RIVAL managers are wasting their time if they think they can prise prolific, young marksman Justin Bennett away from Andover.

According to Portway Stadium boss Howard Goddard, the sought-after 20-year-old is going nowhere this summer.

Southern League hopefuls Eastleigh have enquired about a price for the former Salisbury City reserve striker and Weymouth would also like him to pep up their flagging firepower in the Dr Martens Premier Division.

But Goddard harbours ambitions of his own to get Andover into the Dr Martens ranks and is determined to keep hold of his hot, young strike property - even if that means turning down big money for a player who has another three years to run on his contract.

Bennett has hit three hat-tricks in his last four games to shoot his season's goal tally up to 50 and will receive a special award at St Mary's next Thursday (May 8) as the Hampshire Senior Cup's top scorer.

Incredibly his 14 HSC goals comprised four hat-tricks - plus a brace against Ryman League champions Aldershot Town, who face Bashley in next Thursday's final.

As a former striker himself with AFC Bournemouth and Newport County, Goddard is convinced he has a potential goldmine on his hands but said: "If you're building for the future like we are, then you don't sell your prize assets.

"It's not a case of what Justin's worth, it's what's best for Andover. If we sold him for the money, then we wouldn't be an ambitious club and, if that were the case, I would move on

"Getting £15,000 or £20,000 for Justin is not want we're about. Our target is to win the Wessex League next season.

"If and when I let Justin go, it will be because I think that's best. Money will not decide where he goes. He's not the finished article yet, but he will be by the time I've finished with him.

"And who's to say that in two years' time he won't be playing in the Dr Martens League with Andover?"

One thing's for sure, 45-year-old Goddard has been in the game too long to have the wool pulled over his eyes.

He said: "I've had clubs offering me two or three players in exchange for Justin, but they must think I've just come off a banana boat!

"They're talking about taking a baby and giving me players who can't get in their own team because they're too old, overweight or have no future.

"I'm not so nave that I'll take anyone."

Lions, who host Hampshire League neighbours Andover New Street in the North Hants Senior Cup final tonight (Wednesday, 7.30), have been boosted by skipper and defensive lynchpin Glen Damen signing a two-year contract.