SHOLING paid tribute to popular clubman Darren Burdle with goals, goals and more goals last night.

Emotions were still raw at the Universal Stadium following the sudden death of the Boatmen’s first-team coach, nicknamed ‘Birdman’, on Monday.

But the players were insistent the Southampton Senior Cup tie against underdogs Hedge End Rangers Reserves went ahead so they could 'win it for Darren.'

And it was mission accomplished as they romped to a 12-0 victory courtesy of Zac Mouland (3), Lee Wort (2), Dan Mason (2), Barry Mason, Owen Royl, Nick Yeomans, Kevin Brewster and an own goal

A Sholing statement said: “On an emotional evening, the Boatmen put on a show for our friend Darren.

"It would have been tough tonight for any side to face the lads, who were all determined to play at their best and it was one-way traffic from the first minute to the last.

“But the night was all about the ‘Birdman.’ RIP Darren."

Sholing manager Dave Diaper tweeted: ”The cycle of life has struck again by taking Dazzer from us. He would have been pleased with the 12-0 win tonight, that was for you mate RIP.”

And there were words of thanks from Dan Mason, the club’s leading scorer, who posted: “That result was for birdman. Still hasn’t sunk in yet, he helped me massively in football at follands and when we met again at sholing.”

Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the local non-League community.

John McFarlane of Andover Town wrote: “We were always in opposing dugouts but we'd always share the same bar after the game and usually last to leave. Rip, massive loss @sholingfc”

AFC Totton said: “We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Darren Burdle, our thoughts are with Darren’s family and everyone at @sholingfc”

Blackfield & Langley, where Darren’s brother Colin played, tweeted: “Words can't express how saddened we are to hear this news. @bandlfc thoughts are with Darren's family, friends and @sholingfc. RIP Birdman.”

And Winchester City, one of Darren’s former clubs, posted: “We are shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of our former coach & current @sholingfc coach Darren Burdle. Thoughts are with his family.”