Errea Cup Winners!

Eastleigh rounded off a fantastic week and continued their unbeaten streak in pre-season thus far with a penalty shoot out victory over Torquay.

After beating Chertsey 1-0 yesterday, the Spitfires sealed a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over their Blue Square Premier opponents.

Torquay were invited into the final due to Crystal Palace withdrawing from the competition, but were unable to emerge victorious despite fielding a full strength side.

Peter Adeniyi put Eastleigh into the lead with a cooly taken penalty before skipper, Andy Harris fired home a free kick from 25-yards to double the lead on 25 minutes.

Torquay hit back with two goals in four minutes late in the second half leaving the game level at full time and in need of being settled by a shootout, which Eastleigh won by five goals to four.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this triumph as Ian Baird and his men bring home the first piece of silverware of the new season. Hopefully we have started as we mean to go on!

Andy Harris was named as man of the match in today's win, with Mark Marshall voted as player of the tournament.

Narrow win over Chertsey sees Eastleigh in to Errea Cup Final

CHERTSEY v EASTLEIGH
SATURDAY 25th JULY 2008

Errea South West Cup - Semi-Final

By Kevin Dixon

Bit of a lack lustre performance for the squad today, still a win is a win as they say!

Whilst not getting near the level of performance against Palace and Torquay, we didn't really look in danger of losing the game against a spirited Chertsey team who could only name two subs.

Line up: Gareth Howells, Aaron Martin, Luke Byles, Ashley Vickers, Tom Bird, Chris Mason , Neil Davies, Peter Adeniyi, Mark Marshall, Arron Milburn, Matt Groves

Subs: (all used during the second half, including Mr. Matthews who came on up front after Neil Davies was stretchered off) - Andy Harris, Jason Matthews, Anthony Riviere, Tom Jordan, Trevor Challis, Tony Taggart, James Baker

'Rivs' came on and smashed in a twenty-yarder to pick up two man of the match awards...

In the other semi-final, Yeovil played Torquay who were invited back in to the competition as Crystal Palace withdrew on Friday night due to "injuries".

Now look forward to the final tomorrow, it has been a long week.

Up date on Neil Davies is that he has turned his ankle and has restricted movement, unlikely to be available for tomorrow, but hopefully ok for next week versus Bournemouth.

Spitfires win shootout to sail into Errea Semis

Five pre-season games in, still unbeaten!

Having drawn with Grays, beaten Andover, and being 2-0 up against Southampton before eventually drawing in an exciting 3-3 draw, the Spitfires' pre-season preparations could not get much better could it?

Well, yes actually! Taking part in the Errea South West Cup Ian Baird's Eastleigh have notched up two terrific wins over Crystal Palace and then last night managing to beat Blue Square Premier side Torquay United on penalties to sail through into the semi finals.

Kevin Dixon, heaped praise on how well things are going at present, on the Eastleigh messageboard :

"Whilst the tour is proving to be physically tough for the lads they are beginning to gel very well and an excellent team spirit is developing.

Credit for this must go to The Management and Coaches who are guiding the squad, and getting the best from what appears to be a very focused and committed group of players."

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TORQUAY UNITED v EASTLEIGH
THURSDAY 24th JULY 2008

Errea South West Cup

By Kevin Dixon

An excellent performance from the guys last night. Against, what we believe to be a full strength Torquay side. A thoroughly deserved 0-0 scoreline after 90 mins having competed very well in the first half and dominated the second half.

Penalties scored by Luke Byles, Peter Adeniyi and Jason Matthews (who also made two excellent penalty saves), saw us through to Saturday's Semi Final against Chertsey.

Mark Marshall was named man of the match, but everybody gave a very good account of themselves. Defensively we looked very strong and determined, the midfield worked very hard to deny time and space and the forwards also were strong and hard working giving the Torquay defence no respite.

Team Line Up: Jason Matthews, Andy Harris, Tom Jordan, Luke Byles, Trevor Challis, Tony Taggart, Peter Adeniyi, Anthony Riviere, Mark Marshall, James Baker, Mattt Groves

Subs Used: Neil Davies for Baker after 68 mins. Not used - Aaron Martin, Gareth Howells, Chris Mason, Ashley Vickers, Tom Bird, Aaron Milburn

CRYSTAL PALACE v EASTLEIGH
WEDNESDAY 23rd JULY 2008

Errea South West Cup

By Kevin Dixon

Half Time: 2-0 Taggart pen and Davies
Full Time: 2-1

Played against a fairly young Palace Team, with Mr Schefacookee (not spelt correct but you will know who it is) playing up front.

Very good first half going in 2 nil up, deservedly so. Conceded a goal after approx 53 mins, but worked very hard to secure the win.

Another good work out, without using all the senior players. The 5 younger members of the squad gave a good account of themselves and will have learnt a bit more about the level of work/concentration and committment required by the Management Team.

Possible tougher test tomorrow v Torquay who we believe have brought a full strength team to the tournament.

Team Line Up: Gareth Howells, Anthony Riviere, Aaron Martin, Ashley Vickers, Tom Bird, Tony Taggart, Chris Mason, Neil Davies, Adam Shephard, Aaron Milburn, James Baker

Subs used: Matt Groves for Baker, Mark Marshall for Taggart, Andy Harris for Riviere

Wayne Shaw XI v Ex-Saints XI

Testimonial Match - 20th July 2008

Line Ups:

Wayne Shaw XI – Lee Webber, Alex Totten, Martin Thomas, Graham Kemp, Stuart Ritchie, Taffy Richardson, Paul Doswell, Danny Smith, Paul Sales, Martin Whidett, Jimmy Ball. Subs: Kevin Reacord, Andy Sampson, Sean New, Ian Beare.

Ex-Saints XI – Wayne Shaw, Steve Baker, Francis Benali, Tommy Widdrington, Andy Cook, Craig Richards, Ian Baird, Rick Davis, Rod Wallace, David Howells, Brian Howard. Subs: Paul Wiltshire, Wayne Pratt, Marcel Cullers, Kevin Dawtry, Greg Llewellyn, Bill Beeney.

By Richard Montigue

A crowd of 385 turned up to pay tribute to the larger than life goalkeeper Wayne Shaw in the sunshine at the Silverlake Stadium. Ex-Eastleigh players and local footballers and managers that Wayne has played with over the years made up the Wayne Shaw XI including captain and right back for the day Paul Doswell.

The Ex-Saints XI had the big man in goal himself and included the current Eastleigh manager Ian Baird.

The comedian Mike Osman was also in attendance as compère and commentator and put in a good performance that the crowd enjoyed.

The game started at a leisurely pace, but with the likes of Martin Thomas, Ian Baird and Taffy Richardson on the field there were soon a few tackles flying in.

The game was end to end with both sides having chances. Wayne made a good stop from Paul Sales, but it was Sales who opened the scoring following a through ball from Paul Doswell.

It was not long before the ex-Saints hit back with a goal from Rod Wallace, this came after Lee Webber had made a series of saves to keep the Saints out.

Before half time, Brian Howard, the current Barnsley captain had made it 2-1 to the ex-Saints following good work from the lively Steve Baker.

With Tommy Widdrington and Francis Benali marshalling the Saints defence well, the scored stayed at 2-1 for half time.

At half time and during the second half there were substitutions for both sides, with the likes of former Eastleigh favourite Tyronne Bowers coming on for the Wayne Shaw XI and Kevin Dawtry and Graham Baker for Saints. Dawtry providing many good touches and passes.

However it was substitute Andy Sampson for the Wayne Shaw XI who made the final score 2-2, after Shaw had again kept out a couple of efforts from Paul Sales, tipping one over the bar and saving the other well with his legs. All in all a great afternoon and tribute to 'Shawie'.

Six goals shared in exciting friendly with Saints

EASTLEIGH v SOUTHAMPTON

SATURDAY 19^th JULY 2008

Pre-Season Friendly

By Jamie Montigue

Southampton brought a youthful side to the Silverlake Stadium on this fine afternoon, mainly due to the more senior squad members taking part in Claus Lundekvam's testimonial match against Celtic the night before.

Euro 2008 Polish striker, Marek Saganowski, and contract rebel, Nathan Dyer were the two most recognised names in the starting eleven for the Championship visitors; not that this in anyway was detrimental to the football on display.

The Spitfires could not have wished for a better start, taking the lead after a staggering nineteen seconds. The ball was worked over to the far side for Tony Taggart, who got the ball on to his left foot before picking out the perfect cross for JAMES BAKER to nod past the motionless Andrej Pernecky.

Jan Poortvliet and Mark Wotte's Saints in their 4-2-1-2-1 formation, did look dangerous at times with their one touch passing and attacking play, but for the most part Eastleigh held their own.

Dyer squeezed past Bird in the fourth minute only to be denied by a brave stop from Jason Matthews at his near post.

The Eastleigh number one produced an even better save on 11 minutes, after Jamie White picked up on Ashley Vickers' heavy touch to set Matthew Paterson to his right. The young Scottish striker pulled the trigger with a well-placed side foot effort but Matthews was more than equal to the attempt, tipping the ball around the post.

Just past the opening quarter of an hour, the game was still very open and entertaining with action at either end.

A quickly taken Tony Taggart free kick from deep, was played through into space behind the defence where Joseph Mills was struggling to hold off Baker, unfortunately for Eastleigh the ball bobbled through to Pernecky.

Back at the opposite end, Jamie White came close with a snapshot before Paterson's excellent running off the ball helped him to find space where he was then picked out by a pass from Dyer just a minute later. Paterson's attempted cross clipped the frame of the goal though Matthews between the sticks, was adjudged to have turned the ball on to the outside of the post to concede a corner.

Twenty minutes in, a free kick from Challis on the left hand side saw Vickers rise well to meet the delivery only to glance his header wide, one which was never in danger of testing Pernecky.

Six minutes later, Andy Harris caused a problem or two with a long throw that evaded several players inside a crowded penalty area with Southampton fortunate to have escaped without the ball being flicked goal-wards, as Pernecky gathered the loose ball.

Eastleigh deservedly doubled their lead in the 31^st minute. Taggart was involved once more as his lofted ball into the box was not dealt with by the Southampton defence allowing Tom Bird to poke the ball through to ANTHONY RIVIERE who slammed the ball home making no mistake from close range.

At this stage the Spitfires were looking very comfortable having rarely needed to get out of second gear, though the Saints were by no means finished yet as their best was yet to come.

Sure enough, NATHAN DYER pulled a goal back six minutes before the break with a cool finish as he broke down the left, cutting in from the flank and into the penalty area planting the ball beyond the reach of Matthews and into the corner of goal.

Dyer might have levelled things up just before half time as he was presented with a glorious opportunity. Saganowski brought the ball forward through the middle of the park to feed it through for White to his left. The ball broke free falling kindly for Dyer who could and probably should have had his second of the afternoon but only managed to fire wide with his left foot.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 2-1 Southampton

At the beginning of the second half, Neil Davies came on for Trevor Challis and sat in front of the back four with Luke Byles dropping into left back. Similarly, Southampton made a couple of changes with Callum McNish and Kayne McLaggon coming on to replace Marek Saganowski and Tom Dunford.

The Saints made a very bright start to the half and seemed to have upped their game and tempo somewhat from their first half display.

A minute in, a sublime exchange between Paterson and McLaggon saw the return ball fall for Paterson who hit it early only to be thwarted by Luke Byles, who threw himself in front of the shot for a vital block to save an otherwise certain goal.

Taggart tumbled under a challenge from McNish to win a free kick shortly after, though Andy Harris blasted high over the cross bar from the resulting set piece.

On 55 minutes, Saints worked an opening right from the very back. Pernecky played the ball short to Thomson who drove the ball down the touchline into the feet of White, who in turn flicked the ball exquisitely into the path of McLaggon. The young Welsh forward beat the offside trap and a short sprint found him with just Matthews to beat, but in the one on one situation, McLaggon could find the side netting only.

Aaron Milburn replaced James Baker in the Eastleigh attack two minutes short of the hour.

Saints were perhaps unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty kick a minute later as Neil Davies got away with tugging Jamie White's shirt inside the penalty area.

Further changes by Ian Baird saw two-time Blue Square South Golden Boot winner and scorer of 85 league and cup goals in three seasons at former club Havant and Waterlooville, turn out in Eastleigh colours for the first time as he came on for Matt Groves. Chris Mason also replaced Tom Bird in the double substitution.

Jake Thomson, who had taken the captain's arm band at the break, excelled himself for the visitors and in the 63^rd minute the 19-year-old set up the equalising goal from his superb, surging run out of defence. JAMIE WHITE controlled Thomson's pass on the edge of the area before swivelling and chipping the ball over the head of the helpless Matthews and into the net with a beautiful finish for 2-2.

Saints were beginning to create a lot of chances and were all of a sudden starting to overwhelm Eastleigh.

In the 69^th minute, MATTHEW PATERSON grabbed the Saints' third goal to overturn a two goal deficit. It was extremely well worked with McLaggon and White creating the chance with a smart one-two to provide a simple chance for Paterson to stab home.

Eastleigh made a further three changes towards the end of the game with Ashley Vickers making way for Aaron Martin, Adam Shepherd replacing Luke Byles and ten minutes from time Jack Sealy came on for Tony Taggart.

Riviere fired a half chance over the cross bar for Eastleigh whilst Paterson couldn't get his header on target from a McLaggon centre at the opposite end.

The game ended on a high note for the Spitfires as an embarrassing blunder from goalkeeper Pernecky, and American centre back Kyle Davies gifted CHRIS MASON with an 87^th minute equaliser.

All game Southampton had been playing the ball short to defenders and it really was a matter of time before Eastleigh could make something of it. Jack Sealy closed down well in front of goal and it was a combination of his pressure and the misunderstanding between goalkeeper and defender that the ball fell for Mason to slam home only his second senior goal for the club to bring this exciting pre-season friendly match to a close.

Our thanks to Southampton Football Club for turning out and to all of the supporters who I am sure will have been impressed with the afternoon's entertainment.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 3–3 Southampton

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

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Andover v Eastleigh - Glen Damen Testimonial

ANDOVER v EASTLEIGH

Tuesday 15^th July 2008

Pre-Season Friendly

By Jamie Montigue

This testimonial match for Andover stalwart Glen Damen, player of almost 400 appearances for the Portway Stadium club, began at a frantic pace with the hosts making the most of the lively opening.

Just four minutes into the game, Andover raced into an early lead through MICHAEL TURVEY.A long, diagonal ball forward from the half way line on the near side was sprayed across the pitch to perfection by Brynley McKie, where Turvey took control and did all the rest.

The winger cut inside from the left, taking on the back-pedalling Eastleigh right back Neil Davies, before planting a fine side-footed effort beyond Gareth Howells and into the bottom right hand corner of goal.

It might have been worse for Eastleigh and probably would have been were it not for a fantastic saving tackle from Peter Adeniyi, who denied the goalscorer Turvey the opportunity of doubling his tally four minutes later.

Chris Mason had a half-chance to put Eastleigh level on 10 minutes but couldn't make the most of it, before the youngster then made a good turn and early cross from the far side only for goalkeeper Dave Hook to claim well.

The next ten minutes saw both sides scrapping for possession and more of the ball in the air than on the deck. Neither side could find their passing rhythm for the time-being.

Spitfires summer signing JAMES BAKER found a 21^st minute equaliser. The build up to the goal wasn't the prettiest, in fact it was rather scrappy with Andover managing to keep out two or three previous attempts in a chaotic, goalmouth scramble before the ball eventually fell to Baker who found the net with a clinical strike.

Peter Adeniyi was forced to withdraw with half an hour played, as he picked up a knock before hobbling off gingerly. Anthony Riviere came on to replace Pete, slotting into the centre of midfield alongside Luke Byles, who perhaps was being played further up the field with the opening day of the season in mind where both Adeniyi and Riviere will be missing through suspension.

Six minutes before the break, Eastleigh now looking more like themselves again, the visitors came close to taking the lead. Aaron 'Spud' Martin's long ball forward from the back was brought down by Baker before being pulled back across goal though unfortunately, it was just a yard behind Tom Bird.

Chris Mason crossed for Bird a moment later, where the former Football Icon participant and Basingstoke left-sided player had a decent shot charged down and deflected for a corner.

Just before the break, Eastleigh in full flow once again, Aaron Milburn played a one-two with Byles and almost got on to the return ball, which Hook snuffed out racing off his line to save low down. Baker was also involved in the link up play and it was a shame it didn't lead to a goal going into half time.

HALF TIME: Andover 1-1 Eastleigh

At the start of the second half, Matt Groves came on for Baker to play alongside Milburn in the Eastleigh attack, and the ex-Dorchester and Lewes striker very nearly created a goal within minutes of his introduction. Knocking a good ball down for Anthony Riviere in front of goal, Groves presented the Spitfires with a further chance of going ahead, however the defending was brave and the shot charged down for a corner kick.

Sadly Glen Damen's final farewell to Andover came a little early as he came off in the 56^th minute to be replaced by Neil Champion.

Baird made a double substitution two minutes later with Tom Jordan taking over as captain from Ashley Vickers, and Tony Taggart coming on for Trevor Challis. Byles reverted to a more familiar defensive role at left back allowing his former Havant team mate and scorer of a sublime goal in Eastleigh's first pre-season friendly against Grays last Friday night, Taggart, to play in the centre of midfield.

Ben Buckland gifted Milburn with the ball on the near touchline on the hour mark and was fortunate his error did not cost his side a goal. Milburn's pass in search of Groves' run into the penalty area was a little heavy and the opportunity was gone.

Six minutes later, Neil Davies made way for Andy Harris.

Eastleigh survived a brief scare as Danny Sullivan's ferocious attempt with his left foot shaved the outside of Gareth Howell's near post and cannoned away to safety. This, following a well-crafted Andover move with neat interplay between the two forwards.

In the 72^nd minute Eastleigh got their just rewards for their pressure with ANDY HARRIS drilling a powerful free kick all the way through a crowd of players before sailing into the back of the net. It looked as though there might have been a deft touch from Tom Jordan who raised his hand in celebration, claiming the goal as his. Whoever the goal goes to, the most important thing for Eastleigh and Ian Baird was that they had finally gone in front and could now push on in attempt of killing the game off.

The chances came thick and fast for the Spitfires with Aaron Martin forcing an unbelievable save out of Hook with a close range volley, the Andover keeper somehow managing to keep the ball out. It was not long before Eastleigh had the ball in the back of the net however as just three minutes later, a Tony Taggart cross was turned home by AARON MARTIN to put Eastleigh 3-1 ahead.

Adam Shepherd made a brief appearance towards the end of the game coming on for the highly impressive trialist Tom Bird.

Five minutes from time, Anthony Riviere teed up Taggart playing the ball in from the right, where the midfielder struck the ball sweetly with a first time left-footed strike that came within inches of goal.

In a fantastic climax to this testimonial/pre-season friendly, CRAIG MARTIN, a former Eastleigh reserves right back now playing for Andover, made things even more interesting pulling a goal back with a phenomenal strike from 30 yards, that flew past Howells and into the net like a rocket.

With just two minutes to play, TOM JORDAN ensured his name was on the score sheet for certain, what with the debate about the second Eastleigh goal, as he stroked home his first ever goal for his new club from an unselfish pass by Groves.

FULL TIME: Andover 2-4 Eastleigh

Match pictures by Jamie Montigue

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New faces shine in first friendly

EASTLEIGH v GRAYS ATHLETIC

FRIDAY 11^th JULY 2008

Pre-Season Friendly

By Jamie Montigue

Eastleigh welcomed several new faces to the Silverlake Stadium for this first pre-season friendly, including summer signings Tom Jordan, Trevor Challis and strikers James Baker and Matt Groves.

Former Havant and Waterlooville FA Cup hero Tony Taggart was also in an Eastleigh shirt for the first time and marked the occasion with a stunning goal.

From last years squad only goalkeeper Jason Matthews, captain Andy Harris, midfielders Anthony Riviere and Peter Adeniyi made the starting line up with Luke Byles on the bench.

Blue Square Premier outfit Grays Athletic were the visitors for this warm up match, which proved to be a valuable run out for both sides and a thoroughly enjoyable match.

Ten minutes into the game, former Queens Park Rangers youngster Stefan Bailey sent across an awkward cross from the right touchline. Ashley Vickers cut the ball out with a key header at the cost of a corner kick.

Soon after, new recruit and former Weymouth full back Trevor Challis gave the ball away cheaply to Charlie Ide but managed to come away unscathed from the misjudgment. The Grays winger slightly over ran the ball with the assistant referee deeming the ball to have gone out of play before the pull back was made which was turned home into an unguarded net, only to be ruled out.

Eastleigh's first real chance came on seventeen minutes from an Andy Harris centre towards the target of James Baker who flung himself at the ball whilst closely marked, managing to flash a good header narrowly wide of the target.

Seven minutes later the Spitfires took the lead thanks in the main to a great assist from Baker. Rob Gier was caught in possession by the former Braintree Town striker Baker, who casually nipped the ball off the right back to the left of goal and then had the presence of mind to get into the box and roll an unselfish pass across goal to the near post. MATT GROVES was on hand to stab the ball home and put Ian Baird's side a goal up.

Jason Matthews had relatively little to do thus far, with the experienced back four of Challis, Jordan, Vickers and Harris in front of him, but was called upon on the half hour to make a decent stop from a Charlie Ide strike, which he smothered at the second attempt.

Barely a minute later, Eastleigh had doubled their lead with a strike right out of the top drawer. TONY TAGGART worked a bit of space out of nothing to create the opportunity before letting fly with a fine shot from all of 25 yards that flew past the goalkeeper Steve Arnold and into the net.

Eastleigh came close to extending their lead yet further ten minutes before the break. James Baker initially looked like he had missed the chance having swung a leg at the ball and missing it completely, but this air shot seemed to work in his favour fooling the Grays defence as Baker steadied himself for a second try. This time he made great contact and had Arnold scrambling across his goal with the effort that came just inches wide of goal.

The visitors had two late chances in the half, firstly from Danny Kedwell whose shot from just outside the box was tipped around the post by Matthews. Barry Cogan had an even better chance as he broke into the area finding himself with just Matthews to beat, who this time made an impressive stop with his legs to keep the ball out.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 2-0 Grays Athletic

During the break, Ian Baird took the opportunity to look at other options and introduced Luke Byles, 18-year-old academy left back Adam Shepherd and trialist Jerome Walker. The players making way were Trevor Challis, Ashley Vickers and James Baker.

Grays' left midfielder Alex Campana was causing a few problems down the left flank whilst Matt Bodkin, who came on at half time, was equally impressive down the right.

In the 52^nd minute, Campana – formerly of Watford, brought the ball in from the left taking on Andy Harris before forcing a fine save out of Matthews who was at full stretch to parry the ball away to safety.

17-year-old central midfielder Chris Mason, who captained the second team for the majority of last season and is another bright prospect from the successful Eastleigh College Academy, came on for Tom Bird, a trialist from Basingstoke Town, ten minutes into the second half. Mason operated in an unfamiliar role, that of right midfield and then later at right back but did extremely well and did not look out of place at this level.

Grays halved the deficit with a goal from ALEX CAMPANA in the 57^th minute. Matt Bodkin did all the hard work with a lovely run and cross from the right to pick out the run of Campana who had dashed to the far post to meet the cross with a header that went in off the underside of the cross bar.

Shortly after the hour mark, Eastleigh made two more changes with England Colleges Under 19's International centre back Aaron Martin replacing Tom Jordan in the heart of defence, and Matt Groves making way for 18-year-old Joe Maxwell, scorer of several goals for the reserves last season.

Eastleigh's final two changes saw Neil Davies come on for Anthony Riviere and 17-year-old attacker Aaron Milburn replace Andy Harris. Peter Adeniyi took the captain's arm band and continued to impress with his performance.

Milburn's first involvement was an excellent shot on target within seconds of entering the pitch. Walker hooked the ball to his right where Milburn was on to it in a flash with a powerful half volley that was hit low and well saved at the near post.

Eighteen minutes from time, Grays found an equaliser through JAMIE TAYLOR. Matt Bodkin was instrumental once more with a second assist. This time he had swapped wings with Campana and attacked Mason down the left flank before floating the perfect ball across goal. Bodkin's cross sat up nicely for Taylor who had a free header at the back post and was never likely to miss.

Danny Kedwell fired a free kick comfortably over the top from a good position in the 77^th minute and this proved to be Grays' last attacking threat of the game.

Two minutes from time, Chris Mason worked the ball down the line for Milburn whose low cross found Taggart lurking in the eighteen yard box. Taggart whose goal alone proved just what he is capable of and the ability that he has to offer, would have been very pleased with his all round performance tonight but on this occasion could only shoot straight at Arnold.

A great effort from both sides, with a lot of positives to be drawn in particular for Eastleigh's new signings and the talent that is coming through who look more than capable of holding their own this season in the first team squad if they continue to work hard.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2-2 Grays Athletic

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

Spitfires will parade Baker against Grays

- By Wendy Gee

Eastleigh fans will get a first look at new signing James Baker at home to Grays Athletic tonight (7.45pm) – even though the deal for the Braintree Town youngster has yet to be concluded.

As Baker is under 24, Braintree are entitled to a fee for the Essex-based striker, but the clubs can't agree a price and it will be left to a tribunal,” explained Eastleigh manager Ian Baird.

“We made Braintree an offer, which we believe to a very fair one based on what we see, but they've decided not to accept it.

“It's going to cost both clubs money for a tribunal – plus the incovenience of us having to take the day off work to go to London.”

After welcoming Baker, Tom Jordan, Trevor Challis and Matt Groves to the Silverlake, Eastleigh are in the process of making Havant & Waterlooville midfielder Tony Taggart their fifth summer signing.

It was former Hawks boss Baird who took the former Farnborough, Barnet and Weymouth player to Havant in December 2005 but, despite some decent performances and a return of five goals last season – including the FA Cup winner at Notts County – the Hawks have let him go.

“Tony has joined Eastleigh but he hasn't signed a contract yet,” Baird confirmed.

“I've known Taggs since he was 17 at Farnborough and he's always struck me as a good player.

“He can play in central midfield, left of a four or on the right.”

It's the sort of midfield versatility that Eastleigh are in need of with player/assistant boss David Hughes still recovering from knee/hand injuries and both Peter Adeniyi and Anthony Riviere suspended for the opening league game at Thurrock on August 9.

One face who will be missing against his old club Grays tonight is speedy, 21-year-old winger Mark Marshall, who is in the second week of trials with League One outfit Swindon Town.

Although Marshall has not travelled with the Robins on their pre-season trip to Austria, Baird reported: “I've heard he's done well in training but, like everyone, Swindon need to see players play and he's due to play a friendly for them tomorrow. We should know after that.”

Baird had initially said he would only allow the Jamaican-born wideman to spend a week at Swindon, but he said: “I'm not going to deny the lad the opportunity.

“He could play at that level and, if he impresses, then hopefully Swindon will come back with something.”

Marshall is under contract with Eastleigh until the end of the coming season, but there have been no discussions with Swindon yet about a possible fee.

2008/09 Blue Square South Fixtures

Eastleigh will start the new campaign with an away trip to Hakan Hayrettin's Thurrock on the opening day of the season, Saturday 9th August.

The first home game will be against Newport County on Tuesday 12th August.

To see the complete list of Eastleigh's Blue Square South fixtures for the coming season, click here.