Farnborough hand out cup KO

Pullen and Holgate seal loan moves ... Marshall could become a permanent Eastleigh signing

Goalkeeper James Pullen has gone on loan to AFC Wimbledon and made his debut for the Ryman Premier outfit last night in a 1-0 defeat to Boreham Wood.

Out-of-favour striker, Ashan Holgate has also walked through the exit doors at the Silverlake Stadium as he heads off to Cirencester Town for the remainder of the season.

Meanwhile it would seem Baird is keen to complete the permanent signing of Mark Marshall who has been on loan from Grays Athletic since the beginning of the month.

The 20-year-old has impressed immensely during the one month loan spell and according to reports in yesterday's (29th Jan) Daily Echo, Eastleigh are lining up an 18-month contract for the London-based wideman but will have to hold fire until February 1 to finalise it after the loan period has expired.

Ian Baird confirmed there would be no fee involved as "his contract was up at the end of the season".

Marshall has already proven to be a big success with the fans having made an electric start scoring three goals in two games and will be hoping the said deal can be strapped up for the pacy winger.

Wilkinson inspires fine away win

Bognor Regis 0 Eastleigh 3

Blue Square South



Match Report by Ray Murphy

It was a strange game at Nyewood Lane, Bognor on Saturday. Eastleigh manager Ian Baird gave a debut to loan signing goalkeeper a 20 year old from Crystal Palace, whilst Fitzroy Simpson was also given his first start in the side for a month.

The early pressure from the home side had the Eastleigh rearguard looking anything but secure though they never tested Wilkinson. With only three minutes played and having absorbed the early pressure a long throw from the left flank from Adam Everitt was allowed to bounce inside the Bognor penalty area and with the ball rising Jamie Brown nipped in through a static Bognor rearguard to drop a header over home goalkeeper Craig Stoner and give Eastleigh the lead.

Bognor striker Mark Knee saw his pace allow him to get behind the Eastleigh back four again but Wilkinson was soon off his line to avert the danger. Eastleigh added their second goal straight away on seven minutes. The Bognor defence got themselves in a mix up and the ball fell invitingly for Andy Forbes allowing himself composure before lofting a shot beyond Stoner and give Eastleigh the two goal advantage.

Paul Sales almost added another Eastleigh goal on seventeen minutes heading a Mark Marshall cross wide of the target whilst three minutes later Wilkinson was in action out to the feet of Knee before the striker could damage the prospective clean sheet.

Knee was thwarted by Wilkinson again on thirty seven minutes having a header from a David Ray cross saved, whilst six minutes later a twenty five yard drive from Ray just went the wrong side of Wilkinson’s upright though it looked as though the keeper did have the goal covered.

On the stroke of the interval Eastleigh added their third goal. Anthony Riviere the scorer, his tireless running allowing him to be played in following good work from Brown and Forbes for the midfielder to fire home his seventh goal of the season.

Bognor made a double substitution at the start of the second period but Eastleigh should have added to their score within the first three minutes of the restart. A cross from Riviere being headed just over the bar by Forbes. As the game settled more into a midfield tussle Eastleigh were reduced to ten men on sixty two minutes when after an altercation Luke Byles was shown a second yellow card and was heading for the changing rooms.

On sixty-eight minutes played, Bognor skipper Luke Nightingale raced clear but again Wilkinson was quickly off his line and pushed the strikers shot away. From the resulting corner Andy Pearson headed over the bar when well placed.

Scot Chamberlain for the home side had a free kick off target and again Nightingale was through on goal but Wilkinson stood tall for his fourth one on one contest of the afternoon. The final goalmouth action of the afternoon came when after defending a corner Eastleigh quickly broke. Chris Piper fed Riviere who helped the ball into Marshall but the diminutive Eastleigh winger fired over.

2nd XI 2-0 Metropolitan Police Res.

Eastleigh 2nd XI 2-0 Metropolitan Res.

Suburban Premier League

TEAM: James Pullen, Jon Horner, Craig Brayham-Barrett, Justin Hall, Jason Sangha, Rickel White, Chris Mason (c), Joe Sheppard, Nick Watt, Tom Price, Ashan Holgate.

SUBS: Scott Waters (on for Price 77), Joe Maxwell (on for White 88)

Match Report by Jamie Montigue

Click here for full size match photos

Last weeks away game with Wealdstone was postponed due to an unplayable pitch - not that Eastleigh's young reserve stars let this be a disruption as they maintained an incredible run which has seen them unbeaten in seven consecutive games.

Two of Ian Baird's transfer listed players from the first team squad, goalkeeper James Pullen and striker Ashan Holgate, were 'demoted' so to speak as they turned out for the second string.

It was the visitors who started the game the brightest having a couple of early chances, one which saw a half volley fired narrowly wide of Pullen's goal.

Joe Sheppard provided Eastleigh's first attempt on goal following neat footwork on the edge of the penalty area which saw the young midfielder turn sharply before forcing a decent save out of the goalkeeper with his right foot.

On thirteen minutes Pullen was almost caught out by a speculative dip from range. The Eastleigh stopper did extremely well in the end to get back and turn over the cross bar.

The Spitfires then upped their game forcing two corners in quick succession. Jason Sangha's free kick from the halfway line proved to be too tricky to deal with in a packed penalty area and the best the Met. Police could muster was conceding a corner. Nick Watt's delivery was a good one as he sought out Ashan Holgate, but the ball bounced awkardly off a yellow shirt instead for a further Eastleigh set play.

Moments later a deep free kick from Watt saw the Met. Police goalkeeper Mark Rouse casually gather the ball with the unorthodox method of using just one hand.

The hosts introduced two trialists this afternoon who put on solid performances. One of those was left back Craig Brayham-Barrett who was extremely positive in getting forward and linking up with the midfield and attack at every opportunity. Mid way through the half Craig went on one of these runs and jinxed past two players as if they weren't there.

Rickel White was the other trialist who also impressed. White was operating on the right of midfield.

Four minutes before the break, Jon Horner combined with his captain Chris Mason who went for the chip from 18 yards only to be denied by the awareness of Rouse.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 2nd XI 0-0 Metropolitan Police Res.

Eastleigh's performance throughout the second half was to be a drastic improvement.

In the opening stages, a cross from Holgate to the far post saw an effort from Watt deflected behind.

Ashan Holgate charged down the goalkeeper's kick on 50 minutes and almost got lucky with the ball richocheting off the former Weston-Super-Mare forward and just an inch wide of the target.

On the hour mark, Rickel White was beginning to find more and more space on the right flank where he could express himself and he so very nearly used this to his advantage with his run and cross being deflected narrowly wide of goal.

In the 63rd minute, Eastleigh finally got the break through that their play warranted. Holgate flicked the ball over the top to set White free down the right who duly delivered with an early cross that was turned home in the centre by NICK WATT with a controlled side-foot shot from close range. A splendid move, with the finish to match was a perfect way to set Eastleigh on their way to victory.

Jason Sangha again shone in the centre of defence for Eastleigh with a commanding performance both in the air where he was dominant, and in his all round presence to soak up any pressure from the visitors.

The Met. Police went in search of an equaliser but the closest they came was to rattling the cross bar. Neil Williams' shot came crashing back off the woodwork where a Superman dive from James Pullen to punch the ball away, ensured the danger was clear.

Fifteen minutes from time, Eastleigh doubled their advantage. White was the provider once more as he sent across a telling delivery from the right, one right out of the top drawer, which was capped off with a strong header from CHRIS MASON who had made a good run to the near post. Great football.

The advantage might have stretched to three goals in the dieing minutes as Joe Sheppard connected with a cross from Watt, showing sublime technique on the half volley that had to be thwarted by an equally impressive diving save.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2nd XI 2-0 Metropolitan Police Res.

Baird raids Palace for goalkeeping star

- By Wendy Gee

Eastleigh's transfer-listed goalkeeper James Pullen looks set to be dropped for tommorow's Blue Square South trip to Bognor Regis Town following the arrival of David Wilkinson from Crystal Palace.

Wilkinson is joining the Spitfires on loan for the rest of the season as Baird seeks to strengthen any weak links in the side that could ruin their goal of reaching the play-offs.

"There are one or two positions we need to improve because people are not playing particularly well at the moment." said Baird.

"From what I saw, Jamie Pullen was one of the best keepers in the league last season but, for me, he hasn't played the same since I've been here.

"He's had a niggling injury, which hasn't helped, and goalkeeping is very much a position of confidence. If something goes against you, it invariably ends up with a goal."

During Pullen's time out injured, young Ross Kitteridge filled in on work experience from Reading but, at just turned 18, Baird has reservations about his age.

Instead he has turned to 20-year-old Croydon-born keeper Wilkinson, whose impressive performances in the Crystal Palace youth and reserve ranks earned him another 12-month contract at Selhurst Park for 2007/8.

"Jim Stannard, the Crystal Palace goalkeeping coach, has recommended to (manager) Neil Warnock that David becomes their second-choice keeper, but I know Neil Warnock always goes for experience and that's what he's done," said Baird. "But playing in the reserves is no good for the lad. He needs regular games in senior men's football."

Oliver move permanent, KES on loan to Sutton

Two Eastleigh players have moved on to pastures new, it can be revealed. Defenders Ian Oliver and Karim El-Salahi have signed for Farnborough on a permanent deal and Sutton United on a loan respectively. Below are the reports confirming these stories.

http://www.farnboroughfc.co.uk/

"Ian Oliver has today completed a permanent transfer from Eastleigh.

Left Back Oliver signed on an initial three month loan deal in October, and to date has made fifteen appearances, scoring once, a memorable strike against title rivals Fleet Town on Boxing Day.

Oliver joined Eastleigh in July 2005 from Swindon Town and made 86 appearances for the Blue Square South club, scoring twice.

Previously the 22 year old defender had played for Reading and AFC Bournemouth.

Farnborough Manager Andy Clement was pleased to have secured Oliver on a more permanent basis, commenting ““Oli” has done ever so well for us during his loan spell, he shows maturity beyond his years and I believe we are still yet to see the best of him.”

--------------

http://www.suttonunited.net/

"Ernie Howe has signed 6'2" centre-back Karim El-Salahi on loan from Blue Square South rivals Eastleigh. The former Crystal Palace reserve was also full-time with Woking before joining the Hampshire club last season, where he quickly established himself. He has also made 19 first team appearances for Eastleigh this season."

Saints deserve point in poor home display

EASTLEIGH v ST. ALBANS



SATURDAY 19th JANUARY 2008
Blue Square South

A dismal display from Eastleigh saw lowly St. Albans celebrate a well-deserved away point at the Silverlake Stadium. After going down 2-1 to Crawley Town last weekend in the FA Trophy, things did not go as well as can be expected for Eastleigh when a St. Albans side, struggling at the foot of the Blue Square South arrived looking to end a run of three straight defeats.

Eastleigh were without Andy Harris who was serving a one-match ban having picked up five yellow cards. The captain’s armband was therefore handed to Anthony Riviere. Chris Piper, who scored Eastleigh’s only goal last Saturday, was recalled to the starting eleven at the expense of Peter Adeniyi. There was also a starting place for Matt Hann who lined up against his former club.

The game itself was bleak, lacking the same sort entertainment we have seen in Eastleigh’s two previous games in the league that had seen an incredible tally of fifteen goals.

A late tackle early on from Scott Cousins left Matt Hann in a heap on the near touchline, which produced the first yellow card of the afternoon.

Mark Marshall wasn’t quite at his best today, probably due to a slightly heavy pitch which didn’t help his game, but nonetheless the electric pace of the winger was more than enough to keep the St. Albans right back, Dean Cracknell occupied. Beating his man twice, Marshall turned Cracknell inside out before his cross then won Eastleigh a corner kick.

A neat move down the left-hand side between Lee Clarke and Marcel McKie for the visitors looked promising until Warren Goodhind stepped in to intervene and break up the attack.

Eastleigh looked a little sharper with twenty minutes played as Hann played the ball through to Ashan Holgate to create a decent opportunity. The former Weston-Super-Mare forward has improved since being made available for transfer, and so nearly found a way through as he rounded the goalkeeper Nick Eyre smartly only for Cousins to get back well and clear the immediate danger.

This move came on the back of a half chance at the opposite end where Hamza Twomey tested James Pullen as he cut in from the right flank.

Three minutes later the Spitfires might have taken the lead when Anthony Riviere played a delightful pass over the top of the defence to pick out Andy Forbes. The advancing goalkeeper did just enough to distract Forbes who fired narrowly wide of the post on the half volley.

Eastleigh eventually found a way through and broke the deadlock through their top goalscorer. Luke Byles broke from defence through the middle of the park before finding the killer final pass to set ANDY FORBES free. The striker rounded things off finding the back of the net with precision and power from the edge of the penalty area. St. Albans may well feel disappointed that they had given Forbes so much time and space to pick his spot, which he did and buried the opportunity.

Prior to the goal, Simon Martin’s weak effort was of no trouble to James Pullen who showed a safe pair of hands.

Ten minutes before the break, David Hughes and Ashan Holgate combined down the right. The latter held the ball up with great strength to then tee up Riviere whose bursting run from midfield was met with a shot on target. A decent move that perhaps deserved more.

Simon Martin, who looked lively throughout the encounter, came closest to getting his side back in the game with a deft chip over the head of Pullen from close range, but the chance had been and gone as Eastleigh managed to scramble the ball away.

Chances were few and far between and only a moment of inspiration from Forbes was enough to give the hosts a slender lead going into the break.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 1-0 St. Albans

Eastleigh appeared to press on at first, at a good tempo early in the second half but to no avail.

Adam Everitt had the chance to deliver from two or three corner kicks on the far side but failed to pick out a white shirt. Instead Eyre gathered calmly inside a packed penalty area, before Everitt’s next set piece went straight into the side netting.

The former Cambridge City left back was in the thick of things once more but gave away a needless free kick for going in with a high foot and catching Lee Clarke square in the face. Saints’ skipper was fortunate to come away unscathed from what looked like a nasty blow – whilst Everitt was lucky to have avoided a second yellow card.

St. Albans took the game to Eastleigh from this point forward and were by far the better side.

Simon Martin again came close as he took on Warren Goodhind but blazed over the cross bar on this occasion. It was looking all the more imminent that they would turn things around into their favour.

Sure enough, St. Albans got their just rewards with an excellent equaliser two minutes shy of the hour. A special individual goal from SIMON MARTIN saw the striker confidently, not to mention skilfully, side step past his marker keeping his composure and waiting for just the right moment to slot home.

Ashan Holgate was literally dragged to the ground close to the centre circle, by defender Ben Martin. Was it a goalscoring opportunity? Was Martin the last man? It was hard to tell but a yellow card was the outcome. David Hughes played the free kick early, rolling the ball to Chris Piper who drove the ball from all of 30 yards. The effort went comfortably wide of goal.

A bleak period in the game was to follow and maybe contributed to a tactical switch that saw Riviere move to right back with Piper taking up a position in the centre of midfield.

The visitors were extremely positive in attack and looked the more likely to conjure up a second goal.

Dean Cracknell fed the ball down the right touchline for Hamza Twomey. The St. Albans right winger did well to get into the penalty area but when he did, Everitt stood his ground to make an important tackle.

Eastleigh were caught short at the back once more and should have been made to pay. Clarke linked up with the attacking full back Cracknell, who cut open Eastleigh’s defence to find Simon Martin unmarked in front of goal. With the goal at his mercy, the goalscorer would have been disappointed to have not tested Pullen. Instead, the finish gave Ian Baird’s side a let off.

A dipping shot from Mark Marshall on a rare Spitfires attack saw the ball turned over for a corner kick, though predictably nothing came of it.

Jamie Brown and Peter Adeniyi were sent on in place of Holgate and Hughes with fifteen minutes to play in a bid to change the state of affairs.

Shortly after his introduction, Brown flicked the ball forward to Forbes whose shot was blocked and charged down but only as far as Hann who followed up with a low shot that deflected safely to the goalkeeper. A free kick was awarded, what for remains a mystery and Ben Martin was clearly unhappy with the bizarre decision as demonstrated by his dissent which warranted a second yellow card, therefore a red - and St. Albans were down to ten men.

The referee, Constantine Hatzidakis, somehow saw fit to produce a total of eight yellow cards in a game of football that didn’t seem to match up with that tally.

Two of those as described, were shown to St. Albans defender Ben Martin, who was dismissed thirteen minutes from time. Matt Gray was also sent from the Eastleigh dugout.

With a numerical advantage, Eastleigh sadly could not take advantage. Full credit to the Saints who might have gone on to steal all three points.

The closest Eastleigh came to finding a winner was from the free kick that resulted after Martin’s dismissal. Andy Forbes touched the ball to his right for Marshall but the man who netted a stunning goal from range against Bath City a fortnight ago, was unable to repeat that magic and fired high over the cross bar.

A draw felt like defeat for the hosts as the Saints ran Eastleigh ragged making them look second best for much of the afternoon. Certainly at no point did the visitors show any signs of a side deserving their status at the foot of the table.

It saddens me to say it, but on this showing it is hard to see how Eastleigh might realise their goal of promotion, but of course there is still plenty of time for this to change starting next week when we travel to Bognor Regis.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 1-1 St. Albans

JAMIE MONTIGUE

Check out the gallery here: Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

http://jozefmontigue.tripod.com/eastleigh_v_st_albans_pics/

Jordan move back on?

Havant and Waterlooville's heroic FA Cup winning performance in their 4-2 replay win over League One leaders Swansea on Wednesday night has landed the Westleigh Park side a dream date with Liverpool at Anfield in the next round, not to mention a major cash windfall of anywhere up to £900,000.

One man who could be set to miss this "once in a lifetime game" is long term Spitfires target, Tom Jordan.

The centre half, son of Portsmouth coach Joe, had been left out of Shaun Gale's squad for sometime since making it publicly known that he would like to link up with former boss Ian Baird.

Tom just recently had found a way back into the Havant and Waterlooville team owing to a defensive injury crisis and scored two goals in his comeback game against St. Albans City before netting the fourth in the midweek cup upset but has once again stated where he would like to see his immediate future lie.

Jordan: "I have said to the guys it would be double standards of me to say one week I want to go and then now we have got the draw at Anfield to say I will stay."I have nailed my colours to the mast now and if that does mean missing a once in a lifetime game at Anfield then I have to say that I feel that I would like to go to Eastleigh."It is one of those situations which I hope will get resolved. Watch this space and see what happens."

Jordan: "I have said to the guys it would be double standards of me to say one week I want to go and then now we have got the draw at Anfield to say I will stay.

"I have nailed my colours to the mast now and if that does mean missing a once in a lifetime game at Anfield then I have to say that I feel that I would like to go to Eastleigh.

"It is one of those situations which I hope will get resolved. Watch this space and see what happens."

- Jordan: I'd swap Anfield for Eastleigh!

Crawley Town 2-1 Eastleigh - FA Trophy

Crawley Town 2 Eastleigh 1

FA Trophy - 2nd Round Proper



Match Report by Ray Murphy

Aspirations for Eastleigh to progress the farthest that they have ever reached in the F A Challenge Trophy, were brought to an abrupt end by Blue Square Premier Division side Crawley Town on Saturday. Crawley would be pushing for a promotion place stronger than currently shown in the league table having had a six point deduction earlier this season which has left them ground to make up but still lie in a healthy fourteenth spot.

Again the Eastleigh side were stripped through injury, Ashan Holgate returned to the side, as did Warren Goodhind and James Pullen whilst Grays Athletic had given permission for loanee Mark Marshall to play for Eastleigh in the competition. The first fifteen minutes saw Eastleigh in disarray.

The first Crawley goal arrived after only seven minutes. Paul Watson’s cross saw Pullen overstretching only to palm the ball down to allow Dannie Bulman to roll the ball back into an unguarded net.

A set piece shortly after saw Andy Harris fire a free kick wide of the target but the home side were causing Eastleigh all sorts of concern. The home sides front runners of Jamie Cook and Jon Paul Pittman teased the Eastleigh defence whilst the kicking from goalkeeper Ashley Bayes, himself a former double F A Trophy winner with Grays Athletic, saw the Eastleigh defence back pedalling to cope with the lengths of the kicks.

Pittman dispossessed Goodhind and ran on and shot across the face of goal before Crawley added the second on twelve minutes. Thomas Pinault’s through ball in behind the Eastleigh rearguard was collected by Pittman who took the ball round Pullen before netting.

The home sides advantage could have been increased on nineteen minutes. Crawley’s leading scorer Cook collected the ball slipped it past Pullen but Harris was covering and cleared the danger. Eastleigh best chance of the half fell midway through when Marshall fired an effort wide of the target inside the box when left unmarked.

Eastleigh were more into the game now and giving the hosts more to think about. The start of the second period saw Paul Watson float a free kick just wide of the target and on the hour Pittman had the ball in the back of the Eastleigh net again but the ‘effort’ was disallowed for offside.

From this point on Eastleigh gave the home side as good as they were being given and Crawley started to defend in numbers. Matt Hann’s first touch of the ball almost gave Eastleigh the lifeline they required. With sixty six minutes played Andy Forbes and Adam Everitt exchanged passes before slipping the ball through to Hann advancing into the penalty area, Hann shot low to the left of the advancing Bayes but the Crawley stopper was down to smother the shot.

Two minutes later and from defending a corner, Forbes broke out of the Eastleigh penalty area; taking a pass back from Anthony Riviere midway in his own half, Forbes then sent a pass that released Marshall. Marshall strode on covering half the length of the pitch before slipping the ball back to Chris Piper to drill home Eastleigh’s goal and give them the final quarter of the game to find an equaliser.

Crawley defender Jamie Stevens should have done better on sixty-nine minutes with a header from a Pinault free kick inside the six-yard box, which went over the bar. Five minutes later a dipping shot from Magno Vieira was just off target.

With eight minutes remaining Eastleigh had their best chance of forcing a replay. Hann’s deep cross was headed back by Forbes, Holgate saw two attempts blocked by the quickly recovering Crawley defence then the ball broke loose to Piper who fired wide.

Polished performance maintains unbeaten run

Eastleigh 2nd XI 2-0 Sutton United Res.

Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Craig Lisher, Jon Horner, James Screen, Justin Hall, Jason Sangha, Chris Mason (c), Adam Roberts, Richard Bridle, Joe Maxwell, Aaron Milburn, Nick Watt.

SUBS: Joe Sheppard (on for Bridle 53), Scott Waters (on for Maxwell 55), Jamie Moth (on for Milburn 58)

Match Report by Jamie Montigue

Click here for match photos

Having started the new year with a win last weekend with a 2-1 scoreline over East Grinstead Town away from home, Eastleigh's reserves kept up their 100% record for 2008 with a further victory this afternoon at the Silverlake Stadium.

From the very beginning the Spitfires youngsters continued where they left off the following week and inside the opening minute forced a corner kick. Nick Watt pressurised the Sutton goalkeeper charging down his kick, which led to Joe Maxwell followed up with a header that took a slight deflection.

Craig Lisher, making his home league debut for the second team was given his first test of the afternoon a moment later. Jon Horner gave chase as Jermiele Johnson sprinted down the left wing but could not stop the Sutton United player from getting his shot in, which proved to be comfortable for Lisher.

Meanwhile Eastleigh had a half chance when Aaron Milburn glanced a Nick Watt cross towards goal only for Joe McCloughlin to pluck the ball out of the air to make the save.

The hosts had an even better chance in the seventh minute when the excellent Adam Roberts weaved his way into the box cleverly before picking out Chris Mason so unselfishly. The Eastleigh skipper had time and space in front of goal and will perhaps be disappointed not to have done better. Credit to the goalkeeper for making himself big however to concede a corner.

From the resulting set piece, Mason was unfortunate to have struck the foot of the post. A goal mouth scramble followed with Sutton United unable to clear their lines. 'Taz' tried his utmost to turn the ball over the line but there was to be no way through.

Three minutes later, a powerful run with great pace from Taz saw the tricky winger held back to earn his side a free kick. James Screen stepped up 25 yards from goal, but fired high over the cross bar.

The pressure proved to pay dividends for Eastleigh as JOE MAXWELL found the back of the net with a neat finish from close range to give Brian and Adie's men a thirteenth minute lead.

Jon Horner was given a yellow card for a slightly late tackle midway through the half handing the visitors a free kick, from which the dangerous delivery deceived all and went out for a goal kick.

Ten minutes before the break, Nick Watt skillfully worked his way past a defender, cutting inside seemingly with ease to get the ball onto his right foot only for the effort to be fired wide of the target.

Eastleigh found themselves down to ten men not long after when Horner was shown a second yellow card for a similar tackle to the one he was booked for earlier. Again it was nothing malicious but late all the same and deservedly warranted a bookable offence and therefore the red that followed.

Not that this deterred the Eastleigh youngsters who if anything looked all the better for it, as so often happens in the same situation with the team a man short working that much harder to make the difference.

Just two minutes after the dismissal a very well worked goal saw the Spitfires double their lead. Arron Milburn's hard work down the right channel opened up the opportunity initially which Mason continued with a delightful angled cross to the far post where NICK WATT met the ball with a low diving header that beat the keeper to round off a fine move.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 2nd XI 2-0 Sutton United Res.

Two goals to the good from a first half that went according to plan, the forty-five minutes that followed for Eastleigh was if anything even better for the way they held their own defensively playing with just three men at the back.

In the opening stages of the half a Richard Bridle pop shot from the edge of the penalty area was driven inches wide of goal.

Sutton then wasted an excellent opportunity to pull a goal back. Chris Mason caught Jamaal Horne just outside the box but the free kick was blazed over the top failing to trouble the Eastleigh goalkeeper.

Both Nick Watt and Adam Roberts continued to shine and pose problems for the Sutton United defence and the pair combined neatly in the 55th minute. Watt the talented young left midfielder executed a fine piece of skill to leave his marker standing before showing further excellent wing play with a decent delivery that found Taz in the middle. Taking the ball with good control, Roberts couldn't keep his shot down as he struck with his weaker left foot.

Eastleigh made their third substitution with Jamie Moth joining Joe Sheppard and Scott Waters, who had been introduced a little earlier, as he replaced Arron Milburn to add a bit of muscle in attack. Moth can be proud of his performance for putting himself about and never giving the centre backs time to settle.

A foul on Waters presented Watt with the chance to try his luck from range with a free kick on the far side, which despite beating the wall was straight at the goalkeeper.

Just after the hour mark fantastic work rate, determination and pace once more from Taz saw him pressure the full back into a mistake as he won a ball that didn't really look to be there for the taking. From there Roberts brought the ball forward to win a corner kick out of nothing, unfortunately however nothing came of it.

Sutton United were limited to shooting from range such was the quality of defending from the trio of Jason Sangha, Justin Hall and James Screen.

When Sutton came forward in the 79th minute, Justin Hall displayed just one of countless examples of the mentioned defenders playing to a high level of performance. There were suspicions of hand ball in the build up which were ignored by the referee and his assistant as Johnson was allowed to continue, getting to the touchline and sending into the area. Hall flung himself at the cross bravely and got a vital touch to prevent a simple tap in for the man running in unmarked at the far post.

Seven minutes from time, Waters burst down the right hand side getting the better of James Griffin and looked to find Moth to his left with a square ball but was denied by a timely intervention to cut out the immediate threat.

Taz came close with a low side-footed effort following promising approach play soon after.

In the closing minutes Lisher typified his overall performance in dealing with a hopeful ball into the box. Calm, collected, Craig rose to claim the ball and made it look easy despite the fact he was under severe pressure as Sutton threw bodies into the box in search of a consolation goal.

Deservedly Lisher and his defence came out with a clean sheet from a thoroughly, impressive and solid defensive second half display.

Eastleigh are now unbeaten in five games and on this form will be looking to push on into the top five in the Suburban Premier Division.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2nd XI 2-0 Sutton Utd Res.

Blue Square Player of the Month winners - December

Blue Square Announce “Player of the Month” Winners for December

Exeter City striker Jamie Mackie has topped the fans poll to be the Blue Square Premier “Player of the Month” for December. Mackie polled a record number of votes from fans visiting the Blue Square football website. The former MK Dons forward was in sensational form during the month, scoring four goals in three Blue Square Premier games. The highlight of his month was the brace against local rivals Torquay United on Boxing Day, a game which City won 4-3. The Grecians benefited from Mackie’s goals and assists as they climbed the Blue Square Premier table to enhance their play-off hopes.

The award in the Blue Square North goes to Jamie Price of Worcester City. The midfielder was instrumental in City’s rise up the Blue Square North table after a fantastic December. The award makes a nice double for Price who also scooped the Worcester fans award for the period.

Basingstoke Town’s Tyron Smith wins the Blue Square South award after a month in which he scored two goals and produced a number of important assists. Smith helped his club remain unbeaten for the period, playing with a defence that conceded only four goals in six games.

Four put on transfer list

The following was posted on the Eastleigh messageboard this afternoon by Director of Football Dave Malone.

"Manager Ian Baird has placed on the 'Available For Transfer List' the following players:

• James Pullen
• Chris Collins
• Karim El Salahi
• Ashan Holgate

The Club has invited enquiries for all of the above, with a view to establishing a squad of players that will take us forward for the remainder of this season, and next."

James Pullen - just one of four high profile first team players to be put on the transfer list

Eastleigh 4-4 Bath City

EASTLEIGH v BATH CITY



SATURDAY 5th JANUARY 2008

Blue Square South

By Jamie Montigue

For the neutral, this top of the table clash could not have been any better; boasting eight goals, a sending off, two penalty kicks, a hattrick and an unlikely comeback from the 10 men of visiting Bath City.

Eastleigh though have every reason to be disappointed in coming out with just a point thanks to one abysmal decision two minutes from time that ultimately robbed them of a second successive victory.

Naming an unchanged side from the starting eleven who won an equally enthralling goal-fest on New Years Day (4-3 away to Basingstoke Town), the Spitfires introduced a new hero to their home fans in the form of Mark Marshall who made his home debut.

Following the departure of Scannell to Southend United, Marshall has come in on an initial one month’s loan from Grays and having made an instant impact with the fourth goal in midweek, made a grand entrance with two excellent goals and a solid performance at the Silverlake Stadium.

All afternoon Marshall tormented the Bath City full back Gethin Jones. From the very start Jones just knew he was in for a torrid afternoon as Marshall flew past him and two others effortlessly in the opening minute of the game. The tiny figure that possesses so much pace, got to the byline but the cross unfortunately went behind and out for a goal kick.

Skipping his way round The Romans defence once more just a moment later, Marshall received a pleasant round of applause from the home fans who seemed to be on the edge of their seats every time he went near the ball.

Andy Forbes and David Hughes combined to good effect in the fifth minute down the right hand side and when the ball came in, the best the back-pedalling centre half Adie Harris could manage was to header into the path of Paul Sales. The in-form Eastleigh striker let the ball bounce before striking on the half volley from the edge of the area, though Paul Evans in the Bath City goal was more than comfortable in dealing with the effort.

City’s Harris made an important last ditch tackle two minutes later to thwart Peter Adeniyi who had ventured forward but perhaps waited too long in getting a shot away.

Inside ten minutes, Eastleigh had opened the scoring through PAUL SALES. A hopeful cross from Andy Forbes on the right, was sent to the back post. It was one, which Gethin; the City right back should have easily dealt with. Instead he stumbled presenting Sales with an easy chance to find the net from close range to capitalise.

In the very next attack the Spitfires found themselves two goals to the good. Anthony Riviere was unselfish in front of goal opting to play the ball to his left for MARK MARSHALL to slot home side-footed. This simple goal from a well-worked opening putting Eastleigh well and truly in the driving seat.

At the opposite end, a neat exchange between Steve Jones and Dave Gilroy saw the ball sprayed out to the right hand side where Darren Edwards had plenty of time and space, but fired over the top.

Andy Harris and Karim El-Salahi were well placed to cut out a cross from Edwards, not long after City’s first real chance of note, to concede a corner kick.

Adam Everitt fired a free kick narrowly wide of the post from 25 yards after David Hughes was brought down by Adie Harris, before the visitors were able to get a foot back in the door so to speak through a penalty kick.

The ball was flicked around the corner by Justyn McKay and struck the Eastleigh defender Everitt in the midriff. A penalty was given by Matty McLaughlin the match referee, harshly so in my humble opinion.

None the less DAVE GILROY stepped up and made no mistake nestling the ball into the bottom right hand corner with a confident penalty kick to give his side a way back into the game.

Meanwhile, Mark Marshall was still posing all kinds of problems as Eastleigh came flying back. Sure enough the pacy wide player got behind the Bath City defence with electric pace and a devastating run before chipping into the middle where ANTHONY RIVIERE restored Eastleigh’s two goal advantage running in to the area to connect with the cross and turn home.

Wasting precious little time in search of keeping things this way, Eastleigh very nearly found a way through with a quickly taken free kick by Hughes. Forbes glanced the ball towards goal with a powerful header and was denied by Evans.

Bath City from a similar situation of their own looked to cause a threat with a deep free kick that was sent across into a packed penalty area. The ball was headed on at the back post but Scott Rogers was unable to make the most of this opportunity just two yards out as Gareth Howells saved bravely at the midfielder’s feet.

Forbes, Riviere and Sales all took knocks in quick succession, none of which were serious but ensured the club’s physio had her work cut out!

Three minutes before the break, Peter Adeniyi’s quick feet and improvisation in front of goal forced a late first half corner, from which a sharp header from Luke Byles had to be punched over the cross bar by Evans – an excellent, instinctive reaction save from the Bath goalkeeper.

Deep into injury time there was still time for Eastleigh to stamp their authority on the proceedings. Anthony Riviere stabbed towards goal from an Everitt long throw but had his effort hacked away before the former Fisher Athletic midfielder was fouled marginally outside the area.

Andy Harris the Eastleigh skipper went for goal with a stinging effort that looked to be heading for the top corner where Evans flapped away to evade the danger bringing to a close a very good half of football from Eastleigh’s perspective.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 3-1 Bath City

The second half brought yet more entertainment.

Both sides made an early change with Jason Wood replacing Scott Rogers immediately for the visitors and then four minutes later Eastleigh’s first substitution saw Paul Sales make way for Matt Hann.

Gilroy had the first opportunity of the half with Dave Gilroy curling an attempt just wide of the upright from the left side of the penalty area.

Darren Edwards hit a weak shot low towards goal on 59 minutes, which Gareth Howells saved comfortably.

The game took a further twist on the hour mark as Jason Wood was given his marching orders for a late challenge on Luke Byles. The substitute, who had been on the pitch just fifteen minutes, was shown a straight red card after the referee discussed the incident with his assistant on the near side.

Typically, it was the ten men of Bath City who rallied and reduced the arrears minutes after the sending off. Defender CHRIS HOLLAND was given a free header from a corner kick, and planted it downward and into the back of the net with Howells left standing.

A speculative long-range effort from David Hughes flew comfortably high and wide of goal for the hosts’ first real effort of the second forty-five.

A tactical change saw Matt Hann switch to the left flank and the tricky Mark Marshall push forward to a more advanced position as a striker alongside Andy Forbes.

After a brief scare with shouts for a penalty kick against Everitt, Eastleigh came forward with the pace of Marshall who was upended twenty yards from goal. This possibly the only way to deal with this special talent? MARK MARSHALL fought off competition from his skipper Andy Harris for the responsibility to take it as he fired an unstoppable free kick, curled expertly into the roof of the net for his second of the afternoon, his third goal for the club in two games. 4-2, fifteen minutes remaining.

Matt Hann, dribbling across the pitch from left to right was unable to find a way through despite getting a clean strike in to end the run as the centre back stood his ground to make an important block.

On a hattrick, Marshall fired a whisker away from goal with a low drive that went just wide of the post following a square pass from Riviere.

With five minutes to go, a surging run from Chris Holland resulted in a neat exchange in the box, and DAVE GILROY sliding the ball under the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 4-3.

It was still not over as McLaughlin of Luton handed Bath City a lifeline with two minutes remaining with an abysmal decision. Extremely controversial to say the least, Gilroy appeared to jump into Riviere if anything but a penalty was awarded. Eastleigh can feel extremely hard done by as DAVE GILROY stepped up to dispatch his second spot kick of the afternoon and his hattrick goal past Howells with a confident floated finish straight down the middle.

The last kick of the game saw Matt Hann connect with a well-executed volley in full flight that just evaded finding the target. The damage had been done and Eastleigh’s failure to close the game down cost them dear, albeit with more than a little help from the referee.

Hopefully, this dejection can turn into something a tad more positive when we take on Crawley Town in the FA Trophy next weekend. Cue the giant killing!

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 4-4 Bath City

All match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

http://jozefmontigue.tripod.com/eastleigh_v_bath_city_pics/

Eastleigh Ladies v Hayling Island Ladies - Sunday 6th Jan at the Silverlake Stadium

Come along and support our very successful Eastleigh Ladies team who are flying high at the top of the Hampshire Women's League Divison 2 table.

This weekend on Sunday 6th January they take on Hayling Island at the Silverlake Stadium, 2pm kick off - so why not come down and offer your support?

More info on the Eastleigh Ladies team can be found at the following address, including: Match reports, fixtures & results, league table and stats can be found here:

http://jozefmontigue.tripod.com/eastleigh_ladies.html

December Manager of the Month Awards

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

Newly appointed York City boss Colin Walker has won the Blue Square Premier “Manager of the Month” award for December. Walker was appointed caretaker-manager during November, and duly accepted a permanent role after an impressive start, which has seen his side remain unbeaten. During the month The Minstermen gained ten points from four league games, registering three victories and a draw. City also progressed to the next round of both non-league cup competitions and find themselves within touching distance of the play-off positions in the Blue Square Premier table. Rotherham born Walker made 34 appearances for his adopted country New Zealand during a playing career which also saw him play for Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday amongst others.

In the Blue Square South the award goes to Hampton & Richmond Borough manager Alan Devonshire. The former West Ham star led his team to three wins and two draws in a month which saw them average over two goals per game. Hampton started the month with a terrific 5-1 win at home to Weston-Super-Mare, they also went on to record a 4-1 victory at home to Hayes & Yeading.

Stalybridge Celtic manager Steve Burr has scooped the award in the Blue Square North. Burr’s team completed the month with a one hundred percent record despite playing all three fixtures away from home. The highlight of their month was a 3-1 win away at local rivals Hyde United on Boxing Day. Stalybridge also achieved wins at Leigh RMI and Solihull Moors.

Eastleigh open New Year with thrilling win over Dragons

Basingstoke Town 3 Eastleigh 4



Match Report by Ray Murphy

Another fine away Eastleigh performance allowing them to edge this seven-goal thriller. With Damian Scannell having departed manager Ian Baird gave a debut to loan signing Mark Marshall a pacy wideman from Conference National side Grays Athletic, whom as well as providing an afternoon of exciting wing play also claimed the winning goal out of the contest. Gareth Howells also returned to the goalkeeping position.

Eastleigh had already had one effort stopped by Basingstoke goalkeeper Chris Tardif who has played one game for Eastleigh earlier this season, when Andy Harris’ free kick went straight into the custodian’s midriff, before they went ahead after seven minutes. David Hughes lofted through ball into the area saw Paul Sales get in behind his defender before firing a low shot past Tardif.

Basingstoke’s response was immediate a long Tardif clearance was collected by David Tarpey but his effort was pushed away by Howells. From the resultant corner Scott Fitzgerald saw his effort also saved by the Eastleigh keeper.

Play developed into a midfield tussle with few clear-cut chances. Eastleigh added a second goal though after thirty-two minutes. Tardif drilled a clearance into the body of Andy Forbes who found the ball at his feet to which he duly sidestepped the keeper and rolled his shot into an unguarded net.

Basingstoke pulled a goal back nine minutes later Ben Surey’s cross-field ball was collected by Tarpey who powered a shot beyond Howells. Eastleigh though almost restored their two-goal advantage twice before the interval. Forbes collecting a pass from Adam Everitt brought a fine save from Tardif then Marshall cut in from the left flank before firing a shot against a post.

Eastleigh did restore their two-goal cushion eight minutes into the second period. A right wing cross plumb into the centre of the six yard box allowed Forbes to head home his eleventh Blue Square South goal of the season.

Marshall had another long-range effort just over the bar for Eastleigh before Basingstoke brought the game to life again with a somewhat fortuitous goal on seventy-six minutes. Substitute Rob Watkins left wing cross cum shot deceived Howells and the ball hit the inside of the far post and bounced over the line.

There was only two minutes remaining when Eastleigh added their fourth goal. Chris Piper’s cross was not dealt with by Tardif and Marshall fired home the loose ball.

In the first minute of stoppage time Basingstoke reduced the arrears to only one goal again. Jamie Whisken’s deep free kick saw Joe Dolan rise at the far post and head back across goal where former Eastleigh striker James Taylor headed home the third Basingstoke goal of the afternoon.