David Hughes Testimonial
By Jamie Montigue
Southampton and Eastleigh legend David Hughes had a day to remember as in excess of 1,800 turned out to support his thoroughly deserved testimonial game held at the Silverlake Stadium.
Stars past and present turned out for the 36-year-old midfielder with an ex-Saints XI taking on an ex-Eastleigh side. Comedian Mike Osman provided entertainment throughout the afternoon with witty commentary and banter during the game.
FA Cup winning manager Lawrie McMenemy kicked the game off with fans favourite goalscorer James Beattie (now of Stoke), but the striker could not play any further part due to an injury. The starting line up for the Saints was as follows:
Neil Moss in goal, a back four of Paul Telfer and Francis Benali as the full backs and deadly defensive duo re-united in the centre as Claus Lundekvam and Michael Svensson lined up alongside each other at the heart of defence. In the middle were Jo Tessem, David Howells, Matt Oakley who recently won promotion to the Championship with Leicester under former Saints boss Nigel Pearson, and of course the main event himself - David Hughes.
Up front, a certain Matt Le Tissier partnered Rod Wallace.
At half time the scoreline was 2-0 with David Howells scoring the opener and typically Hughes scoring in style on his big day. Le Tiss showed glimpses of his Dell magic and came close throughout the half, whilst Rod Wallace had a 'goal' ruled out for offside.
After the break both teams made wholesale changes. For the Saints, Le Tissier was joined in attack by young Mitchell in a father-son front line, meanwhile Spitfires boss Ian Baird who has guided his side to their best league finish in the Conference South and steered them comfortably into the playoffs against the odds, got a good run out in a central midfield role. The likes of Nicky Banger, Richard Dryden, Neil Heaney, Perry Groves, Paul Tisdale, Steve Baker and Mark Blake also made appearances with Wayne Shaw taking the gloves and playing out the second half in goal.
Le Tissier senior completed the scoring in a 3-0 win for the ex-Saints but the afternoon belonged to Hughes who gave an emotional speech after the game thanking many people for making the event possible and such a big success.
Long may your career continue 'Hughesy'.
Link to photo gallery
Southampton and Eastleigh legend David Hughes had a day to remember as in excess of 1,800 turned out to support his thoroughly deserved testimonial game held at the Silverlake Stadium.
Stars past and present turned out for the 36-year-old midfielder with an ex-Saints XI taking on an ex-Eastleigh side. Comedian Mike Osman provided entertainment throughout the afternoon with witty commentary and banter during the game.
FA Cup winning manager Lawrie McMenemy kicked the game off with fans favourite goalscorer James Beattie (now of Stoke), but the striker could not play any further part due to an injury. The starting line up for the Saints was as follows:
Neil Moss in goal, a back four of Paul Telfer and Francis Benali as the full backs and deadly defensive duo re-united in the centre as Claus Lundekvam and Michael Svensson lined up alongside each other at the heart of defence. In the middle were Jo Tessem, David Howells, Matt Oakley who recently won promotion to the Championship with Leicester under former Saints boss Nigel Pearson, and of course the main event himself - David Hughes.
Up front, a certain Matt Le Tissier partnered Rod Wallace.
At half time the scoreline was 2-0 with David Howells scoring the opener and typically Hughes scoring in style on his big day. Le Tiss showed glimpses of his Dell magic and came close throughout the half, whilst Rod Wallace had a 'goal' ruled out for offside.
After the break both teams made wholesale changes. For the Saints, Le Tissier was joined in attack by young Mitchell in a father-son front line, meanwhile Spitfires boss Ian Baird who has guided his side to their best league finish in the Conference South and steered them comfortably into the playoffs against the odds, got a good run out in a central midfield role. The likes of Nicky Banger, Richard Dryden, Neil Heaney, Perry Groves, Paul Tisdale, Steve Baker and Mark Blake also made appearances with Wayne Shaw taking the gloves and playing out the second half in goal.
Le Tissier senior completed the scoring in a 3-0 win for the ex-Saints but the afternoon belonged to Hughes who gave an emotional speech after the game thanking many people for making the event possible and such a big success.
Long may your career continue 'Hughesy'.
Link to photo gallery
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