Wayne Shaw XI v Ex-Saints XI

Testimonial Match - 20th July 2008

Line Ups:

Wayne Shaw XI – Lee Webber, Alex Totten, Martin Thomas, Graham Kemp, Stuart Ritchie, Taffy Richardson, Paul Doswell, Danny Smith, Paul Sales, Martin Whidett, Jimmy Ball. Subs: Kevin Reacord, Andy Sampson, Sean New, Ian Beare.

Ex-Saints XI – Wayne Shaw, Steve Baker, Francis Benali, Tommy Widdrington, Andy Cook, Craig Richards, Ian Baird, Rick Davis, Rod Wallace, David Howells, Brian Howard. Subs: Paul Wiltshire, Wayne Pratt, Marcel Cullers, Kevin Dawtry, Greg Llewellyn, Bill Beeney.

By Richard Montigue

A crowd of 385 turned up to pay tribute to the larger than life goalkeeper Wayne Shaw in the sunshine at the Silverlake Stadium. Ex-Eastleigh players and local footballers and managers that Wayne has played with over the years made up the Wayne Shaw XI including captain and right back for the day Paul Doswell.

The Ex-Saints XI had the big man in goal himself and included the current Eastleigh manager Ian Baird.

The comedian Mike Osman was also in attendance as compère and commentator and put in a good performance that the crowd enjoyed.

The game started at a leisurely pace, but with the likes of Martin Thomas, Ian Baird and Taffy Richardson on the field there were soon a few tackles flying in.

The game was end to end with both sides having chances. Wayne made a good stop from Paul Sales, but it was Sales who opened the scoring following a through ball from Paul Doswell.

It was not long before the ex-Saints hit back with a goal from Rod Wallace, this came after Lee Webber had made a series of saves to keep the Saints out.

Before half time, Brian Howard, the current Barnsley captain had made it 2-1 to the ex-Saints following good work from the lively Steve Baker.

With Tommy Widdrington and Francis Benali marshalling the Saints defence well, the scored stayed at 2-1 for half time.

At half time and during the second half there were substitutions for both sides, with the likes of former Eastleigh favourite Tyronne Bowers coming on for the Wayne Shaw XI and Kevin Dawtry and Graham Baker for Saints. Dawtry providing many good touches and passes.

However it was substitute Andy Sampson for the Wayne Shaw XI who made the final score 2-2, after Shaw had again kept out a couple of efforts from Paul Sales, tipping one over the bar and saving the other well with his legs. All in all a great afternoon and tribute to 'Shawie'.