutions at half-time, the important change came ten minutes later as Glen Damen was given a reception not heard at the Portway for years as he exited for the last time for a well earned rest.
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Andover were looking well capable of holding Eastleigh and after Mark Lilley flicked on to Kyle Swayne, his shot cannoned off the upright and away for a goal kick. It was a wake up call for the visitors and another sub, Andy Harris, gave his side the lead when he rifled in a shot which appeared to take a slight deflection off Jones and flew past Hook. Minutes later the Lions' stopper pulled off a stunning point blank save from Aaron Martin but the ball was scrambled in by Tom Jordan, son of Scottish legend Joe.
Lions were not done and Craig Martin, at least the second, if not third player to wear the number seven shirt on the night, thrashed a 40 yarder past Gareth Howells which would still be going up now had the back of the net not got in the way.
Finally just on the whistle Jordan knocked in a fourth for Eastleigh to end what had been a good night for a good bloke.
A number of local clubs were represented in the crowd including Andover New Street FC, who passed on their best wished to Glen for the future and wished Andover a prosperous season
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