Eastleigh FC

ST. ALBANS v EASTLEIGH SATURDAY 30th AUGUST 2008 Blue Square South   Report by Ray Murphy For the second time in a week, Eastleigh conceded five goals in a Blue Square South fixture. Unlike the previous week's encounter at Bromley though where the five goals against was a harsh reflection on the match, Saturday's five goal drubbing at St. Albans carried a completely different story with a highly disappointing Eastleigh performance. Starting with the same eleven that had defeated Bognor Regis Town five days earlier, this time Eastleigh were on the defence from the kick off. Seemingly more eager the home side took only six minutes to open the scoring. Without a victory in their opening five fixtures St Albans were congratulating the acrobatics of striker Simon Martin who produced a spectacular overhead kick to send the ball beyond Jason Matthews into the back of the net after the Eastleigh defence had failed to clear a corner from the home side, despite several opportunities...

Eastleigh 2nd XI 2-2 Whyteleafe Res. Suburban Premier League TEAM: Fred Toomer, James Powell, Niall Bryant, Scott Gilham ©, Adam Shepherd, Arron Milburn, Adam Wiltshire, Williams Peauroux, Stephen Hall, Scott Waters, Leon Cameron SUBS: Youssuf Bamba (on for Hall 58), Joe Crook (on for Wiltshire 80) Match Report by Jamie Montigue Scott Gilham re-signed for the club this past week having left Eastleigh last season for Winchester City. The centre half made a welcome return to the Silverlake Stadium, at the heart of defence and captained the young Eastleigh side putting in a typically committed performance. In midweek, Eastleigh made it three straight wins as they beat Basingstoke reserves by two goals to one. Paul Wiltshire's and Wayne Mew's side were looking to build on this form this afternoon. Eastleigh went ahead after just two minutes. Right-back James Powell showed great vision to spray the ball out to his left with a delightful, flighted pass where left winger Stephen Ha...

Centre back Ashley Vickers who joined the Spitfires in March 2008 from Blue Square Premier side Weymouth, has completed a loan move to Dean Holdsworth's Newport County. Dave Malone confirmed the news about the highly experienced 36-year-old and also revealed the possibility of a player coming in. "We can confirm that Ashley Vickers has gone on loan to Newport County for an initial 3 month period. We can also confirm that we are negotiating with another player, with a view to him joining us(with luck) early next week."

EASTLEIGH v BOGNOR REGIS TOWN MONDAY 25th AUGUST 2008 Blue Square South By Jamie Montigue On this August bank holiday Monday, the Spitfires came up against Mick Jenkins' Bognor Regis Town. Prior to the main event, the supporters of either side did battle on the astro turf behind the pitch and it was Eastleigh who came out on top in a thrilling encounter, winning by 7 goals to 6. This proved to be a good omen for Ian Baird's Eastleigh. One man who is definitely no stranger to the Silverlake Stadium is Danny Smith who returned to face his former club, in the light blue of Bognor. The former Winchester FA Vase winning skipper and the midfielder who captained the Spitfires to successive promotions in recent years made a welcome return. Even after leaving the club as a player, Danny is still heavily involved in the thriving Football in the Community department with Eastleigh. Following the off-colour 5-1 defeat at the hands of Bromley on Saturday, a result that saw a previously...

BROMLEY v EASTLEIGH SATURDAY 23rd AUGUST 2008 Blue Square South Report by Ray Murphy Do not read too much into this scoreline, few present in the 466 attendance would argue that the final result reflected very little on the ninety minutes played. Eastleigh paraded new loan signing Matt Bodkin from Grays Athletic and with the wingers assistance, pegged the home side back for the opening twenty-five minutes. Eastleigh forced fourteen corners in the opening half hour but somehow left the field at half time trailing by two goals. Inside the opening five minutes following a sustained spell of pressure, James Baker had a measured shot saved by home goalkeeper Gareth Williams. Despite the early Eastleigh pressure some lapses in the Eastleigh defence gave Bromley the better goalscoring chances. One such slip on eleven minutes from the normally reliable skipper Andy Harris, saw Anthony Joseph get in behind the Eastleigh defence but his low drive to the left of Jason Matthews saw the Eastleig...

Eastleigh 2nd XI 2-0 Metropolitan Police Res. Suburban Premier League TEAM: Fred Toomer, James Powell, Aaron Martin ©, Nick Lane, Adam Shepherd, Martin Thomas, Adam Wiltshire, Nick Watt, Arron Milburn, Scott Waters, Joe Maxwell SUBS: Sam Doswell (on for Shepherd), Niall Bryant (on for Lane), Alex Easton (on for Maxwell) Match Report by Jamie Montigue On the back of Monday night's 4-1 win, when Paul Wiltshire and Wayne Mew's side was boosted by the presence of first team players such as David Hughes, Ashley Vickers and Gareth Howells, Eastleigh's second string were back at the Silverlake Stadium this afternoon taking on Metropolitan Police reserves. In the seventh minute, Arron Milburn ran through the middle of the park unattended where he then spread the play wide to Scott Waters on his right. The striker let the ball run across his body before forcing a good save out of the keeper for a corner kick. There were several knocks and injuries throughout the half adding to...

Eastleigh have today captured the loan signing of Grays Athletic striker/winger Matt Bodkin until the end of January 2009. The Spitfires faithful will no doubt be familiar with the name after the former Welling United man impressed playing on loan for Thurrock last season. On the final day of the league season, Bodkin scored two goals in the 4-1 win over Eastleigh to end any chance of a place in the playoffs. Matt also put on a show in the pre-season friendly last month when Blue Square Premier side Grays came to the Silverlake Stadium in the 2-2 draw. Coming off the bench and playing on the right of midfield, Bodkin helped his side back into the game with two excellent assists. It is thought that Ian Baird's latest capture will feature in tomorrow's showdown with Bromley at Hayes Lane, 3pm kick off when Eastleigh will be looking to maintain their 100% start to the new campaign.

Eastleigh 2nd XI 4-1 Ash United Res. Suburban Premier League TEAM: Gareth Howells, Martin Thomas, Aaron Martin, Ashley Vickers (c), Adam Shepherd, Arron Milburn, David Hughes, Jamie Brown, Nick Watt, Tom Clarke, Leon Cameron SUBS: Joe Maxwell (on for Cameron 52), Williams Peauroux (on for Watt 52), Jamie Powell (on for Brown 78) Match Report by Jamie Montigue David Hughes is on the mend from his injury setback as he completed a full 90 minutes for the reserves this evening, typically pulling the strings from midfield and producing some fine passes. Paul Wiltshire and Wayne Mew were boosted with a number of first team squad members in their line up. Goalkeeper Gareth Howells, centre back Ashley Vickers, who skippered, midfielder Jamie Brown, who is still yet to play a full game since his own injury set back and is being eased back in gently, and new signing Tom Clarke who signed last week having previously played for Dorchester Town, all put in good performances and helped to aid the y...

EASTLEIGH v FISHER ATHLETIC TUESDAY 12th AUGUST 2008 Blue Square South By Jamie Montigue Eastleigh continued their 100% start to the new campaign with their third successive victory and, for the second match in a row scoring three goals. Leroy Griffiths made his Spitfires debut having linked up with former boss Ian Baird in an unlikely reunion this week, this after the well-documented falling out at Havant and Waterlooville early last season. The experienced 31-year-old came straight into the starting eleven against one of his former teams as the only change from the midweek win over Newport County replacing Mark Marshall, now of Swindon Town in League One. Young striker Tom Clarke also joined this week from Dorchester Town and started on the bench. The game started very unfortunately for Fisher's Lawrence Yiga. The tall centre forward clashed with one of his own players and suffered concussion forcing the visitors into an early change. After a scrappy opening to the game, it wa...

Following Mark Marshall's move to the football league with Swindon Town on Wednesday, the Spitfires have captured the signing of experienced 31-year-old forward Leroy Griffiths. An official club statement read as follows: "Eastleigh FC can confirm that we have signed Leroy Griffiths from Gillingham on a non-contract basis. Leroy trained with the first team squad last night, and will be available for selection for our home game with Fisher Athletic on Saturday (ko 3.00pm)." This news means an unexpected reunion for Ian Baird with the man who he fell out with whilst at former club Havant and Waterlooville. Despite the pair's differences Baird credited Leroy on contacting him and is very much a fan of the strikers ability on the pitch. The Eastleigh boss was quoted in the Daily Echo today: "He's been big enough and brave enough to get in contact with me and say he'd love to come and play at Eastleigh. "Marshy was the one player we had with genuine, ele...

EASTLEIGH v NEWPORT COUNTY TUESDAY 12th AUGUST 2008 Blue Square South Report by Jamie Montigue Mark Marshall tonight played his last ever game for the Spitfires ahead of his switch to the Football League with League One side Swindon Town. Eastleigh were boosted by the return from suspension of midfield duo Anthony Riviere and Peter Adeniyi who were the only changes from the winning side at Thurrock on Saturday. Dean Holdsworth's side meanwhile were on the back of a 4-1 defeat at the hands of newly promoted AFC Wimbledon, and Ian Baird's former colleague at Havant & Waterlooville, came to the Silverlake Stadium tonight to try and bounce back from this early set-back. The Spitfires started the game brightly with a free kick from Trevor Challis being flicked on into the danger area by Matt Groves before County's Phil Walsh could intervene with an acrobatic interception to clear the visitors' lines. A minute later, Anthony Riviere rushed into the penalty box, where h...

Eastleigh star set for League One switch - By Wendy Gee EASTLEIGH winger Mark Marshall is on the brink of a dream move to League One outfit Swindon Town. Following interest from AFC Bournemouth last week, Swindon boss Maurice Malpas has come back to the Spitfires with a firm - but, as yet, undisclosed - offer for the 21-year-old, which Eastleigh have accepted in principle. Figures have been agreed and, providing negotiations continue to run smoothly, it is hoped the deal will be concluded tomorrow. If the move does come to fruition, Marshall would become the second Eastleigh winger sold to a Football League club this year following Damian Scannell's £5,000 move to Southend United in January. The pacy wideman recently impressed on a three-week trial at Swindon and, on his return to Eastleigh, picked up the man of the tournament award at the Errea South West Challenge Cup in north Devon. Eastleigh boss Ian Baird confirmed: "Maurice Malpas rang me yesterday morning with an...

Eastleigh turn down Cherries' plan for Marshall - By Wendy Gee EASTLEIGH have turned down AFC Bournemouth's request to loan winger Mark Marshall with a view to making him a permanent Cherries signing. The 21-year-old spent two days with the Dean Court outfit last week before featuring for Eastleigh in Saturday's 1-0 Blue Square South victory at Thurrock. But though the Cherries are keen to see more of the pacy wideman, the troubled League Two club are not in a financial position to buy him right now. And Eastleigh boss Ian Baird believes a loan would not be in his club's or Marshall's best interests. "Kevin Bond, the Bournemouth manager, rang me on Friday to say he likes Marshy and that he would like to take him until the end of the transfer window and then make us an offer for him - i.e. to take him on loan," said Baird. "But Marshy wouldn't be starting for them and would spend most of his time on the bench. "As we're only 20 m...

THURROCK 0-1 EASTLEIGH SATURDAY 9th AUGUST 2008 Blue Square South Report by Ray Murphy On a wet August afternoon the opening Blue Square South fixture for Eastleigh was a repeat of their final game from last season some fifteen weeks earlier. Much has happened at Eastleigh during those weeks. Only five of the side that started the last fixture of 2007/8 were in the side to start on Saturday. The team selection process limited with options having both Peter Adeniyi and Anthony Riviere suspended. The game started tentatively with few chances created by either side. Eastleigh held the upper share of possession whilst their hosts arguably had the better chances. It took fourteen minutes for the first goal attempt, a speculative long range effort from Andy Harris had the Thurrock debutant goalkeeper Andy Young back-pedalling as the dropping shot went just over the bar. Seventeen-year-old ex-Peterborough striker Hakeem Araba caused the Eastleigh defence a few problems and in the ninetee...

Eastleigh stick with Cherries target Mark - By Wendy Gee Mark Marshall will line-up for tomorrow's Blue Square South opener at Thurrock - irrespective of whether the flying winger gets the green light from AFC Bournemouth boss Kevin Bond. Marshall began a two-day trial with the Cherries yesterday and Bond has promised to get back to Spitfires' boss Ian Baird today to confirm whether he is interested in signing the 21-year-old wideman, who is contracted to Eastleigh until the end of the season. "Marshy will definitely be with us on Saturday," said Baird. "It could be the first and last game he plays for us this season, but I'm not too sure about the financial situation at Bournemouth with them being in administration. "Kevin Bond is a friend of mine, but that doesn't come into it. Our own financial situation has been well documented and Eastleigh are not prepared to give players away. Bondy is fully aware of the situation." Swindon Town, who re...

Club Announcement from official website - http://www.eastleigh-fc.co.uk/ At a Board Meeting today, Paul Murray stepped down as Chairman of Eastleigh Football Club in order to concentrate on his main business interests. Paul comments: "Being Chairman of Eastleigh, in addition to being Chairman & Managing Director of my own company, has proved to be demanding. I wish to focus on my core business at this time.” Chris Evans has been appointed as the new Chairman. Chris has been an Equity Director of the Football Club since the new company was formed two years ago and has played a major part in taking the Club forward since then. Chris has recently retired after a distinguished career in international banking and now has more time to devote to the management of the Club. Chris has a great knowledge of football in general but about non league football in particular. He is extremely well equipped to lead the Club forward. Paul Murray will remain at the Club with the role of Vice Cha...

EASTLEIGH v AFC BOURNEMOUTH SATURDAY 2nd AUGUST 2008 Pre-Season Friendly EASTLEIGH: Jason Matthews, Anthony Riviere, Trevor Challis, Luke Byles, Tom Jordan (c), Ashley Vickers, Chris Mason, Tony Taggart, Matt Groves, James Baker, Mark Marshall. Subs: Aaron Martin, Gareth Howells, Jamie Brown, Adam Shepherd, Arron Milburn, Joe Maxwell, Tom Bird. BOURNEMOUTH: Shwan Jalal, Lee Bradbury, Ryan Garry, Scott Guyett, Jason Pearce, Marvin Bartley, Shaun Cooper, Darren Anderton, Jo Kuffour, Brett Pitman, Paul Rutherford. Subs: Nicky Travis, Ryan Pryce, Josh McQuoid, Joel Ward, Matt Ritchie, Craig Dobson, Bradley McGugan. By Jamie Montigue In this final warm up game ahead of the new campaign, Eastleigh FC took on Kevin Bond's AFC Bournemouth on the back of a fantastic Errea Cup win where they played four games in just six days to emerge victorious. Tony Taggart made his full debut having signed a contract on Thursday night after a highly successful trial and the generosity of an unnamed D...

Spitfires secure Taggart services - By Wendy Gee Tony Taggart will face AFC Bournemouth in tomorrow's friendly at the Silverlake Stadium as a fully-fledged Eastleigh player. Although the former Havant & Waterlooville midfielder has been an integral part of the Spitfires' so far unbeaten pre-season campaign, he didn't actually sign a contract until last night. "Taggs has been on trial, but not," said manager Ian Baird. "He didn't need to be on trial with me because I know what he's about, but we didn't have the money to sign him a month ago. "Fortunately, one of the Directors has kindly agreed to pay Tagg's wages which, from my point of view, is very pleasing. He's done ever so well in pre-season, playing in three or four different positions, and he's gelled really well with the lads. He's a good character and great to have around the dressing room." Eastleigh meanwhile are still awaiting the outcome of winger Mark M...