IAN Chalk signed off his eighth spell as Bemerton Heath Harlequins manager with a comfortable 2-1 home win over Totton & Eling.
It was a fitting end to Chalk’s long era which has seen him involved in more than 1,600 games over a 35-year period in his footballing career.
Graham Mankin and Jack Eves fired the goals for Harlequins to ensure the long-serving boss had something to toast at Western Way.
Chalk, 49, said: “I would like to thank all the players that I have worked with over the years and everyone who works so tirelessly behind the scenes. It’s been a great ride, but it’s time to get off.”
In Saturday’s three-goal showdown, the home side started brightly and had the visitors penned back for the first 15 minutes.
They thought they had taken the lead when a sharp move down the right, involving Reece Rusher and Tom Williams, ended with the latter crossing to the near post where Scott Joyce turned the ball home. However, the celebrations were cut short by an assistant’s flag.
Totton took the lead after Sergio Caballero’s deflected shot sneaked into the bottom corner.
The home side, reeling from the disallowed goal, rightfully equalised when Eves’ free kick evaded everyone and floated into the far corner.
The introduction of the returning Joe Sanger was the catalyst for Bemerton’s dominance, helping set up the winning goal which Mankin headed home.
Heath lost on Tuesday night to Petersfield Town by the odd goal.
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