MICK Channon is arguably Saints’ finest homegrown player.

But this time it was his grandson Archie who was one of the heroes on the pitch as he was on the scoresheet in a Hampshire school cup semi-final.

Archie Morrall, 13, netted a goal for The Westgate School Year Eight football team in the semi-final of the Hampshire Schools’ Football Association county county cup in an impressive 4-0 victory over Aldworth School, who are based in Basingstoke.

Mick Channon scored more than 185 goals in more than 500 appearances for Saints during the 60s, 70s, and early 1980s.He also notched up 46 caps for England and scored 21 goals at international level.

The 67-year-old, who is now a racehorse trainer, is famous for his legendary windmill celebration, and he was also part of the Southampton 1976 side who won the FA Cup final in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.

Although he missed Archie’s semi-final, he told the Daily Echo that he usually manages to watch most of his games and is looking forward to seeing his grandson in the final.

He said he has never seen his grandson score, and said he did not know if he has ever replicated his famous windmill celebration.

Mick said: “I always knew he was a good little player but scoring goals is something else.”

He joked he might have passed on some of his genes to Archie, when it comes to football ability.

Mick added “There may be one or two genes that might be there, but I am just glad that he is enjoying it.

“The Westgate School are a good little team and from what my daughter has been telling me the standard is pretty high.”

The victory means that Westgate now face a local derby against Kings School in the final, and Mr Pullinger, who has helped guide the team to the final spoke of the teams commitment and maturity.

Headteacher of Westgate School Paul Nicholson spoke in glowing terms about the team and is looking forward to the final.

Mr Nicholson said: “It is the first time we have ever reached the final of the Hampshire cup and I was impressed with all the boys and our P.E teacher Mr Pullinger who has done an incredible job, we look forward to playing our close rivals Kings School in the final.”