Scannell: I want to finish my career with you!

Monday 31st December 2007 - Scannell vows to return to Eastleigh

By Wendy Gee

Damian Scannell has told Eastleigh: I want to finish my career with you!

Scannell will start training with his new club Southend on Thursday after signing off his Eastleigh career at the weekend against Eastbourne.

He bowed out by picking up the man-of-the-match award - and a promise that he will be back at the Silverlake before his playing days are over.

"I'm sure this is not the end of the story for me with Eastleigh," he said.

"When I'm 35, I want this to be the last club I come to.

"I've enjoyed it here and I appreciate all the support the fans have given me.

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"From the day Ian Baird arrived here as manager he told me there was no point having me here if I couldn't go out and express myself and that's what I've tried to do.

"Playing for Eastleigh has been a good shop window for me, but I've not looked at it like that.

"I've looked at it as a team game and I've worked hard for the side.

"Southend is a new challenge for me and I'm really looking forward to it, but I'll never forget Eastleigh. I love the club."

Eastbourne fight back to keep record in tact

EASTLEIGH v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH



SATURDAY 29th DECEMBER 2007

Blue Square South

By Jamie Montigue

Today’s visit of Eastbourne Borough was all about one man – Damian Scannell who made his last ever appearance for the Spitfires.

The script was written for Damian Scannell to go out with a bang in his farewell performance for Eastleigh ahead of his switch to Southend United upon the opening of the January transfer window.

Scannell, who has electrified the crowds week in out for the Spitfires to earn himself a big move to the Football League, did just that for one last time at the Silverlake Stadium but couldn’t stop Eastbourne Borough from remaining the only unbeaten side in the Blue Square South.

Ian Baird was forced into making a handful of changes to the side who drew 1-1 with Basingstoke on Boxing Day.

Goalkeeper James Pullen, who only made his comeback from a month out after an ankle operation against Havant last Saturday, sat out the draw with Basingstoke after injuring his other ankle and was sidelined once again replaced by Ross Kitteridge between the sticks, who celebrated his eighteenth birthday yesterday. The Reading loanee was drafted in to not only cover for the injured Pullen but for Gareth Howells whose wife gave birth to a baby boy this morning.

Jamie Brown sat out due to a slipped disc, whilst Karim El-Salahi (ill) and Warren Goodhind (injured) were also missing from the squad. This meant a place in the starting eleven for Fitzroy Simpson, Peter Adeniyi and David Hughes. Matt Hann had to settle for a place on the bench where Chris Piper was also amongst the substitutes having missed the last three games.

The first action of the afternoon saw Allan Tait give Kitteridge an early touch of the ball when his clipped shot towards goal following Pat Harding’s ball in from the right, was comfortable for the Eastleigh goalkeeper.

Eastleigh were a constant threat with Damian Scannell full of tricks, pace and enthusiasm eager to leave a lasting impression on the Spitfires faithful. A ball forward by Fitzroy Simpson was chested superbly into the path of Scannell by Paul Sales, the soon-to-be Southend United player had defenders backing off left, right and centre and left them standing with a tremendous run but was unfortunate not to pick out Adeniyi with the final ball.

Both Sales and Luke Byles had efforts blocked in a matter of seconds. Firstly, Sales from an Adam Everitt corner kick, one which Scannell won by pressurising Marc Pullan, and moments later Luke Byles pouncing in the penalty area from a free kick was denied by a courageous block from Andy Atkin who had got back to make a vital defensive contribution.

Scannell might have been awarded a free kick with a quarter of an hour played. Having latched on to a through ball from Byles, the former Fisher Athletic man advanced towards goal and was seemingly dragged to the ground just outside the penalty area.

Nothing was given but this did not deter Scannell who merely brushed himself off and within the same minute was at it again skinning full back Neil Jenkins, rounding another marker before firing towards goal with his left foot. Lee Hook was equal to the shot diving low to his right.

After a couple of Eastbourne half chances, Eastleigh were still on top and looking comfortable. Anthony Riviere this time set Scannell free down the right who sent in an early cross that was helped on by Sales with a clever touch. The move pleasing to the eye was unlucky to have broken down as the ball was ever so slightly behind Forbes.

Fitzroy Simpson came close in the twenty-fourth minute, following yet more brilliance from Scannell. Frightful pace and quick feet was more than enough for Damian to shake off Jenkins, the Eastbourne full back already having his work cut out and in for a torrid afternoon with this tricky customer, the ball eventually came out to the edge of the penalty area. Simpson was ready and waiting and went for goal but the effort, though hit with good power and swerve with the left foot, was always drifting wide of the left upright.

It would have been very hard for the neutral at this stage to tell which team were unbeaten, such was the dominance from Eastleigh and off-colour performance from their visitors.

Things might have gone from bad to worse for Garry Wilson’s side who were made to look ordinary for the best part of thirty minutes, were it not for two exceptional clearances off the goalline.

Eastleigh would have taken a first half lead only for a well placed defender to clear off the line twice in a minute as the Sports struggled to deal with the dangerous in-swinging corners of Adam Everitt, and on the far side David Hughes.

From Hughes’ corner, Andy Forbes could hardly believe as he watched his header bounce back from goal with the goalkeeper Lee Hook beaten. Paul Sales went for the follow up and had his shot deflected for a further corner.

For the umpteenth time in the game, Scannell delved into his endless box of tricks and pulled out the stepovers as he sent across a delivery to the back post to find Sales. The experienced striker cushioned the ball to Forbes who had made a run to the near post but his diving header was inches wide of the target. Again, extremely unlucky.

Eastbourne had to wait until the forty-first minute for their best move of the half as Allan Tait combined with the captain Paul Armstrong but could not finish off the one-two with the end product well wide of the post in the end.

Kitteridge, who was in the main a spectator throughout the first half, was suddenly called upon three minutes later to tip over the cross bar preventing Andy Atkin’s swivelled shot from finding its way to the top corner.

Then, on the stroke of half time Andy Harris carelessly gave the ball away to Matt Crabb who brought the ball forward before firing towards goal. Kitteridge got a strong hand to it as the ball bounced up and around the post.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-0 Eastbourne Borough

In the opening stages of the second half, Pat Harding struck the foot of the post from a free kick on the far side. Kitteridge was beaten but the woodwork saved Eastleigh as the visitors began to show signs of their capabilities given half a chance.

Ian Baird’s men, who controlled the first half, opened the scoring on 57 minutes in true style. A moment of inspiration, pure brilliance and magic saw the wing-wizard Scannell drift past three defenders on the left hand side when there looked to be no way through. The 22-year-old’s cross found ANDY FORBES waiting in the middle who duly delivered with his header going in off the post. A sensational goal, it might be cliché but it really was worth the entrance fee alone.

Shortly after the goal, a sliced clearance from Ben Austin handed the hosts a corner kick, which Adam Everitt sent across with yet another top delivery that had to be punched over the cross bar by Hook.

A free kick from Everitt a minute later was headed towards goal by Sales but Hook displayed a safe pair of hands to prevent Eastleigh from doubling their advantage.

Things could not have been better for the hosts, everything was going to plan until Eastbourne did what they do best and got the result they wanted when the chips were down.

A quick fire double was the response from the visitors with strike partners Andy Atkin and Allan Tait scoring one apiece within the space of two minutes to undermine all of Eastleigh’s previous hard work.

Where Eastleigh’s goal came from nothing so to speak, Eastbourne’s first was as simple as a Pat Harding low cross from the right being turned in from close range by ANDY ATKIN who was on hand for the equaliser.

In-between Atkin’s goal and the Sports’ second, Fitzroy Simpson latched on to a loose ball from 25 yards but blazed wide hitting the ball on the up.

Second half substitute and former Spitfire Adam Wilde who had a brief spell here during the 2005/6 season, carved the Eastleigh defence in two with a delightful pass to create an opening a minute later, which ALLAN TAIT rounded off with a simple finish in front of goal. Eastleigh could do little but watch as their lead was snatched away in the blinking of an eye.

Conceding two soft goals so quickly was clearly a massive setback and Eastbourne were never in doubt from taking all three points from then on.

A deep cross from Jay Lovett proved to be tricky to deal with as Andy Harris could only slice behind his own goal to concede a corner kick. Lovett met Wilde’s corner with a header but failed to hit the target.

The second of Eastbourne’s goalscorers, Allan Tait sent Adam Wilde down the right who twisted inside and then out of Luke Byles before firing over the top with the outside of his left boot.

Matt Hann had Eastleigh’s best chance of salvaging a point when played clean through by a splendid David Hughes pass. Hann’s pace took the winger clear of the last defender but a combination of poor composure and excellent goalkeeping by Hook denied the former St. Albans man from finding a way through.

A double substitution from the Spitfires saw Chris Piper and Ashan Holgate sent on for Paul Sales and David Hughes.

The final action saw Ashan Holgate fouled to the left of goal, the free kick from Piper was sent in to a crowded penalty area but this was to be the last kick of the game.

For Eastleigh it may not have been the right result to end 2007, but the club must now look to the crucial clash with Basingstoke Town on New Year’s Day.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 1-2 Eastbourne Borough

All match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

http://jozefmontigue.tripod.com/eastleigh_v_eastbourne_borough_pics/

Scannell to miss his own farewell game?

Friday 28th December 2007 - Scannell to miss his own farewell game?

By Adrian Kajumba

EASTLEIGH fans may have already seen the last of wing wizard Damian Scannell in action.

Scannell was due to play his final game in Eastleigh colours tomorrow before his big £5,000 move to League Two club Southend when the January transfer window opens next Tuesday.

But Spitfires manager Ian Baird lists the 22 year-old as a doubt for tomorrow's visit of second-placed Eastbourne Borough.

Scannell played on after suffering a first-half knee injury in the Boxing Day draw against Basingstoke Town before eventually being withdrawn in the 65 minute.

Baird said: "I would imagine that Damian will struggle to make the game because he has taken some quite rough treatment against Basingstoke.

"He had to come off with 25 minutes to go after taking a knock to the knee.

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"He looks like a major doubt. It will be his last game and it will be a big shame if he doesn't play but these things can't be helped."

Scannell is not Baird's only injury concern for tomorrow's game which puts Eastleigh against the only unbeaten side in the Blue Square South.

Goalkeeper Jamie Pullen, who only made his comeback from a month out after an ankle operation against Havant last Saturday, sat out the draw with Basingstoke after injuring his other ankle and will be sidelined once again.

Pullen is due to have a scan next week to assess the seriousness of his latest injury.

Former player-boss David Hughes is also set to miss out after coming on as a sub against Basingstoke and picking up a foot injury.

Sales is back with a goal but 'Stoke pinch a point

EASTLEIGH v BASINGSTOKE TOWN



SATURDAY 26th DECEMBER 2007

Blue Square South

By Jamie Montigue

A bumper Boxing Day crowd of 879 watched on as Eastleigh came up against neighbours Basingstoke Town. Francis Vines’ high-flyers enjoying a great run sitting proudly fourth from the top in the Blue Square South.

The Spitfires meanwhile were somewhat dejected having gone into this game with a single goal defeat over local rivals Havant and Waterlooville at the weekend.

Paul Sales made a welcome return from injury and marked the occasion with the opening goal nineteen minutes into the game. Gareth Howells stood in for the injured James Pullen whilst Peter Adeniyi dropped to the bench.

Last season Eastleigh won the same fixture by a goal to nil at the Camrose under the then manager Jason Dodd - Andy Forbes giving the Spitfires an excellent Christmas present with a crucial three points that went along way to keeping us in the division.

A year on, it was the visitors who started brightly testing Howells with a half chance in the opening stages. Ben Wells came extremely close with a volley from the edge of the penalty area, as a Luke Byles header half-cleared Tyron Smith’s free kick.

Eastleigh’s first chance came in the sixth minute when smart approach play saw Paul Sales given time and space to bring the ball down on his chest to set up his captain Andy Harris to send a searching cross into the penalty area. Matt Hann was underneath it at the back post but scooped his effort wide with his weaker left foot.

Worryingly for the hosts, Basingstoke had split the Eastleigh defence inside the opening eight minutes through a delightful, measured pass from former Spitfire James Taylor to set Michael Charles free down the right hand side. Charles eased inside past Byles before firing an inch wide of the upright.

Just two minutes later, The Dragons were roaring once more. This time Charles set up Ben Surey with a simple square pass to his right, the latter firing a low driven shot that had Howells at full stretch to save low down at his near post.

Andy Forbes meanwhile connected with a deep cross from Harris following good hold up play by Damian Scannell on the near side, but Eastleigh’s top goalscorer was unable to control the header or trouble Chris Tardif.

Slightly against the run of play, Eastleigh took the lead from a dangerous Adam Everitt set piece. It was the left back’s corner that caused chaos in the Basingstoke area with Tardif coming for, but spilling the ball. This led to a sliced clearance from a yellow shirt which fell kindly for PAUL SALES who pounced on the loose ball to rifle his shot past a mass of players with his left foot and into the bottom corner.

A goal to the good, Ian Baird’s side looked the more likely to expand on the scoreline having a couple of chances and a good spell of possession in the final third.

Twenty-four minutes in, a long throw from Harris was flicked on by the goalscorer to the far post however nobody had ventured forward to take advantage.

Jamie Brown might have done better a moment later, Anthony Riviere having won possession stylishly in front of goal to create the opening for the tireless midfielder. Brown’s side footed shot was weak though from 18 yards and posed no problems at all for the one time Eastleigh goalkeeper.

Frustration was to follow as Damian Scannell was twice denied any further progress by the offside flag. The first call was tight but the second when Paul Sales had played the Southend-bound winger in behind the Basingstoke defence, looked to be harsh as Scannell seemed level with the last defender.

Matt Hann was also displeased to have a decision against him when cutting in from the left, shaping for the shot and curling towards goal. The move starting from a long kick by Howells saw the ball bobble high and harmlessly behind with the pacy winger claiming, albeit to no avail, for a corner kick.

The visitors became increasingly more involved with the half coming towards its end and caused a few problems for Eastleigh from a deep corner on the right hand side.

Tyron Smith acrobatically helped the ball back into play for Taylor to bring down and drill firmly against Jamie Brown who had made himself big to charge down the shot and deny an equaliser. There were a few shouts for handball but referee Stephen Phipps was well placed and saw no such infringement.

As the ball came back into the area from Matt Warner’s cross, Charles headed narrowly over the cross bar.

Eastleigh at the opposite end still did not rule out the possibility of a second goal before the break. Brown found himself in the way of Anthony Riviere’s well-struck shot from an Andy Forbes delivery to halt any such luck.

Howells was kept busy and had to be on his toes to tip over the cross bar four minutes from time as Charles rose well with Byles to get the header away - though a late offside flag made it meaningless.

The Spitfires goalkeeper was a mere spectator in the very next minute when Basingstoke were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Warren Goodhind was adjudged to have fouled Taylor, and with it picked up the first yellow card of the game. Tyron Smith shaped up to shoot and hit it sweetly with great dip, bend and swerve with a shot that crashed off the frame of the cross bar much to the relief of the helpless Howells.

In injury time the Spitfires were queuing up to double the advantage with Scannell providing some wonderful late chances for his team. A bicycle kick from Sales was cut out but Scannell was able to deliver once more for Brown this time who was denied by Tardif at point blank range. The Basingstoke defence in disarray, Sales went for the follow up and should have done better despite getting his shot on target.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 1-0 Basingstoke Town

During the break a Basingstoke fan by the name of Jack delighted the crowd with silky skills to record an incredible 49 ‘keepie uppies’ with a square ball in the competition held by Blue Square to continue the entertainment.

Back to the action, Eastleigh made a fairly decent start to the second half with nice movement and approach play from Riviere and Scannell seeing the Spitfires into the Basingstoke penalty area but unable to find a way through.

Sean Hankin headed behind to concede a corner following Jamie Brown’s clever reverse pass and from it Adam Everitt went direct for goal. Whether intentionally or not the delivery wasn’t too far away from finding the net.

Two minutes short of the hour mark Damian Scannell was withdrawn due to an injury. David Hughes was the replacement but one cannot help but wonder if that is the last we have seen of Scannell in Eastleigh colours ahead of his switch to the football league upon the opening of the transfer window at the beginning of January.

A driving run from Riviere saw the former Fisher midfielder combine with Brown before Tardif could intervene and cut out the danger with brave goalkeeping at the feet of the Eastleigh man.

Gareth Howells did extremely well to thwart Ben Wells in the 65th minute, pushing the winger’s shot around the post having got a firm glove to the low driven attempt.

Baird was forced into making a second change when the excellent Paul Sales had given all that he had for the cause but felt tight after six weeks on the sidelines with little training before today’s game. Ashan Holgate the like for like switch.

The game took an ugly turn when a Basingstoke fan got himself escorted from the ground for twice throwing the ball directly at the face of the Eastleigh goalkeeper, when asked to return the ball.

It sparked emotions on the pitch as well with tackles flying in. Adam Everitt was penalised with a yellow card for his part in a scuffle with James Taylor whilst the Dragons’ forward escaped without punishment.

Basingstoke eventually found an equaliser when Taylor went down so easily, deceiving the referee into giving a free kick on the edge of the penalty box.

TYRON SMITH, who had struck the woodwork at the close of the first half, this time went one better with an unstoppable set piece. A David Beckham like one-step run up came complete with a belting strike right out of the top drawer and into the top corner to leave Howells standing.

There were no clear-cut chances despite a surge of late pressure from Eastleigh. The hosts were clearly desperate to record a win and not satisfied in having to settle for a draw but nothing materialised.

Wells might have won it for the visitors a minute from time when Howells’ quick throw in search of Holgate saw Wells creep up with great pace to catch Holgate off guard and unawares. The Basingstoke winger’s floated cross-cum-shot went beyond the goalkeeper and narrowly over the cross bar.

Even then there were chances for either side with Michael Charles turning Byles in front of goal, but the wrong way. Had he gone to the left he would have been clean through for a one-on-one situation but he chose to turn right and instead picked out Wells but the shot was comfortable for Howells.

Three late corners from Everitt were to be the last opportunities Eastleigh would have to get three points on Boxing Day. Forbes was underneath the first but an excellent defensive header on the goalline stood in his way before second half substitute Peter Adeniyi’s through ball was dummied by Riviere and deflected behind for a further flag kick just ahead of Forbes.

Again the delivery was threatening, right into the danger zone of a packed six-yard box where Tardif punched behind. The action came to a close with Jamie Brown’s off-target near post header.

Next up an equally challenging game here at the Silverlake Stadium to an unbeaten Eastbourne Borough side this Saturday. The Spitfires can take heart from their 3-0 victory earlier in the season to league leaders Lewes, who came here unbeaten just as Eastbourne will. A good omen perhaps as we look to end 2007 with a bang!

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 1-1 Basingstoke Town

All match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

http://jozefmontigue.tripod.com/eastleigh_v_basingstoke_pics/

Scannell thanks "perfect Eastleigh"

- Scannell thanks "perfect Eastleigh"
(See above link for full story)

Fenelon late winner a sickening blow for Baird on Westleigh Park return

HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE v EASTLEIGH

SATURDAY 22nd DECEMBER 2007

Blue Square South

By Jamie Montigue

Today’s local derby, the start of a congested fixture schedule over the Christmas season, saw Eastleigh falter in search of securing their first ever win against the Hawks.

Ian Baird on his return to Westleigh Park for the first time since leaving to take charge of Eastleigh in October, made three changes to his starting eleven from the side who pipped Bognor Regis Town to a place in the 2nd Round of the FA Trophy.

James Pullen was fit enough to make a comeback following an ankle operation that had kept the goalkeeper out for a month. Former Hawk, Luke Byles replaced Karim El-Salahi and Damian Scannell, amid his pending move to the football league with Southend United, shook off a knee injury to take the place of Ashan Holgate in attack.

In the opening seconds of the game, Eastleigh may well have found the dream start they were looking for. Matt Hann, latching on to a pass from Andy Forbes smashed the ball towards goal with a sidefoot effort from 18 yards only to be denied by a splendid reaction save from Kevin Scriven.

A deep free kick from Andy Harris moments later saw Jamie Brown’s sliced shot just wide of the target as the Spitfires took to the lively atmosphere around the ground, continuing their bright start.

Matt Hann forced an early corner following good play down the middle, beating his man with a skilful flick over the top before cleverly playing the ball off the defender.

Andy Harris fed a great ball through for Scannell in the tenth minute as the visitors pressed further. Damian got in behind the defence with a timely run but was denied by the alert goalkeeping of Scriven who raced off his line to intervene.

Two minutes later, Havant attacked with promise for the first time in the game. Gary Hart on his debut for the Hawks following his month’s loan from Brighton, combined to good effect with strike partner Rocky Baptiste who in turn found FA Cup goalscoring hero, Tony Taggart in space on the left. The end product was not so good however with Taggart screwing his effort comfortably wide of Pullen’s left upright.

Charlie Henry, another recent addition to Shaun Gale’s troops, pulled up with an injury with just nineteen minutes played and was unable to continue. Alfie Potter replaced Henry and immediately posed a real threat to liven things up for the hosts.

Eastleigh left back Adam Everitt was caught in possession by the talented winger, Potter who had been on the pitch a matter of seconds. James Pullen was called into action instantly to save low down to deny Potter whose quick footwork just outside the penalty area, allowed the youngster to get a shot away.

An Anthony Riviere cross was headed behind by Gary Elphick at the opposite end, the centre back also making his debut having signed this week from fellow Blue Square South side St. Albans.

Kevin Scriven looked vulnerable from the threat of Adam Everitt’s in-swinging corner kick, and pushed the ball on to his own cross bar to concede a further corner.

Again Everitt put in a testing delivery and again Scriven palmed behind for a third successive Eastleigh set piece.

It seemed the pressure was creeping up on Havant as Eastleigh immediately had a clear-cut, golden chance to take the lead. Andy Forbes picked up on the loose ball in a dangerous position to take advantage of a slip from Elphick, before playing a wonderful pass through to Scannell.

Rounding the keeper effortlessly, it seemed certain Damian would find the net but it went horribly wrong having done the hard work as the man who agreed a deal with Coca Cola League One side Southend United earlier this week, fired the wrong side of goal.

On the back of this let off, Havant took renewed optimism to their play. Jamie Collins, the Havant skipper had his cross half-cleared by Luke Byles’ header which found it’s way out to Potter who struck it first time with a powerful volley, seemingly destined for goal. Byles, though he didn’t know much about it, was there to stop that outcome as the venomous shot was struck straight at the Eastleigh defender.

Neil Sharp headed clean over the cross bar on 33 minutes from a Brett Poate free kick, before Pullen broke up a promising move a minute later.

Tony Taggart worked the ball nicely to carve the Spitfires defence in two in search of Potter who had made a late run to the back post where he had the ball swept from his feet by the Eastleigh stopper.

Havant and Waterlooville kept up their momentum with Jamie Collins curling a left-footed effort an inch or two wide of the post from the far side.

Two-time Blue Square South golden boot winner Rocky Baptiste, might have done better with time and space to pick his spot, five minutes before the break. Completely unmarked, Baptiste decided to hit it first time and as a result failed to trouble Pullen where a touch might just have settled him before pulling the trigger.

Warren Goodhind shrugged Baptiste off the ball just a minute later with the home fans feeling they had a valid shout for a penalty kick. Meanwhile Damian Scannell broke down the right to torment Brett Poate and eventually delivered from the byline though the cross was too deep for Hann.

In the final minute of the half, both sides had chances to break the deadlock ahead of the interval. Firstly, an out of sorts Baptiste who looked to be extremely low on confidence squandered an opening from point blank range from Hart’s headed flick on.

A long ball from Harris saw Andy Forbes give chase down the right to put pressure on Poate. The Havant left back had little option but to head behind and from the corner kick Luke Byles’ header was just a whisker away.

HALF TIME: Havant and Waterlooville 0-0 Eastleigh

Chamal Fenelon took to the field to replace Tony Taggart two minutes into the half, a switch that ultimately found the match winner.

The first scalp went to Havant with Baptiste’s strong run down the left ending with a shot that blazed high above goal from 25 yards.

On the hour mark Eastleigh were literally queuing up at the far post but could not find a way through to take advantage from a corner that Riviere did well to win. Damian Scannell’s shot ricocheted onto the post before Peter Adeniyi got his feet in a tangle just two yards out, leading to a goalmouth scramble. The Hawks’ could then clear their lines.

Matt Hann struck a shot against Elphick from the edge of the area not long after, before Scannell’s positive run and shot saw the ball just past the post with Eastleigh threatening.

Following Eastleigh’s first substitution of the game, David Hughes on for Peter Adeniyi, Chamal Fenelon came close with a shot that crept agonisingly wide of goal with just Pullen to beat.

Eastleigh resumed their attacking stance momentarily with Jamie Brown’s backward header from an Andy Harris free kick seeing Neil Sharp take no risk in dealing with the dilemma. Sharp flicked the ball past his own goalkeeper, who perhaps should have come for the ball anyway, to concede a corner kick.

With a little over fifteen minute’s to play, it was at this point Havant who enjoyed a good spell and crucially at just the right time.

Pullen watched a low drive wide by Baptiste at his near post in the 72nd minute.

Two minutes later Andy Harris was booked for a late challenge. The Spitfires rattled, the Havant support behind the goal were screaming for a penalty when another low shot from Baptiste was stopped by both Everitt and Byles. Both defenders had slid in to block the shot, and that is where there were questions of handball - as it bounced off Byles on to Everitt.

Eleven minutes from time, Baptiste, looking a completely different player to the one on display in the first half, got the better of Andy Harris cutting inside from the left had his strike well held by Pullen.

A goal was coming, it could be sensed and unfortunately for Eastleigh it was looking like Havant would get it.

Gary Hart’s centre found Potter at the back post a minute later, the Havant midfielder’s header producing a fine stop out of Pullen. Baptiste was on hand for the rebound and should have done better.

With eight minutes remaining, Fenelon had a snapshot cleared off the line by Everitt whilst Andy Forbes at the opposite end worked a good opening on the right only to find there was no red shirt to be seen on the end of his excellent cross.

Then came the sickening blow for Ian Baird on his return to Havant. It didn’t look as if there was much on when a hopeful ball from defence saw Everitt underneath the clearance. A horrid touch from the former Cambridge City full back was the only invitation Gary Hart needed to take advantage.

Hart’s early, inch-perfect cross found CHAMAL FENELON in the middle. The substitute connected well with the header and, despite Pullen’s best efforts to pluck it away, the ball trickled over the line to earn Havant and Waterlooville all three points.

Straight from the kick off Forbes combined with Ashan Holgate, whose shot deflected through harmlessly to Scriven.

Deep into injury time there was still time for Eastleigh to rescue a share of the spoils. Andy Forbes found Damian Scannell to his right, who weaved past two before teeing up Jamie Brown in acres of space on the far side. Brown could not have wished for a better opportunity, but failed to hit the target.

Eastleigh will have to wait until February before they get the chance to reverse this scoreline and their fortunes against their local rivals, at the Silverlake Stadium. For now, the Basingstoke game on Boxing Day will be crucial and could give us Spitfires fans’ a pleasing Christmas present should we bounce back with a win.

FULL TIME: Havant and Waterlooville 1-0 Eastleigh

All match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

http://jozefmontigue.tripod.com/havant_v_eastleigh_pics/

Danny Smith in Bashley loan switch

Another 'DS' on the move is midfielder Danny Smith.

Baird has agreed for the former team skipper to join Southern Premier outfit Bashley on a month's loan to get some games under his belt.

Bognor and Dorchester have also shown an interest in the experienced 25-year-old, who captained Winchester City to FA Vase glory in 2004.

Danny's not out of our plans, but he's only played one game since I've been here and he's become increasingly frustrated. He needs to be playing," explained Baird.

Going to Bashley gives him the chance to play six or seven games in a month and regain his sharpness."

• Full article here

Scannell: the latest from the Daily Echo

- DAILY ECHO REPORTS ON SCANNELL

Tuesday 18th December 2007 - Eastleigh Tell Scannell 'Don't be hasty'

By Wendy Gee

EASTLEIGH are advising sought-after wideman Damian Scannell not to jump feet first into a hasty move into the Football League.

The 22-year-old wing wizard was the subject of a £5,000 bid from Coca-Cola League One promotion hopefuls Southend United on Friday night and Eastleigh were yesterday expected to give the Shrimpers the go-ahead to speak to him.

But, with several other clubs - Nottingham Forest included - interested in the Croydon-based crowd-pleaser, Spitfires' director of football David Malone is advising him to bide his time.

He said: "We've only had one definite offer for Damian faxed from Southend, but we've had several clubs express an interest in him at a price.

"Nottingham Forest and Brighton are both interested and even Saints have had a look at him. John Gorman (Saints chief scout) was down watching the Thurrock game last Tuesday."

Technically, if Scannell has set his heart on a move to Southend there is nothing to stop him.

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He and his agent insisted on a clause in his Eastleigh contract stating that if a club came in with a £5,000 offer or higher, he would be free to leave.

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Wednesday 19th December 2007 - Spitifires could still land Scannell windfall

By Wendy Gee

IF Eastleigh winger Damian Scannell's impending move to Southend United proves anything like as successful as Freddie Eastwood's then the Blue Square South club will be quids in to the tune of £375,000.

While a clause in Scannell's contract dictates that the Spitfires are duty-bound to accept the Shrimpers' £5,000 offer for the 22-year-old south Londoner, Eastleigh have negotiated a sizeable 25 per cent sell-on clause with the Coca-Cola League One outfit.

"We've had people on our messageboard accusing us of being naive, but they need to retrace the steps of how we got Damian in the first place," said Eastleigh director/co-assistant manager Paul Doswell.

"Fisher Athletic failed to take up the option on his contract last season, enabling us to get him for nothing in the summer. I sold the club and our ambition to him and when Damian came down with his agent they put in front of us what we needed to do to get him.

"People question why we had the clause in his contract and the answer's simple: We wouldn't have got the player without it.

"We're not naive at all. In fact I'd say it's pretty sharp business by us. Although the £5,000 fee probably only covers what we've had to pay for him, we've had five months of watching the kid play and we've gained a really good sell-on clause."

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Pointing to the example of former Grays Athletic striker Freddy Eastwood, who was sold on by Southend to Wolves for £1.5m, Doswell said: "If that happened with Damian, Eastleigh would get £375,000, in which case the legacy he leaves us would be unbelievable."

Southend Bid for Damo

By Wendy Gee

Eastleigh - through to the last 32 of the FA Trophy for the first time in their history - face a fight to keep hold of their dazzling winger Damian Scannell.

After watching his side scrape past Bognor Regis Town 1-0 at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday to take their place in today's second round draw, manager Ian Baird revealed that Coca-Cola League One promotion hopefuls Southend United had tabled a £5,000 bid for the talented wideman on Friday night.

Under the terms of Scannell's contract following his move from Fisher Athletic last summer, if any club comes in with an offer of £5,000 or more he is free to go.

A clutch of other Football League clubs, including Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Leyton Orient, have also been keeping tabs on the talented 22-year-old, whose pace and trickery earned him trials with Millwall and Watford during his Fisher days.

Southend in £5,000 bid for Damian

FA Trophy 2nd Round Draw

Crawley Town v Eastleigh

Saturday 12th January 2008

Draw in full

By Wendy GEE - (Daily Echo)

IAN Baird's Eastleigh must travel to Blue Square Premier outfit Crawley Town in the FA Trophy second round on January 12.

While the Spitfires were squeezing past Bognor Regis 1-0 on Saturday to reach the last 32 for the first time in their history, Crawley booked their passage through with a single-goal victory over Bromley.

The Sussex side are currently 16th in the Conference national having had six points deducted for financial irregularities.

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Crawley manager Steve Evans was pleased with another home draw and paid respect to Eastleigh.

Evans said: “I have had the opportunity of watching Eastleigh this season when I went to watch an opposition player against them and I thought they were an excellent outfit.

“They have a number of high profile players amongst their squad and they will come here with real high hopes of getting a result. But we are at home and it is a great chance for us to get through to the next round."

Eastleigh edge FA Trophy encounter to make club history - again!

EASTLEIGH v BOGNOR REGIS TOWN

SATURDAY 15th DECEMBER 2007

FA Carlsberg Trophy - 1st Round Proper

By Jamie Montigue

In the bitterly cold temperatures in this FA Carlsberg Trophy 1st Round cup-tie, it was Eastleigh who progressed against the Rocks in front of just 318 who had braved the winter weather.

There were four changes to the side who drew with Thurrock on Tuesday night. Gareth Howells replaced Ross Kitteridge in goal for his home debut. Ashan Holgate and Matt Hann both came into the starting line up to replace the injured Damian Scannell who it is thought could be out until the new year with a knee injury and Chris Piper who was out with flu. Karim El-Salahi meanwhile came into the centre of defence for Luke Byles, who only made the substitutes bench.

Before kick off the brand new, state of the art floodlights were unveiled for the first time and proved to be magnificent, a massive improvement and a great deal brighter than those that failed in the previous game, which had been standing for 30 years.

The Spitfires, in their last home game before Christmas continued their unbeaten run of late with a second consecutive clean sheet, though there was little to cheer about for either side in a bleak first half.

Adam Everitt almost caught Craig Stoner off guard in the opening stages with a clearance from the half way line that drifted towards goal at the last second. The goalkeeper back-pedalling, was relieved to watch it over the cross bar.

Scott Harris headed behind a long throw from Andy Harris to concede a corner on 7 minutes before Chris Breach headed over his own cross bar from Adam Everitt’s delivery.

Ian Baird’s men came close at times with Ashan Holgate firing wide of the post moments later with a good run and shot cutting in from the left having attacked the defender only for his effort to fall narrowly wide of the target.

Eastleigh kept up the tempo with Matt Hann’s positive diagonal run in approach leading to Peter Adeniyi picking out Andy Forbes in the penalty area. Forbes let the ball get away from him but was then dragged to the ground - referee Ian Crouch wasn’t interested and turned down the penalty shout.

Wonderful play from the hosts saw just how deadly Eastleigh can be when they keep the ball on the floor. Turning defence into attack with patient passing initially from Andy Harris and Karim El-Salahi who then turned back to find Howells. The move continued to develop with Adam Everitt before a fine one-two combination between Forbes and Anthony Riviere saw the latter curl his attempt comfortably wide.

The game suddenly seemed to lag and become a little dreary following a promising start from Eastleigh, who unfortunately were unable to maintain their pressure consistently.

Andy Forbes had a half chance midway through the half from a long ball but his weak shot with his left foot failed to trouble Stoner.

Bognor’s first strike on goal did not come until ten minutes before the break with Dan Beck picking up on the loose ball only to fire straight at Howells from the edge of the area.

The visitors clearly ended the first forty-five on the up, their next attack seeing Beck turn provider for Luke Nightingale with a beautiful chip forward to find the captain in behind the Eastleigh defence. Howells raced out to meet the striker in the one-on-one situation and stood tall to make an excellent save, though a late offside flag would have saved the Spitfires should Nightingale have found the back of the net.

Michael Birmingham’s men having dug deep to hold on in the first quarter of an hour to twenty minutes, will feel aggrieved to have not broken the deadlock in the very closing stages of the first half. A slip in the Eastleigh penalty area from Karim El-Salahi, led to a scramble on the stroke of half time that then left Howells exposed from 6 yards. Bognor somehow failed to find a way through to take the advantage.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-0 Bognor

A minute into the second half, Andy Forbes’ astute flick around the corner found Matt Hann on the left who then crossed to find Ashan Holgate in the middle. Craig Stoner, being called into action immediately, dropped the header at first from the former Weston-Super-Mare striker before the danger could be cleared.

Richard Chamberlain’s testing free kick had to be dealt with well and was from Jamie Brown’s saving header before Holgate at the opposite end came close once more. Flicking the ball up and over his marker’s head, Ashan showing great technique initially before lacking that little bit of composure having done the hard work, blazing over the top.

On 54 minutes, Matt Hann had a glorious opportunity from a pull back on the right hand side. Craig Stoner did well to stay big and make a good save, but it will have to go down as a big miss unmarked, and just 8 yards out.

Howells had to deal with a header from Nightingale before saving a free kick from Chamberlain a moment later.

Just over an hour gone, Eastleigh striker Ashan Holgate, still looking for his first goal, pulled the trigger from the edge of the area with a firm, crisp strike though Stoner was there to deny a goal once more clawing the ball off the line.

Forbes then had a shot saved at the near post, having linked up with Holgate.

Eastleigh opted for three in attack at this stage with Matt Hann operating as the third striker to try and push further for a goal.

The hosts were getting closer to finding that breakthrough. Forbes the next in line to come close following an excellent pass behind the defence from Hann. Having rounded the keeper a trailing leg caught the Spitfires’ top goalscorer but staying on his feet – nothing was given. Riviere following in picked out Brown with the cross, only for the versatile tireless midfielder to have his header turned behind for a corner kick.

ANDY FORBES got the eventual winner with a glancing header eighteen minutes from time, meeting Anthony Riviere’s inch perfect cross from the right to guide past the outstretched arms of Craig Stoner and into the net.

Excellent defending from El-Salahi, Goodhind and co were enough to shake off late attacks from Bognor and Nightingale. Before Birmingham was livid to have what he claimed to be a penalty, rebuffed.

Matt Hann might have made it comfortable from Everitt’s long throw and Forbes’ lay off but dragged his shot a good couple of yards wide.

Bognor’s best chance of finding a late equaliser saw Luke Nightingale’s hopeful chip on the angle turned on to the goal post by a splendid fingertip save from Gareth Howells. The Eastleigh goalkeeper on his home debut ensuring his side had done enough to make club, cup history in the competition in achieving a place in the second round, the last 32 of the competition.

It may not have been the best of games in general, but the win and the clean sheet was what mattered on the day as we face the possibility of drawing another big name in the next round.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 0-0 Bognor

Goalless in the cold

EASTLEIGH v THURROCK

TUESDAY 11th DECEMBER 2007
Blue Square South

A gesture of goodwill from the Eastleigh board of Directors saw a bumper crowd of 958 make the most of the free entry on this 'taster day' at the Silverlake Stadium, but in the extremely cold temperatures neither side could find a goal despite end to end entertainment.

6ft 4” midfielder Peter Adeniyi, Eastleigh’s latest signing coming from Bromley came straight in for his debut and put in a solid performance. Luke Byles returned from suspension having missed the 2-1 away win over Bromley at the weekend, to come in for defender Karim El-Salahi, whilst Ashan Holgate dropped to the bench.

Eastleigh had two half-chances very early on but it was the visitors Thurrock who had made the brighter start, coming extremely close twice inside the opening six minutes.

With less than a minute played, Jamie Brown, playing as a striker alongside Andy Forbes in attack, helped on a long free kick from Ross Kitteridge to find his strike partner Forbes, who blazed his volley high over the cross bar.

After Anthony Riviere’s fine match-winning strike on Saturday, the energetic midfielder had an early opportunity to try something similar once more, but scooped his effort a long way off target.

Thurrock quickly came to life in the form of Bai Mas Lettejallow who let fly on the half volley having linked up well with Lee Flynn, the captain. Lettejallow’s excellent attempt struck the frame of the goal, rattling against the cross bar.

Moment’s later Kitteridge had to turn a shot around the post before Adeniyi headed behind to concede a corner kick. Thurrock applying the early pressure.

David Bryant had the ball in the back of the net on six minutes when he turned the ball home from a scramble inside the Eastleigh penalty area, but as he wheeled away in celebration the ‘goal’ was pulled back for offside.

A few nerves started to kick in for the Spitfires particularly at the back, with a few balls going astray. Following a back pass from Warren Goodhind, the young goalkeeper Kitteridge presented a chance to the opposition with a poor kick to give away possession right in front of his own goal.

Thankfully, Eastleigh eventually got going with Scannell pressurising Paine into conceding a corner.

Anthony Riviere then won a free kick with a great turn to draw the foul from Bryant. Adam Everitt’s best effort from the set piece was to power a strike straight into the wall.

Down the right hand side, looked to be an area the hosts were causing the most threat with Paine making a hash of dealing with Jamie Brown’s low cross to the front post. The centre back sliced the ball backwards towards his own goal before David Blackmore could avert the danger.

The next chance for either side did not come until the 27th minute after a dull spell. Damian Scannell’s cross saw a mix up between that man Paine, once more, and goalkeeper Blackmore. The pair collided allowing the ball to bobble loose to Chris Piper who couldn’t take advantage of the situation with a weak header.

It looked as though Craig Hughes’ chipped pass down the middle for Bryant might have led to a strike on goal, seven minutes later as the Eastleigh defence were split open, though the Thurrock man was unable to shake off the attentions of Goodhind, who had made a timely intervention.

Eastleigh broke extremely quickly with Chris Piper striding forwards a good 40-yards before picking out the equally impressive, surging run of Riviere. Thurrock got men behind the ball promptly just when they were looking stretched and outnumbered at the back, and were eventually able to recover and intercept Riviere’s pass in search of Forbes.

In the blink of an eye, the ball was back down the opposite end of the pitch with Bryant’s glancing header falling wide of the upright from Matt Bodkin’s delivery.

Five minutes before the break, the tempo as quick as it had been throughout the first half, Scannell played the ball back to Riviere from Andy Harris’ short throw in. The goalscoring winner from Eastleigh’s two previous games (Braintree Town and Bromley), struck the ball well from range as it came out to him and the former Fisher Athletic midfielder was denied only by the brave defending of Rob Swaine who had stood tall charging the effort down.

Riviere was at the heart of the next Eastleigh move also, with a clever pass into Forbes, chipping the ball over the head of his opponent to find the Spitfires’ top goalscorer. With his back to goal and around 8 yards out, Forbes might on another occasion have turned to test the keeper but instead looked to knock the ball back out to the edge of the area and in doing so, lost possession.

The final chance of an end-to end first forty-five saw Thurrock cut through the Eastleigh defence with Bryant squaring to his right to present Hughes a glorious opportunity of taking the lead. Kitteridge came out well and to his credit did enough to narrow the angle and force the shot wide.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-0 Thurrock

Hakan Ramis-Hayrettin’s men came out just as enthusiastically at the opening of the second half.

Andy Harris went from hero, following a header off the goalline to deny an otherwise certain goal from Swaine’s header, to supposed villain for a strong, sliding challenge that forced Fola Orilonishe from playing any further part. At first sight it looked as if the Eastleigh captain had played the ball, but the referee having consulted with his assistant deemed the tackle worthy of a yellow card.

It took Eastleigh ten minutes before they mounted any real pressure towards Blackmore’s goal, but when they did it was pleasing to the eye. Piper’s trademark run down the middle of the park with pace, saw Adeniyi flick the ball on smartly with a back heel where Piper continued once more spraying the ball out to Brown on the far side. Brown’s cross was cut out but from the throw in, Adeniyi, the Eastleigh debutant continued his fine display having two half volley’s blocked that were heading for goal.

Ashan Holgate was introduced close to the hour mark as Eastleigh went in search of some fresh impetus in attack. Andy Forbes, who had been kept unusually quiet by the Thurrock defence, was the man to make way.

The Spitfires most clear-cut; gilt-edged opportunity arose on 67 minutes following excellent work from Scannell. Kitteridge had been in action moments earlier to punch a Matt Bodkin cross behind for a corner, when Eastleigh were able to make a swift counter-attack.

Damian Scannell picked the ball up on the half way line and with no one else in sight but Lettejallow, the tricky winger made beating the Thurrock defender look easy as he held the ball up before playing an excellent threaded pass to pick out Piper’s great run. Having done all the hard work in the build up, Eastleigh found themselves clean through on goal with Piper in behind the last man with just David Blackmore, the goalkeeper, to beat. Piper should have done a lot better and at least hit the target but got it all wrong, screwing the ball wide with his left foot.

Three minutes later, with space opening up in the midfield, Scannell needed no further invitation and went alone having the legs on Flynn to leave him standing, before curling a wonderful effort from 30 yards against the foot of the post.

A third near miss in a matter five minutes saw Andy Harris hit a sweet free kick with his right foot, that had Blackmore in all kinds of trouble sprawling to his left. The shot from the Eastleigh skipper was too hot to handle and the best the Thurrock stopper could manage was to spoon the ball around the post.

Just when the momentum was in Eastleigh’s favour, the floodlights failed causing a lengthy delay whilst the problem was rectified. This did not help matters, as Eastleigh had to regroup, this also gave the visitors some breathing space at a time when they looked most vulnerable to conceding.

Rest assured, the new floodlights should be up and fully operational it is hoped, in time for our FA Trophy 1st Round match with Bognor Regis Town on Saturday.

Before the lights went out, Matt Hann had replaced Piper in midfield. Immediately, the former St. Albans winger looked lively winning a corner and setting up a chance for fellow substitute Holgate who was denied from the edge of the area by a challenge from Matt Bodkin.

Not for the first time in the game, Adeniyi hit a measured half volley that was heading right for the top corner. That was until Rob Swaine, once more stood his ground to bravely deny the new Spitfires signing a goal on his debut.

The encounter on this freezing, winter’s evening coming to a close, saw Thurrock step up their charge for a late winner. Warren Goodhind’s uncharacteristic error in badly slicing a clearance became an invite to Che Stadhart who pounced on the loose ball. Fortunately for Eastleigh, Kitteridge raced to the edge of his area to make it difficult, before Goodhind could get back and sweep the ball away to atone for his mistake that could have been so costly, so late in the game.

There was just time for one last effort as Adeniyi got the ball onto his left foot cutting in from the right on the edge of the penalty area but his floated shot flew narrowly wide.

0-0 it stayed, but despite the scoreline, the football on display was a good advert for football at this level. Hopefully, those that perhaps made their first visit to the Silverlake Stadium tonight will be back in future as we look to continue strongly and push for a playoff finish.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 0-0 Thurrock

JAMIE MONTIGUE

Ground Grading Visit - Work to do to make grade

Saturday 8th December 2007
The Pink (Daily Echo)

By WENDY GEE

Eastleigh got a bit of a jolt this week during an official ground-grading visit.

Unbeknown to them, they will be unable to take part in the end-of season play-offs unless they get another 150 seats installed at the Silverlake Stadium by the end of March.

Although the Blue Square South title may be beyond Eastleigh this season with Lewes currently running away at the top, the play-offs are a realistic target for Ian Baird's men.

The Spitfires, however, had been under the impression that if they achieved their goal of promotion to the Conference National (Blue Square Premier), they would have a season's grace to get seating up to the required 500.

"We will do the work, there's not a question about that, but we'd planned to do 150 extra seats," said director of football David Malone.

"Now it looks as if we'll have to do 150 first and do the rest later.

"It used to be the case that if you got up to the next level you had a year to do the work, but there have been so many hoo-haas and disputes that they've changed that now. If we don't get it done, we won't qualify to take part in the play-offs.

"It's sod's law that if we don't do the work, we'll finish in a play-off spot and if we do do the work, we won't!"

Although Eastleigh could go for the quick-fix solution of throwing up a temporary stand, the club are determined to do things properly - even if it costs them in the region of £30,000-£50,000.

"As we've spent so much money on the rest of the ground, the new seating has got to be in keeping with what's gone before," said Malone.

We will probably put up a new structure behind the goal at the motorway end of the ground."

With the FA clamping down even harder on ground grading, Malone said: "It's a nightmare at all levels of the pyramid, but it gets worse as you get higher because they are asking you for bigger and more expensive things.

"It's now going to cost us another £30,000-£50,000 to even qualify for the play-offs.

"When you think about it, there must be ten clubs thinking they might get promoted via the play-offs and all ten are going to have to spend big money, but only one will go up.

"You're asked to spend away on your ground with zilch guarantee that it will come to any useful purpose.

"Still," he shrugged, "if clubs are ambitious they might as well do the work because they ain't going to be going up without it."

Work, meanwhile, is due to start next week on Eastleigh's new state of the art floodlights. It is hoped it will be completed in time for next Saturday's FA Trophy tie at home to Bognor Regis Town (December 15).

Matt Groves - Blue Square South, November Player of the Month

Blue Square Announce "Player of the Month" Winners for November

Aldershot Town midfielder Lewis Chalmers has topped the fans poll to be the Blue Square Premier “Player of the Month” for November. Chalmers beat four rivals to the title after a month in which he was a key figure in his sides climb to the top of the Blue Square Premier table. The former Altrincham star has also figured in the England non-league set up under Paul Fairclough.

The award in the Blue Square North goes to Eric Graves of Hucknall Town. Graves had been on loan from Gainsborough (and had even returned to his former club before the end of the month). Luckily for Hucknall, Graves signed a permanent deal to return to Watnall Road (only days after leaving) and has now become a regular feature in the side. During the month he was an ever present in Hucknall’s four Blue Square North games, scoring two goals from midfield.

Lewes striker Matt Groves wins the Blue Square South award after a month in which he scored five league goals, including a hat-trick in The Rooks’ five-one away victory at Bishop’s Stortford. Groves was instrumental in a month that saw his side return to the top of the Blue Square South table.

Everything but a goal! - 2nd Team Stalemate

Eastleigh 2nd XI 0-0 Hayes and Yeading United Res.

Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Andy Wynn, Jack Burgoyne, Adam Shepherd, Justin Hall, Tom Roberts (c), Joe Sheppard, Adam Wiltshire, James Screen, Richard Bridle, Tom Price, Scott Waters.

SUBS: Johnathan Pearce (on for Wynn 30), Callum Stanley (on for Bridle 60), Aidan Sainsbury (on for Price 77) - Unused: Niall Bryant.

Match Report by Jamie Montigue

Eastleigh's second string were left cursing their luck on a miserable afternoon at the Silverlake Stadium.

On the back of an excellent 2-0 away win in the league to Hillingdon Borough, a result which saw Brian and Adie's men up to fourth in the table, the Spitfires youngsters were extremely unlucky today up against Hayes and Yeading United with a complete lack of fortune in front of goal. This, the only thing denying them a further win.

There were doubts as to whether the pitch would be playable with the torrential rain, but match referee James Garratt of London deemed the playing surface to be safe an hour before kick off.

The opening stages were fairly open with both teams pushing forward but to no avail.

Richard Bridle of Eastleigh showed some promise on the right of midfield, whilst a probing move from the visitors on 16 minutes saw a Matthew Madders drive from 25 yards produce a fine save out of goalkeeper, Andy Wynn.

Bridle cutting in past his man and then showing him the outside to get past the Hayes and Yeading full back, looked to find James Screen with a deep cross to try and create an opening for the Spitfires at the opposite end, though John Peacock cut the delivery out before the danger had a chance to develop.

Eastleigh really started to kick on from here with an array of opportunities.

Adam Wiltshire in the centre of midfield claimed he was brought down just outside the penalty area but the referee didn't seem convinced. As play continued a long ball forward from Jack Burgoyne in the right back position, found it's way through to Tom Price who was unmarked with space ahead of him.

Clean through on goal, Price waited too long to get a shot away allowing the defence to recover and make the challenge. This to deny an otherwise certain chance for 1-0.

Wiltshire was fouled again midway through the half high up the pitch by a late challenge. James Screen sent the free kick to the back post where the ball found it's way into the 6-yard box with Bridle. Similar to the last opportunity, Bridle delayed hitting an early shot and took far too long in a great position to take advantage with Hayes and Yeading able to clear and counter.

A sorry sight then followed with Andy Wynn feeling the full force of a nasty lunge towards the goalkeeper. Andy was left in a heap as his game came to a premature end when stretchered off.

Johnathan Pearce was his replacement between the sticks, the man Eastleigh fans may remember was with the club in pre-season and actually kept a clean sheet against a very strong Portsmouth side.

JOHNATHAN PEARCE

A third clear cut opportunity arose for the Spitfires when Bridle picked out a clever threaded pass behind the defence to find Scott Waters' run. A little hesitancy in striking the ball early forced the young striker wide of goal by which point the chance had been and gone.

Time running down in the half, the hosts were still on top just lacking that little bit of composure in front of goal, saw centre back Justin Hall harshly penalised for the ball being kicked against the defenders arm to give Hayes and Yeading one last chance before the break.

Christopher Lappiere's free kick was dropped carelessly on to the goalline by Pearce who casually went for the catch but so nearly was made to pay before the goalkeeper was able to sweep the ball up at the second attempt to avert the danger and keep the scoreline deadlocked going in to half time.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 2nd XI 0-0 Hayes and Yeading United Res.

Eastleigh made a decent start to the second half with Wiltshire coming close after good link up play and a one-two with James Screen.

A little over ten minutes in, Screen won a corner kick after Waters forced the goalkeeper into the initial error through pressure in front of goal. Tom Price floated the ball in where Tom Roberts met the ball bravely but his header looped over the top.

On the hour mark, Eastleigh should have been made to pay for allowing a free header on the half way line that led to the ball being played through for Malachi Bulley who failed to trouble Pearce despite being given acres of space down the right and should really have done better with the effort that went wide of the target.

Disappointment from both teams point of view, with the defensive error and the miss from Hayes and Yeading, saw the Spitfires do their best to respond with a wonderful move down the left hand side with substitute Callum Stanley combining with Waters before chipping towards goal. In the end it was a simple catch for the goalkeeper, but the passing football that led to the attempt was impressive to say the least.

Eastleigh soon found themselves on the front foot consistently with Roberts heading wide from a cross by Screen before Tom Price demonstrated both his confidence and skill as he knocked the ball past the defender before running past with excellent pace to deliver from the byline. Stanley attacked the ball at the near post but couldn't get decent contact from close range.

Another opportunity in the 69th minute, saw Wiltshire win the ball high up the park before playing it to his left. Waters let it run for Screen who took one touch to steady himself from the edge of the area before pulling the trigger with his favoured left foot only to be thwarted by a parry from the keeper.

Fifteen minutes from time, Callum Stanley chested down and volleyed narrowly over the cross bar from Burgoyne's ball in that was deflected into his path via the head of a Hayes and Yeading defender.

The luck did not look to change at any time soon despite Eastleigh commanding with Waters scooping a further opportunity high above goal from inside the 6-yard box and minutes later Adam Wiltshire could not have come much closer for the hosts with his thumping piledriver that struck the upright. Stanley, following up from the exquisite effort, had his shot blocked.

Eastleigh stepping up the pressure - had by this point, chances into the double figures with Tom Roberts this time unable to turn the ball home with a golden opportunity from Screen's corner.

Late into the game Hayes and Yeading came close to taking an unlikely lead as Pearce was rounded by the visitors' centre forward before Justin Hall could intervene with a crucial sliding tackle to keep him at bay.

Into injury time, Eastleigh were still threatening but by now it was clear that no matter how many chances came their way that it would stay goalless. It was just one of those days!

Aiden Sainsbury, who had replaced Tom Price a while earlier, put in a testing corner kick that was spilled haplessly by the goalkeeper. Callum Stanley used his pace to create one final opportunity that went right across goal to Screen on the left flank. The former Portsmouth and Bournemouth youth drilled the ball back in, but there was no one on hand for what would have been a simple tap in.

On the face of things, Eastleigh will be left counting the endless chances and like everyone else in attendance will be wondering how they came out with a blank on the scoresheet!

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2nd XI 0-0 Hayes and Yeading United Res.

Away win sends Eastleigh into playoff positions

Bromley 1 Eastleigh 2


Match Report by Ray Murphy

In a match played in atrocious weather conditions with a howling wind and intermittent rain showers, both sides produced some good football to give the crowd of 457 a fine afternoon's football entertainment.

At sometimes an ill-tempered affair, with both sides using the flanks there were chances at either end throughout the match. With Luke Byles missing through suspension, Karim El Salahi returned to the side with Adam Everitt also returning after his one match ban.

Eastleigh were almost in front after only fifty seconds. A free kick from twenty-five yards by Andy Harris thundered against the underside of the cross bar and then down into the arms of home goalkeeper Andy Walker. On ten minutes Bromley had an opportunity when a defence splitting pass by Bobby Bowry allowed Danny Hockton a run on goal. Hockton took the ball past Eastleigh goalkeeper Ross Kitteridge who had forced the striker wide only allowing Hockton to shoot into the side netting. Play immediately switched to the opposite end where man of the match Damian Scannell provided a cross from which Chris Piper's header was saved by Walker.

With a quarter of an hour played and with the winds behind their backs, a lofted effort from Sam Woods was drifting just under the bar but Kitteridge showed a safe pair of hands to claim the ball. With twenty-one minutes played the home side did go ahead. Gareth McCleary who was causing problems on the Eastleigh left flank set up Hockton but the striker's shot rebounded back off the post, Gareth Williams had a shot blocked in the resultant melee but the ball fell again for Hockton to plant a shot into the corner of the Eastleigh net.

It only took Eastleigh eight minutes to level. Everitt's original right wing corner was cleared back out to the full back who whipped another left foot cross to the far post where Jamie Brown arrived to power a header home from inside the six yard area.

Bromley had a chance to restore their lead after thirty-six minutes. A cross from Luke L’Anson found Hockton but he only managed to put the ball the wrong side of the upright.

The game was evenly matched, both sides that had the wind advantage found themselves fighting more against the conditions than the opposite side. Eastleigh started the second half the brightest, Scannell cut inside his defender after seven minutes of the second period before seeing his effort cleared off the line.

Eastleigh did take the lead on fifty-eight minutes. Again Scannell involved, his cross found Ashan Holgate and the striker's miscued control fell invitingly for Anthony Riviere arriving to the edge of the box to fire home an unstoppable shot.

Three minutes later Eastleigh almost added a third, Holgate and Scannell combined allowing Piper a chance but his weak shot was saved by Walker. The game entered a frantic stage, Everitt's back pass fell straight to Bromley’s McCleary but the alert actions of Kitteridge saved the embarrassment of the Eastleigh full back.

Another wind-assisted effort this time from Theo Davis was pushed away by Kitteridge, whilst Scannell's block tackle on the edge of the box fell for Andy Forbes but he was denied by Walker. Hockton was presented with another opportunity with nineteen minutes remaining but a last ditch tackle from Riviere was as outstanding as the goal he had scored earlier.

Bromley tried their utmost to gain the equaliser in the closing stages. McCleary was again denied by Kitteridge whilst in stoppage time Hockton's neat control in the box found space and then looked in horror as his shot hit the foot of the post. An excellent victory for the Spitfires giving some revenge for their 4-1 home defeat by the same side four weeks ago.

Eastleigh v Thurrock - FREE ADMISSION FOR ALL!

"The Board of Eastleigh Football Club wishes all of our supporters the compliments of the season, and as a gesture of goodwill, admission to the above game will be FREE to all spectators.

Please return the compliment by bringing as many friends/family as you can along with you. Come early, it’s sure to be a big crowd!" - (http://www.eastleigh-fc.co.uk)

Romsey 1-4 Eastleigh - Hants Senior Cup

Goals from Andy Harris, Chris Mason 2, and Aaron Milburn saw a young Eastleigh side containing only Gareth Howells, Danny Smith, Andy Harris and Adam Roberts from the first team squad, through to the next round of the Hampshire Senior Cup.

November Manager of the Month Awards

Blue Square Announce “Manager of the Month” Winners for November

Cambridge United boss Jimmy Quinn has won the Blue Square Premier “Manager of the Month” award for November. Quinn’s team achieved a 100% record for the month including notable victories away at Torquay and Burton. Cambridge also progressed to the second round of the FA Cup, by beating current Blue Square Premier leaders Aldershot. The award is judged by a panel of experts including Setanta Blue Square Premier pundit Paul Parker. Parker had this to say about Quinn: “When you look at the teams that Cambridge faced during the month you can see the scale of Jimmy’s achievement, and they have maintained their unbeaten home record along the way”.

In the Blue Square South the award goes to newly appointed Braintree Town manager Lee Patterson. The former East Thurrock boss took the reigns a few days into the month and led his team to three successive league victories. The Iron now find themselves just three points away from the Blue Square South play-off positions.

Nuneaton Borough manager Kevin Wilkin has scooped the award in the Blue Square North. The Boro climbed to sixth spot in the Blue Square North table with four wins during this period, three of which were away from home. Wilkin’s side conceded only two goals during this time, and achieved a notable home victory over in form Hyde United.

Eastleigh make it 2 wins out of 2 against Town to end Iron's winning streak

EASTLEIGH v BRAINTREE TOWN

SATURDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2007

Blue Square South

Blue Square South manager of the month for November, Lee Paterson’s Braintree Town came to the Silverlake Stadium in excellent form with a run of five straight victories behind them but could not continue in the same vein against a resilient Eastleigh side.

Back into the squad for today’s game following last weekend’s 4-2 win over Weston-Super-Mare in the FA Trophy, came Andy Harris who was back from injury and skippered at right back. Fitzroy Simpson the star performer in that game, maintained his place in the starting eleven this time though at left back to replace the suspended Adam Everitt.

Warren Goodhind recovered from an ankle injury and came in for his home debut alongside Luke Byles in the centre of defence. New signing, striker Ashan Holgate who will turn 20 in ten days time was drafted in for his full debut having completed his move from Weston-Super-Mare and passing a medical this week. Matt Hann and Danny Smith were amongst the substitutes.

Inside sixty seconds Damian Scannell came close to making the most and capitalising on a James Hawes slip in front of goal. Scannell intervened, skipped through the remaining defenders before planting his effort inches wide of the upright.

A lively opening from either side in a game that both sides were going all out for the win, then saw a Russell Edwards header from Louis Riddle’s corner fail to trouble the young goalkeeper, Ross Kitteridge.

Eastleigh meanwhile, were rewarded a free kick following a foul by Lee Burns on Chris Piper and Fitzroy Simpson’s free kick had to be headed behind to evade the danger. From the corner, Luke Byles climbed well with Nicky Morgan in the Braintree goal, but it was the Iron’s stopper who claimed extremely confidently under pressure.

The game open in its early stages, flowing freely from end to end, saw Braintree take an eighth minute lead through LEON ARCHER. The goal came from an excellent break down the left-hand side from Louis Riddle that saw Archer continue the attack with a shot against the cross bar. As the ball bounced back out the former St. Albans City forward was quickest to react as he followed in his own shot to head the ball into an empty net.

Eastleigh’s response was to come straight back at the visitors and find the equaliser. Ashan Holgate did well to keep the ball in the corner before drawing the foul and winning a free kick. Piper’s teasing ball into the box needed to be dealt with but the best Braintree could manage was to concede a corner kick.

Just three minutes after going a goal down, the hosts drew level through LUKE BYLES who pounced in the penalty area to equalise from a corner kick to net his first ever goal for Eastleigh.

The Spitfires took full advantage from this point on and enjoyed much of the possession, threatening in the final third on several occasions. Scannell proved to be a menace as always, down the right hand side and was involved in three separate attacks in a matter of minutes.

Finding space in abundance to run at the Braintree defenders, Scannell created a chance firstly for Holgate who was unmarked to the left of goal. The debutant curled his shot towards goal but found Billy Burgess in his way to thwart his attempt.

Scannell again did well on the far side with his trickery to cut in and feed the ball to Andy Forbes on the edge of the penalty area. Forbes played the ball back to Jamie Brown whose dipping effort produced an awkward bounce in front of goal that Morgan was equal to.

Chris Piper came closest to doubling the advantage from a terrific delivery from Scannell to the far post. The header was very unlucky to have only found the side netting with Town opened up once more at the back and fortunate to escape.

After dominating the majority of the opening twenty minutes, Eastleigh were finally given something to think about for themselves as the goalscorer Leon Archer screwed a half-volley comfortably wide of goal.

In the 31st minute Andy Forbes won a free kick 25 yards from goal in a central position, having been pushed unfairly by Edwards. Chris Piper went for goal but his strike was too close to the goalkeeper to cause any trouble.

At the opposite end, Luke Byles who had a commanding game throughout at the heart of defence alongside the equally composed and experienced defending of Warren Goodhind, swept up heroically to deal with a ball that had deceived Kitteridge and so nearly rolled through to the unmarked Lee Burns.

With ten minutes of the half remaining, Archer felt he should have been awarded a penalty kick after tumbling in the penalty area with Andy Harris in close attention. Louis Riddle was shown the first yellow card of the afternoon as he let out his frustrations that the decision failed to go their way, with a rash tackle on Goodhind.

Holgate then showed immense skill to beat his man on the far side getting to the byline and floating a cross to the back post where Andy Forbes looked to help the ball goalwards before the Iron eventually cleared their lines.

On the stroke of half time ANTHONY RIVIERE gave the hosts a thoroughly deserved 2-1 lead going into the break. The goal came from Piper’s ball in that was helped on by Scannell for the former Fisher Athletic midfielder to slam home from the edge of the area.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 2-1 Braintree Town

Braintree had an early free kick and corner but neither materialised into any real threat allowing Eastleigh to keep their slender lead which almost increased when Ashan Holgate came within a whisker of introducing himself to the Eastleigh faithful with a goal two minutes into the second half.

Forbes broke down the left and picked out his strike partner, who waited for the ball to drop before hitting a fine half volley with his left foot only to be denied by a splendid save from Morgan, who tipped around the post.

It was at this point that the game became a little scrappy with the ball in the air more often than not meaning precious little football was seen on the deck.

Anthony Riviere was penalised for a foul that was in fact committed by Byles before a moment of stupidity flared a few touchline tempers. Mark Jones threw the ball deliberately at the face of Holgate stood directly in front of the thrower but what Jones did was uncalled for and unnecessary – so much so it sparked the anger of Ian Baird who was close-by and did not like what he saw.

On the hour mark Jamie Brown looked as if he might be struggling with an injury as he writhed in pain before hobbling off the pitch temporarily. David Hughes was preparing to come on but Brown, who wears his heart on his skin, was able to continue and see out the rest of the game.

Eastleigh then had a near miss following neat football between Piper and Holgate.

Matt Hann replaced Fitzroy Simpson twenty minutes from time, which led to Chris Piper switching to left back.

Andy Forbes, who had brought the ball a long way with a good run almost found Brown in the middle with a chipped cross to the far post.

The Spitfires, looking to see out the game introduced Hughes for Holgate, who can be pleased with his contribution on his debut.

Braintree upped their tempo in search of a late equaliser and there really could not have been a better opportunity for the visitors take a share of the spoils than the chance that fell the way of a rather embarrassed Chris Sullivan.

A Michael Shinn piledriver from range crashed against the post, brushed against Kitteridge to roll across the face of goal for what really should have been a simple tap in to the unmarked Braintree man running in on goal.

The ground erupted with laughter from the Eastleigh support as Sullivan unbelievably, turned the ball around the post from just a yard out. It was the biggest miss I have ever seen and with it went the hope of a point for Braintree. A let off for the Spitfires, yes, but I think we played well enough to deserve that little bit of luck and were well worth the three points.

This of course meant Eastleigh had secured a double over their visitors this season having already won 2-0 back in August away from home proving yet further that we are looking a difficult side to beat at present.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2-1 Braintree Town

JAMIE MONTIGUE

All match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

http://jozefmontigue.tripod.com/eastleigh_v_braintree_town_pics/