THEY are the two most powerful men in south coast football.

But all the traditional rivalry was put aside when Saints chairman Rupert Lowe and Pompey boss Milan Mandaric attended the opening night of Miss Saigon at Southampton's Mayflower theatre.

While their respective teams are battling it out in the top half of the Premiership, there was no animosity as the two men settled down at the newly refurbished theatre.

Mr Lowe and Mr Mandaric were among the guests who attended a reception hosted by Southampton solicitors Paris, Smith and Randall at the official opening night of Miss Saigon, which is in Southampton for the next three months as part of a national tour.

Both football clubs were well represented with Daily Echo columnist and former Saints manager Lawrie McMenemy and TV newsreader and Pompey director Fred Dinenage also witnessing some spectacular singing and set design.

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and set during the Vietnam War, it is the first show to be performed at the theatre in Commercial Road for three months after it underwent a £3m refurbishment.

Starring David Shannon, Ima Castro and Leo Valdez, Miss Saigon tells the story of an American GI's love for a Vietnamese prostitute.

Mr Lowe and Mr Mandaric are less likely to be sitting so comfortably when they come face to face at St Mary's Stadium on December 21 for the first Saints versus Pompey league game in 15 years.

Miss Saigon is at the Mayflower until December 13. For tickets contact the box office on 023 8071 1811.