Andover boss Howard Goddard has finally won his two-year chase for towering targetman Michael Jackson.

Goddard has been pursuing the strapping 6ft 4in striker, pictured left, ever since Jackson made his name with King's Somborne in the Hampshire League, but was continually frustrated as he moved to other clubs, including Bashley, Winchester and AFC Totton.

Towards the end of last season, the Romsey-based markmans broke into Dr Martens Premier football with Weymouth but, having signed a contract for former Wessex Stadium boss Geoff Butler, he is surplus to requirements under the ambitious new Terras regime of Steve Claridge.

Andover's Southern League neighbours Salisbury also spoke to Jackson this week, but Goddard smiled: "He's chosen us over them, which is excellent. I've finally got my man!

"I first wanted Michael when I was at Whitchurch but he went to New Street from King's Somborne and I've been chasing him ever since."

With his aerial power and ability to hold the ball up, Jackson could be the perfect foil for the Lions' prolific, young frontrunner Justin Bennett, who had trials for Portsmouth last season.

Goddard said: "I think the two of them will blend together really well.

"Michael's big and strong and just the sort of player who can take the pressure off Justin, but he's also a prolific scorer in his own right.

"Along with Vinny Rusher, they will be three strikers to look out for in the Wessex League next season."

Lions are also running the rule over former Brighton, Salisbury and Bashley centre-back Danny Flitter.