Eastleigh 3-1 Welling United

EASTLEIGH v WELLING UNITED

SATURDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2008
Blue Square South

Match Report by Jamie Montigue

In their first home game in three weeks, Eastleigh maintained their push for a playoff spot, with a 3-1 win over Welling United.

They were without top goalscorer Andy Forbes who limped out of the action in last weekend’s draw with Sutton United, midfield general Jamie Brown, who is due an operation at the beginning of next month and centre half Warren Goodhind who is on crutches due to a broken foot. In came two new signings for their home debuts in the form of striker Warren McBean and former Grays Athletic midfielder, Karl Murray.

Eastleigh could not have wished for a better start as just four minutes into the game, the Spitfires raced into a very early lead. An Adam Everitt free kick on the left-hand side was helped on superbly by a towering header from Chris Collins. The centre half has been enjoying a good run in the side since making his comeback in the 4-1 win over Fisher Athletic, and made the goal with his headed assist to find WARREN MCBEAN in the centre. Eastleigh’s new striker finished clinically from close range as he netted his second goal in as many games having capped his full debut in midweek away to Eastbourne with a goal as well.

On seven minutes, a cross from Andy Harris in a wide position picked out Paul Sales whose header, despite being on target was never going to be a problem for the goalkeeper Jamie Turner, who showed safe hands.

Welling’s first attempt on goal was very wayward to say the least. Amos Foyewa’s long-ranged effort came closer to hitting the corner flag, not that Eastleigh looked in any danger of threatening to add to their lead with chances extremely limited for either side.

Former Eastleigh winger Ellis Green, and first team coach Phil Handford, both of whom began the season at the Silverlake Stadium before returning to their old club Welling United just a couple of months down the line, were back today only this time sporting the red colours of the Wings. Green won his side a free kick in a great position with a quarter of an hour played as he went down somewhat easily under a challenge from Eastleigh skipper Andy Harris. Richard Carpenter beat the four-man wall but Wilkinson was more than comfortable in dealing with the soft strike from 25-yards.

Four minutes later, a long throw on from Harris saw a Chris Collins header, more of a flick-on than anything else, fumbled by Turner low at his near post to gift Eastleigh a corner kick. Nothing materialised from the resulting set piece, instead United on the counter attack almost broke through and would have were it not for the alert goalkeeping of David Wilkinson. Ellis Green’s carefully threaded through ball in behind the Eastleigh defence left Sam Gargan in a one-on-one situation, which was won by the on-loan Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wilkinson who raced out of his goal to clear the danger.

Midway through the half, Adam Everitt struck the cross bar with a free kick on the near side that floated in on the angle evading all including deceiving the goalkeeper who was saved by the woodwork.

Chris Collins went down under a strong challenge from Amos Foyewa inside the Eastleigh penalty area on 32 minutes, though play was allowed to continue with the ball at Ohran Stewart’s feet. The Welling midfielder weaved through but he was denied twice by the Eastleigh defence which stood firm with Luke Byles leading the way in evading the danger before play eventually stopped to allow Collins to receive treatment.

With the half coming to a close, Andy Harris tested Jamie Turner with a central free kick that had to be turned around the post with the tall frame of the goalkeeper diving at full stretch to keep the ball out.

Mark Marshall might have won a penalty kick as he looked to get on the end of Harris’ through ball into the area but was shoulder-barged to the ground heavily by Max Ellison-Hustwick. It was a tough one to call as it was only a shoulder used in attempting to shield off the ball but you have seen them given and the referee had to judge as-to whether it was a fair challenge or not.

To summarise the first half failed to live up to it’s lively opening and unfortunately became very flat for long periods of play though the Spitfires would not argue with the half time scoreline going into the break a goal to the good.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 1-0 Welling United

Eastleigh were forced into making a change during the break with Chris Collins unable to continue following Foyewa’s strong and some might say ‘nasty’ tackle in the first half. This was very sad to see as yet again the man who has been harshly dogged with so many injuries could yet face another setback just when he was getting back into his stride.

Peter Adeniyi was his replacement, which led to Karl Murray switching to centre half to accommodate the tall centre midfielder.

Joe Howe caught Chris Piper extremely late flying in with a high foot early in the second half but bewilderingly managed to escape with the punishment of a yellow card only.

It was the visitors who looked somewhat sharper in the early stages with Luke Byles getting caught out with a diagonal ball into the penalty area which bounced awkwardly allowing Gargan to pounce but fire high over the target, failing to trouble Wilkinson.

Welling’s ORLANDO SMITH came on at the break and made his mark on the encounter netting the equaliser just ten minutes into the second half. Jinxing left and then right to turn his marker inside out, the midfielder then planted an unstoppable drive from range past the despairing dive of David Wilkinson.

Photo courtesy of Tony Smith

Up to this point the hosts had been rather dull and unusually uninspiring in their general play and for this reason Welling probably deserved their goal in some respects. It took conceding this goal to gee the Spitfires back into action which they did restoring the lead through a phenomenal corner kick.

MARK MARSHALL's sublime delivery from the left-hand side was whipped in with great pace and floated into the net directly from his corner kick. A wonderful sight, a moment very rarely seen in the game that only someone with the same sort of flair as Marshall could pull off.

Photo courtesy of Tony Smith

Moments before taking a 2-1 lead, McBean shot narrowly behind from an Everitt long throw.

Eastleigh were now in full swing and might have further extended their advantage when Turner came to the edge of his penalty area to claim a long ball forward. The Welling goalkeeper tumbled taking the ball outside the box, where McBean looked to capitalise playing the ball square to set up Paul Sales. Turner was still in no mans land but Sales, with the goal at his mercy, screwed his shot wide of goal.

The points were sealed with a brilliantly crafted third Eastleigh goal. Marshall again played his part setting David Hughes free into the penalty area who played an unselfish pass to his right where Sales dummied to let it roll for CHRIS PIPER. The former Fisher midfielder calmly slotted home to round off a wonderful move that more than deserved its outcome of a goal.

With nine minutes remaining Adam Everitt had a free kick saved with relative ease by Turner at his near post.

Matt Hann also came close when a typically splendid pass from Hughes allowed the winger to nip inside to go clear of the last defender only to hit it far too soon, the shot watched safely wide.

The Wings put up a valiant attempt in searching for a late consolation. Orlando Smith’s cross from the right following neat play by Stewart, who had evaded two challenges beforehand, was headed behind by Adeniyi for a corner-kick. From which, Sam Gargan headed inches wide of the upright.

Eastleigh now find themselves back in the play off positions in fifth place following this victory and will look to stay there beginning with their next game at home to Maidenhead United a week today.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 3-1 Welling United

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

http://jozefmontigue.tripod.com/eastleigh_v_welling_pics/

Eastbourne 3-2 Eastleigh - McBean kicks off with a debut goal in defeat

EASTBOURNE BOROUGH v EASTLEIGH



TUESDAY 19th FEBRUARY 2008
Blue Square South

Match Report by Ray Murphy

Eastbourne Borough moved to the top of the Blue Square South table over their arch rivals Lewes with this odd goal in five victory over Eastleigh, which also saw Eastleigh slip just outside the play off positions with rivals Bishops Stortford also clinching a victory on the evening.

Manager Ian Baird made four changes from the previous disappointing performance at Sutton. Included in the strike force was loan signing from Sutton United Warren McBean replacing the injured Andy Forbes.

The evening could not have started worse for Eastleigh. Having had the better of the opening two minutes Eastleigh then watched a long kick from Eastbourne goalkeeper Lee Hook fall behind the Eastleigh defence. Warren Goodhind tried to put extra pressure on the ball with a header back to his own keeper David Wilkinson but the ball fell short. Scott Ramsay picked up the ball and saw his first attempt pushed out by Wilkinson but Ramsay recovered to fire home the loose ball and give the home side the lead.

The Eastleigh defence did not look their reassuringly solid look. Luke Byles’ stray pass along the back line on ten minutes arrived at the feet of the dangerous Pat Harding. Harding shot early and was denied by a block save by Wilkinson the ball coming back to Harding who then fired wide.

Eastleigh created a couple of openings, Jamie Brown fired a shot wide on quarter of an hour and three minutes later McBean capitalised on a mistake from Neil Jenkins, but Hook dived low to his left to smother the debutants shot.

Twenty-one minutes and Eastleigh were two goals behind. Harding’s cross from the right was met by a textbook header from Andy Atkin to double the Eastbourne lead. Five minutes later and it appeared that Eastleigh may be on the wrong end of a hiding. Jay Lovett’s free kick was headed back across the goal by Atkin allowing Ramsay to loop a header over Wilkinson for Eastbourne’s third goal.

With thirty-two minutes played Mark Marshall showed some of his electric pace on the right wing, before sending a cross into the box where McBean arrived at the near post to divert the ball past Hook for his first goal in an Eastleigh shirt.

Eastbourne had the better of the opening quarter of an hour of the second period, but from then on in it was all Eastleigh who ended the game highly unlucky not to have earnt a point. Four minutes into the second half, another poor back pass from Goodhind fell again invitingly for Ramsay but Wilkinson was quickly off his line to avert the danger. On the hour an excellent reflex save from Wilkinson stopped Harding from increasing the score.

Eastleigh reduced the scoreline on sixty-five minutes. Adam Everitt’s corner saw Peter Adeniyi flick the ball on for Luke Byles who shot home after having his original effort blocked.

Eastleigh had the better of the rest of the match without really forcing home keeper Hook into much action though coming close several times. As for Eastbourne Wilkinson produced a good stop from Wilkinson and then Matt Crabb got the better of Byles, but again Wilkinson came to the rescue.

Brown faces six months out

- By Wendy Gee

EASTLEIGH'S capture of midfielder Karl Murray from Grays Athletic was prompted by news that Jamie Brown will face six months on the sidelines after he undergoes a major hip operation next month.

Brown, who has been dogged with hip and back trouble all season, will undergo surgery on March 12 and is unlikely to be back before the start of next term.

Manager Ian Baird reported: "The surgeon reckons Jamie will be out for six months. They've got to break the femur and tear through the ligaments to get right into the hip joint. It's a nasty operation."

Click here for full story

McBean completes Eastleigh move

"After negotiations with Sutton United, we have secured the transfer of Warren McBean for the rest of this season.." - (http://www.eastleigh-fc.co.uk)

- By Wendy Gee

Pedigree midfielder Karl Murray, 26, completed his move from Grays Athletic in time to make a substitute appearance for the Spitfires in Saturday's 0-0 draw at relegation-battlers Sutton United.

And next in for Eastleigh is Sutton striker Warren McBean who, paperwork allowing, may be drafted straight in tomorrow as a replacement for top gun Andy Forbes, who limped out of the action just after half-time on Saturday."

Sutton United 0-0 Eastleigh

SUTTON UNITED v EASTLEIGH

SATURDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2008
Blue Square South

Match Report by Ray Murphy

Manager Ian Baird kept faith in the side that had demolished Fisher Athletic the previous week, but seven days later they could not find a way through the defence of the side at the foot of the Blue Square South League table.

With their own team selection problems, Sutton United were unable to field Eastleigh loanee player Karim El Salahi in the match against them. With regular goalkeeper Phil Wilson not available it also meant a debut for recent signing Kevin Davies in the Sutton goal.

It was not the best surface that Eastleigh have played on this season either and a biting cold wind led to a goalless draw the game taking the aura from what the score line reflects.

Eastleigh started brightly enough, Andy Forbes’ shot from Anthony Riviere’s cross was pushed away by Davies whilst Chris Piper also saw a free kick effort being deflected off target.

Mark Marshall had a header from a Piper cross-saved by Davies midway though the opening half though Sutton came closest to scoring through the whole match on thirty two minutes. Harry Ottaway wide on the left played the ball behind the Eastleigh defence allowing the strong run of Craig Dundas on to the ball. As David Wilkinson came off his line to narrow the angle, Dundas slipped a shot just past Wilkinson only for the ball to hit the inside of the post before rolling away to safety for Eastleigh.

Forbes had a diving header from a Peter Adeniyi cross saved by Davies and Jason Goodchild had a shot from twenty yards that went over the bar both in the five minutes leading up to the interval. A dull first half was mirrored by the second period.

Tom Hughes headed a Nicky Greene corner over the bar and Wilkinson pushed away a low shot from Goodchild but scoring chances were very limited. Dundas arguably should have done better after getting on the end of a Bashiru Alimi free kick but again he missed the target.

Eastleigh had introduced their latest acquisition Karl Murray who had their best chance of the second period. With seven minutes remaining his shot on the turn in side the area was saved by Davies.

If at the end of the season Eastleigh do not make their bid to reach the play off stages, then two games against bottom club Sutton United through the season that only produced one point from a possible six might be their downfall.

Waters heads 2nd XI back in right direction

Eastleigh 2nd XI 3-2 Harefield United Reserves.

Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Craig Lisher, Niall Bryant, Zeke Rink, Tom Roberts (c), Jason Sangha, Joe Sheppard, Perry Mullins, Sam Skinner, Scott Waters, Dougie Rowe, James Screen.

SUBS: William Harvey (on for Lisher 45), Henry Agyei (on for Skinner 52), Sam Longman (on for Rink 74)

Match Report by Jamie Montigue

MATCH WINNER: Scott Waters headed home Eastleigh's third late in the game to ensure victory, also winning a penalty which put the Spitfires 2-1 up just after half time

After last weeks 1-0 home defeat to Beaconsfield SYCOB reserves, Brian and Adie's Spitfires' were looking for a reaction, seeking a win to get back on form. Today's opposition came in the form of lowly Harefield United, a side languishing at the wrong end of the table in 16th place.

A relatively dull and scrappy first half suddenly came to life midway through when Doug Rowe finished emphatically from close range on 32 minutes. Joe Sheppard played the ball short to his right to find the young striker Rowe, who struck diagonally across the goalkeeper to find the far corner of the net with a fine finish and his first goal for the reserves.

Prior to the goal, clear cut chances were few and far between. In a fast pace opening to the encounter, a quickly taken free-kick from the visitors had Lisher scrambling across his goal. The Eastleigh stopper need not have worried though as the shot fell comfortably wide of the post.

Harefield probably had a little more urgency about them to begin with in comparison to their youthful opponents who appeared to be second to the ball far too often in the opening stages.

Scott Waters was denied when played through down the middle, his progress stopped by a superb last ditch tackle.

The closest Eastleigh had come before Rowe's strike came from an effort by Waters that was sliced wide of the post.

Eastleigh might have doubled their advantage on 37 minutes as both Rowe and Waters pressured the last man into an error. Waters' challenge turned into a well placed, technically fine strike that swerved into the top corner of goal with the help of a slight deflection only for this 'goal' to be ruled out for an infringement.

Any preparations and thinking ahead for the upcoming team talk might just have changed especially as it looked as though Eastleigh would be heading into the break a goal to the good. Into the second minute of first half stoppage time, a looping header from the visitors' centre forward was steered powerfully towards goal to beat Craig Lisher. This goal taking things back to square one with the scores level at the break.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 2nd XI 1-1 Harefield United Res.

William Harvey, a trialist goalkeeper, was introduced for the second half in place of Lisher in the Eastleigh goal.

Beginning at a frantic pace and showing their intentions early in the second half, Eastleigh were rewarded with a penalty just minutes into the second half when Scott Waters bundled his way through before being brought down. James Screen stepped up to despatch confidently from the spot, restoring his side's lead.

With this fresh impetus, a decent cross from Perry Mullins on the right saw Waters fire narrowly wide just moments after the penalty.

A second Eastleigh trialist, Henry Agyei came on in place of Sam Skinner in the centre of midfield on 52 minutes. His first touch was to fire over the top from close range following excellent work by Waters who had created space down the left before squaring to create the opportunity.

The hosts in full flow now came close once more just short of the hour. An expert cross from Niall Bryant was met by an acrobatic flying volley from Rowe that was just inches away from finding the back of the net. A great attempt.

Perry Mullins had a snapshot parried before a second penalty shout. Again Waters was dragged down in the box but the referee was uninterested this time despite the protests and the foul seemingly clear-cut.

Just when the hosts were beginning to look more in control and assured with themselves an unfortunate error from trialist goalkeeper Harvey, allowed Harefield to equalise for the second time in the game. A hopeful ball into the box evaded the jump off the Eastleigh keeper bouncing straight over his head allowing for a simple tap-in for 2-2.

Harvey looked to rectify this mistake instantly and went the right way about it with a stunning save to thwart an attempt at goal from point-blank range.

Jason Sangha, as ever was a rock in the back four alongside the captain Tom Roberts and for this reason ensuring there was no late slip ups in throwing away the points, these two in particular played an invaluable role setting a great example.

A dramatic winner, but deserved none-the-less, a minute from time saw Scott Waters head home an inch perfect cross from a third trialist Sam Longman, with a sublime glancing header to ensure victory.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2nd XI 3-2 Harefield United Res.

Karl Murray signs for Eastleigh

"Eastleigh FC have signed Karl Murray from Grays Athletic until the end of next season." - (http://www.eastleigh-fc.co.uk)

Director of Football Dave Malone commented on the messageboard with regards to the new signing: "Karl was a big target for us pre-season, but joined Grays from Woking. He is a powerful centre half/midfielder and will add significant strength to our squad."

Karl, 25, had previously spent five years with Shrewsbury Town making 114 appearances scoring five goals. From here the new Eastleigh recruit moved to Woking in 2004 (134 appearances, 13 goals).

At the beginning of the current season, Murray made a switch to Grays Athletic of the Blue Square Premier where he lasted just nine months at the New Rec following his release on the 14th February 2008.

It is highly probable that there will be a further addition to the squad in the near future. A statement on the official website said: "We are also in negotiations with Sutton United for the transfer of Warren McBean for the rest of this season."

Ladies win Title with game to spare

Eastleigh Ladies vs Gosport ladies 9th February 2008
Totton and Ealing Ground, Eastleigh KO 2pm

Team
GK Alex Brooks
2. Danae Palmer
3. Nicola Beeton
4. Stacey Niven
5. Sarah Kingston
6. Rachel Heda
7. Connie Brazier
8. Samantha Read
9. Lucy Piper
10. Natasha Gwyther
14. Emma Hebdige

Substitutes
Abby Crawford
Jenna Snell
Gemma Aboe

Result: 7-0
Scorers: Brazier, Kingston, Niven (4), Heda

Referee: 7/10

Match report by Sarah Kingston

Kick off on a spectacularly sunny winters afternoon was won by Eastleigh and they started brightly. A handful of chances were sprayed towards the Gosport goal by Piper and Niven but neither of the two could open the scoring so early on in the game. It took a self made chance from Brazier a few minutes later to take the lead when she turned, shot and beat the keeper from inside the box, signaling her 9th goal of the season. 1-0.

It was then the turn of Kingston, having just swapped from right wing to left to pounce on the ball. The right back fumbled and the ball came loose, leaving it stranded in open space from where the player was able to drive on into the box and then shoot low and firm past the goalkeeper. 2.0. The goals then kept on coming, the team pushed on, winning corners and looking dangerous at all times. A spark of brilliance from top scorer Niven (17 goals) then began the start of her own goalscoring show. A header down to her feet to control and then the volley to make the score 3-0 signaled fantastic goal number one. Then Heda struck a sublime free kick from the half way line into the box and provided the perfect ball for Niven to score her second. With this goal you have to bear in mind Stacey's small stature as she directed her header goalwards from between two defenders, superb. 4-0.

The fifth goal was a measured finish much like the calm winner against Christchurch last weekend. It was a right footed gem into the bottom right to complete the hat-trick, but that was not the end of it. Piper was heavily involved in the 6th goal when it came to the crunch, however it all began from Palmer in the left back slot. She brought the ball out wide and passed down the line to Kingston who passed inside to Niven. Niven ran towards the box and within a couple more passes the ball was at Pipers feet, with the Gosport defence left gauping at the space found in behind them. They could do nothing when Piper played the square ball to Niven and allowed her to finish off the move, again in measured fashion, aiming bottom left this time to secure 6-0.

An extra minute was added to the half after one Gosport player was winded thanks to a blow to the stomach when blocking a strong clearance and there was small concern over the goalkeeper at one point, but Gosport were unable to make a dent in Eastleigh’s commanding lead. One plus point to the stoppages was that they enabled quick drinks breaks. It was hot work that half.

The action of the second half was somewhat sluggish compared to the first. Whether because Gosport were better at quashing the Eastleigh play or because of the already hefty score margin between the teams, there was only one more goal to come in the second 45.
A corner was won by Read, and Hebdige sprang towards the box keen for a goal. Heda was also up, along with Read, Kingston, Brazier, Piper and Gwyther. Brazier delivered, Niven retrieved and then with the return ball Heda rose above all, including Hebdige at close quarters, to power a strong header into the top right corner. Rachel Heda, living up to the cliche, was ecstatic at scoring and it signaled her first of the season.

The rest of the game was battled out with Eastleigh still the main threat, but Gosport did make a game of it and Hebdige and Palmer especially had some hard running to do on occasions. A bank of substitutions were made around the 60th minute, the changes were Crawford, Snell and Aboe on for Kingston, Brazier and Read. Crawford made her first start ever as a promising new addition to the squad in the last couple of weeks, and Snell made her first start in several months having injured her knee in the preseason fixture against Bisley FC way back in August. There was a welcome return for Aboe after a few games out of the side as well.

There is now healthy competition for places amongst the Eastleigh ranks with Woolliscroft, Clark and Forsyth all missing from today’s squad. The 7-0 win today leaves just one game of the season to go and then a semi-final cup time run to keep the season alive. Next week sees Eastleigh away to Horndean, KO same as always 2pm . Fancy dress fans welcome.

Last thing: BREAKING NEWS... EASTLEIGH CHAMPIONS OF HAMPSHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION 2! PROMOTION HAS BEEN CLINCHED TODAY AS FARNHAM TOWN LOSE TO WIDBROOK UTD. What a first season, well done all!

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

Congratulations to everyone involved with the Eastleigh Ladies F.C on this remarkable achievement.

The Ladies celebrated an emphatic 7-0 win over Gosport Ladies at Totton and had even more reason to jump for joy upon hearing the news of title challengers, Farnham losing to Widbrook United meaning the Spitfires had wrapped up the league title with a game to spare in their first ever season together.

The last game of the season will be played next week away to Horndean. The more the merrier please, as this team fully deserve our support and to celebrate this magnificent feat.

Reserves lose out to late goal

Eastleigh 2nd XI 0-1 Beaconsfield Sycob Reserves.

Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Craig Lisher, Niall Bryant, Justin Hall, Tom Roberts (c), Jason Sangha, Joe Sheppard, Perry Mullins, Adam Wiltshire, Scott Waters, Joe Maxwell, Jon Horner.

SUBS: Sam Skinner (on for Wiltshire 63), Doug Rowe (on for Maxwell 76), Elliot Goater (on for Hall 76)

Match Report by Jamie Montigue

Eastleigh had their chances to win it, but Beaconsfield made the Spitfires pay for not making the most of their majority share in possession with a heart-wrenching 87th minute goal.

This result sees the second string's phenomenal run of 10 games unbeaten at the Silverlake Stadium come to an end. Eastleigh also lost away from home last weekend to Whyteleafe by two goals to one.

In the third minute Scott Waters attacked a Perry Mullins free kick purposefully but was unable to direct his header on target.

Three minutes later Waters sent a low cross in from the right where Mullins fired over the top from inside the penalty area.

Brian and Adie's men conjured up a splendid move a little while later with neat interplay displayed from all involved. Adam Wiltshire's excellent lofted pass down the right flank saw Jon Horner hold the ball up more than adequately for Justin Hall to angle a cross into the penalty area. Waters helped the ball on for his strike partner Joe Maxwell, but the young striker had his effort saved, bringing to an end a very aesthetically pleasing piece of play.

Midway through the half, Maxwell collided with the Beaconsfield goalkeeper, who had ventured from his goal. The collision favoured Eastleigh as the ball dropped to the feet of Waters. Unfortunately the hosts could not take advantage of this opportunity.

Eastleigh were looking good on the counter attack against their opponents but were unable to find a breakthrough. Rarely, however did they create clear cut chances to test Chris Hunter in the Beaconsfield goal.

Sheppard chipped comfortably over the cross bar as Horner teed him up having cut in from the right wing.

The next attempt was stopped from developing by a dubious offside decision. This, after Sheppard's ball forward saw Wiltshire combine with Waters with a fine one-two before the attack was stopped dead in it's track.

Ten minutes before the break, Eastleigh came the closest to scoring than they had done previously. Wiltshire and Sheppard worked the ball nicely in midfield, the latter sent a sweet diagonal cross-field pass to pick out the run of Mullins who then forced a good save out of the goalkeeper.

A corner conceded by the visitors and from it Mullins' delivery went all the way through despite it appearing that Tom Roberts the Eastleigh skipper, was underneath it in front of goal.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 2nd XI 0-0 Beaconsfield Sycob Res.

Coming out of the tracks the brightest were Beaconsfield by a long way as they piled on heavy pressure.

A snapshot from Aaron Lansiquot from the edge of the penalty area had to be smothered low down by Craig Lisher.

Craig was called into action a few moments later when Shawn Grant had riggled his way through out of a tight space only to be denied by Lisher who had spread himself well, making himself big to make a brave save at the strikers feet.

On 55 minutes Eastleigh came close from a Perry Mullins in-swinging corner that deceived everyone it seemed bar the man well positioned covering the far post, who cleared off the goal line with an instinctive header.

The game was disrupted far too often with the referee doing much to slow down the flow of the game, which is always sad to see and as a result did very little to help change the status of 'stalemate'.

On the hour mark, a positive run from Mullins saw the pacy winger square the ball for Maxwell whose side-footed strike was kept out.

A minute later, Tom Roberts miss-hit his shot from a corner on the right, that still might have caused a problem and had to be hacked away, again from off the goal line.

Scott Waters did his best to change events but had a near miss shooting just behind and then fired high and wide from close range not long after.

Three minutes from time came the killer blow for the Spitfires. A moments lapse in concentration led to confusion in the back line where the ball was not cleared allowing a looping header to be steered past Lisher and into the net as the visitors took the lead and ultimately the three points.

The final action of the game saw Lisher pull off a sublime save at his near post to prevent further damage to the scoreline as he dived at full stretch to keep out a powerful shot from Lansiquot.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2nd XI 0-1 Beaconsfield Sycob Res.

Flying Fisher hit for four by fabulous Eastleigh

FISHER ATHLETIC v EASTLEIGH

SATURDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2008
Blue Square South

Match Report by Ray Murphy

In the face of adversity, Eastleigh produced arguably their best performance of the season, with their third successive away victory, third consecutive positive result and so far remain unbeaten in the league in 2008. Manager Ian Baird already carrying an injury list including Jamie Brown and Gareth Howells, suspensions of Luke Byles and Adam Everitt along with Fitzroy Simpson unavailable suffered a further set back before the game when David Hughes failed a late fitness test. Chris Collins only just returning to training after being out all season injured was drafted in as an emergency and played an excellent game, whilst Steve Watts was included on the bench for his first outing since October.

The home side unbeaten in their last eight games and having just ended a run of seven consecutive victories were second best for the entire afternoon. The first chance fell to Paul Sales on twelve minutes, only a half chance that Sales made the most of which produced an excellent stop from Fisher goalkeeper Simon Overland. Eight minutes later a Chris Piper corner, Collins shot towards goal where Andy Forbes turned and shot that brought another fine stop from Overland.

Eastleigh were always in the ascendancy, Mark Marshall struck a twenty-yard drive that rattled the crossbar whilst another Sales effort was saved by Overland. The best that Fisher offered was a long-range effort from Shaun Batt that was off target. Eastleigh deservedly went ahead on thirty eight minutes, Andy Harris’ cross from his unusual left back role from just inside the Fisher half was headed into the six yard box by Sales where Peter Adeniyi fired home his first goal for the club.

Fisher settled for a short period and played some neat football, Andre McCollin had a free kick from outside the area that fell into David Wilkinson’s midriff and winger Batt produced a mazy run that provided no end product.

Two interval substitutions by Fisher brought little affect to the home side. Instead three minutes into the second period and Eastleigh were celebrating their second goal. Again Harris’ long ball forward from deep fell over the despairing centre backs climbing frame allowing Sales to glide a header beyond the reach of Overland and into the net.

Five minutes later and ex-Fisher man Piper was celebrating a twenty five yard curling free kick that had Overland scrambling across his goal but he was helpless as the ball struck the inside of the post and nestled in the net for the third Eastleigh goal.

Forbes had a header from a Piper cross saved by Overland on the hour then three minutes later Fisher reduced the arrears, A turn of pace on the left wing by Wesley Thomas saw him stride into the box steering the ball past Wilkinson and give Fisher a glimpse of a lifeline.

For a while the home side again looked as though they might break through the Eastleigh rearguard, but never threatened Wilkinson. On seventy-eight minutes Eastleigh virtually killed the game when Adeniyi added his second goal of the afternoon. Breaking into the area a low drive by Adeniyi beat Overland and Eastleigh had their three-goal advantage restored.

Two final chances fell the way of Fisher, both to Thomas. A low cross shot that was dealt with by Wilkinson and then a lofted shot from Thomas was not enough to deceive the Crystal Palace goalkeeper either. Watts had the ball in the back of one of his previous clubs’ net in stoppage time firing past Overland but his joy was short lived with an assistant’s offside flag raised against him.

Blue Square Player of the Month for January - Tom Jordan wins award for BSS

Crawley Town’s versatile attacker Jamie Cook has topped the fans poll to be the Blue Square Premier “Player of the Month” for January. Cook found the net a remarkable seven times in four matches to fire his team up the Blue Square Premier table. The summer signing hit goals against former clubs Oxford United and Rushden & Diamonds. A second-half brace from Cook, away at Droylsden, ensured that the Red Devils left Manchester with all three points after trailing at half-time.

The award in the Blue Square North goes to Lee Moore of Telford United. The former Tamworth striker faced up to his old club on New Years Day and put in a great performance as United won 4-1. Moore also scored goals against Workington and Leigh RMI as his side went from fifth to second in the Blue Square North table.

Havant & Waterlooville’s Tom Jordan wins the Blue Square South award after a month in which he was a key figure in his sides amazing FA Cup run. A fine goal to finish off Swansea City in the 3rd round was capped with a fine performance at Anfield in the 4th round defeat. Jordan also hit two goals in The Hawks 3-1 league victory over St Albans City at Westleigh Park.

Marshall signing

Having enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club during January 2008 from Blue Square Premier side Grays Athletic, Mark Marshall, the electric, fleet-footed winger has now completed a permanent transfer.

Mark, 20, was also voted Eastleigh's player of the month for January by the Spitfires' fans on a poll at http://www.eastleighfc.blogspot.com.

Reaction to the signing from the messageboard:

MichaelEFC –

"Mark Marshall is potentially a very exciting signing. He has got unbelievable pace and in the games I've seen him in he has always been one of our better players."

yorkiev –

"Well I for one am really pleased he has signed for us. He is a great asset, also I thought he showed a bit of a personality on Saturday.

I would go so far as to say, I think he has as good, if not greater potential the Damien Scannell. His ball control is every bit as good I even think he gets past more defenders than Damien did.

When Matt Hann came on we had real width and looked very dangerous on both wings and that my fine friends is what you need in this league.

So a great big welcome to MARK MARSHALL.(Eddie)"

January Manager of the Month Awards

Blue Square Announce “Manager of the Month” Awards for January

Liam Daish has won the Blue Square Premier “Manager of the Month” for January and has proved that when it comes to managing Ebbsfleet United – he knows best for now. With the Myfootballclub takeover in full swing, over 25,000 online managers are itching to get involved in team selection for the Kent club. The former Coventry and Ireland defender led his club to three straight wins in the Blue Square Premier during the month, part of a nine match unbeaten run in all competitions. The Fleet now find themselves just six points off the Blue Square Premier play-off positions after some fine displays including inflicting the first away defeat of high-flying Burton Albion’s league campaign.

In the Blue Square South the award goes to Fisher Athletic manager Wayne Burnett (pictured below in his playing days). The team from South London won all four of their Blue Square South matches during the period as they rose to seventh in the table. Burnett’s team hit ten goals in the month and now sit level on points with the teams occupying the last two play-off places. A tough trip to Bath City on the final weekend of January resulted in a 1-0 win and their sixth straight league victory.

Boston United manager Tommy Taylor has scooped the award in the Blue Square North. The Pilgrims achieved three wins and a draw as their New Year got off to a fantastic start. Taylor’s team hit the net ten times and only conceded three goals as they got their season back on track after a difficult period late last year. Their best performance came in the 3-1 win away at Gainsborough Trinity.

Eastleigh back to winning ways at Silverlake

EASTLEIGH v DORCHESTER TOWN

SATURDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2008
Blue Square South

By Jamie Montigue

With Luke Byles injured and Adam Everitt suspended, Eastleigh made two changes to the starting line up from the eleven that saw off Bognor Regis Town last weekend by three goals to nil.

Peter Adeniyi and Chris Piper were the two brought in, playing right midfield and left back respectively. Jamie Brown of course, who scored a week ago in the said win, today lined up against his former club where he spent six seasons making over 200 appearances.

Eastleigh went into this game with a struggling Dorchester Town side at the Silverlake Stadium looking to finally end their poor home form of late, a run which saw the club without a win in five games on their own turf.

The first half was tightly contested, and it seemed the Magpies had set out to play for a draw, looking to sit deep but break on the counter attack whenever possible.

Dorchester made a promising start with early pressure inside the opening ten minutes but gradually the hosts settled and tried to take the game to their visitors. Mark Marshall, as ever was a constant threat and the tricky winger always seemed to be at the heart of everything positive in Eastleigh’s attacking play.

Only two minutes were on the clock when a cross from James Rowe on the right saw a neat combination between Tom Clarke and Jones Awuah produce the first attempt on goal of the afternoon. David Wilkinson making his home debut looked assured and dealt with the shot accordingly.

Rowe started another attack for the Magpies soon after with a chipped ball down the left flank. Clarke gave chase, beating the offside trap and sent across a dangerous delivery that Andy Harris deflected behind.

Peter Adeniyi might have caused an embarrassment to Martin Horsell, the man between the sticks for Dorchester, when he charged down a lost cause on ten minutes blocking Horsell’s kick, which ricocheted back to a very relieved goalkeeper.

Dorchester’s right back, Gary Bowles was up against the flying winger, that is Mark Marshall and could only stop him with a late challenge to pick up a yellow card. Five minutes after this incident, Bowles was substituted just 23 minutes into the game by assistant manager Paul Compton who clearly realised his side had a real possibility of going down to ten men so long as Marshall kept running at his marker.

Prior to this substitution, sublime skill from Marshall, reminiscent of the famous Damian Scannell dribble in his last game for the club against Eastbourne Borough, saw ‘Eddie’ past one defender and then another leaving them in his shadow before crossing. The ball broke loose to the edge of the penalty area where Fitzroy Simpson fired narrowly over the cross bar.

Eastleigh beginning to show signs of their capabilities might have gone ahead on 24 minutes. Peter Adeniyi held the ball up cleverly on the edge of the penalty area before turning nicely where Anthony Riviere took over on the overlap sending a low ball into the near post only to see there was no white shirt gambling on his delivery to challenge the goalkeeper.

Mark Jermyn, the Dorchester skipper was the next to attempt to nullify, albeit to no effect, the threat of Mark Marshall. He too picked up a yellow card. Chris Piper’s delivery was headed behind by Awuah, and then the versatile, former Fisher Athletic man took the resulting corner but did not pose any threat with the delivery.

Capitalising on a defensive error, Marshall used his pace to bear down on goal and sent over a telling cross to pick out an unmarked Paul Sales ten minutes before the break. The experienced striker went for the acrobatics and his shot bounced over the cross bar when it might have been better to have taken a touch first, which he had time to do.

Nearing the end of the half now, Eastleigh were by no means at their best but were still on top of the proceedings in terms of possession.

Jamie Brown was brought down a yard outside the penalty box, giving Eastleigh an excellent opportunity to grab a well-timed goal just before the break with a well-placed free kick. Andy Harris fired straight at the wall, who looked to have encroached.

The last action of the half saw Jon Docker’s dipping shot produce a smart save out of Wilkinson.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-0 Dorchester Town

Dorchester took a surprise lead to break the deadlock just seven minutes into the second half. Danny Clay sent a splendid pass to find JON DOCKER down the left. When the latter got into the penalty area, what seemed a weak and harmless attempt at goal saw the ball creep in at the near post off the unfortunate Anthony Riviere, who had slid in to challenge.

Momentum momentarily had swung into the visitors favour with this ‘soft’ goal. Mark Jermyn came close to extending the lead with a wonderful curling attempt having combined with James Rowe.

Marshall was soon running freely once more and a strong direct run with pace saw him split the defence in two as he set up Adeniyi on the far side. The former Bromley man had taken up a good position but got his feet in a muddle allowing Horsell the opportunity to block and save well at his feet.

Andy Forbes came extremely close to pulling Eastleigh level when an accurate long kick from Wilkinson went all the way through falling kindly for the striker. Forbes connected well on the half volley going for the lob, but was denied by an instinctive reaction save from Horsell who did extremely well to claw the powerful attempt away at point blank range.

At the opposite end, Andy Harris stopped dead in his tracks, either looking for a foul or offside, the expression ‘play to the whistle’ comes to mind, which didn’t come and instead Tom Clarke was surprised to find himself one on one with Wilkinson as play continued. The Magpies forward lacked composure as Harris’ blushes were spared by the assured and confident goalkeeping of the on-loan Crystal Palace stopper.

Had Dorchester gone 2-0 up at this point, things may have ended up a little differently. Instead Ian Baird’s side rallied and came back all the more stronger as they fought back to get an equaliser just after the hour mark. Andy Forbes popped a header off to Adeniyi whose miss-hit cross looped up in front of goal. Jamie Brown challenged the goalkeeper for the high ball on the goalline when the ball spilled to PAUL SALES, who was on hand for a simple finish from close range.

This proved to be Brown’s last involvement owing to injury. Matt Hann was his replacement and the move reaped instant benefits from this highly effective substitution.

A free kick on the near side from Piper saw David Hughes rise high to power a header towards goal only for Mark Jermyn to find himself well placed to block and clear off the line.

MATT HANN made an immediate impact. On the pitch a mere five minutes, Hann fired Eastleigh into a 2-1 lead as he raced clean through, latching on to Adeniyi’s through ball, his pace taking him well beyond Jake Smeaton, before finishing clinically.

Moments later Marshall fired narrowly over the cross bar from Hughes’ delightful cross field pass. It is fair to say the substitutions came at just the right moment to bring that extra something to Eastleigh’s play with Hughes steadying the ship in the midfield and Hann’s positive attacking wing play and pace also giving his opponents a little extra to think about.

Alex Browne had a header hacked off the line by Piper who was covering the near post from a corner kick on 76 minutes.

SALES wrapped the game up eleven minutes from time as he stroked the ball home calmly for his second and Eastleigh’s third. Martin Horsell came flying out of his goal but made a hash of clearing the ball with his kick going straight up in the air and then back to him once more where again he didn’t get it right. The ball veered off to the right with the poorly sliced kick where Forbes was fouled. The referee played good advantage allowing Riviere to bring the ball forward for the assist for Sales. This goal ultimately sealed the points.

Jones Awuah flashed a great header across the face of goal two minutes from time from Taraq Kahlil’s right flank cross.

Tom Price, a promising product of the clubs youth academy and a regular for the second team, was handed a debut for the final stages of the game. A much needed home win for Eastleigh in a second half performance that drew many positives.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 3-1 Dorchester Town

JAMIE MONTIGUE

All match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

http://jozefmontigue.tripod.com/eastleigh_v_dorchester_pics/