Saints put five past poor Eastleigh

ST. ALBANS v EASTLEIGH

SATURDAY 30th AUGUST 2008
Blue Square South

Report by Ray Murphy

For the second time in a week, Eastleigh conceded five goals in a Blue Square South fixture. Unlike the previous week's encounter at Bromley though where the five goals against was a harsh reflection on the match, Saturday's five goal drubbing at St. Albans carried a completely different story with a highly disappointing Eastleigh performance.

Starting with the same eleven that had defeated Bognor Regis Town five days earlier, this time Eastleigh were on the defence from the kick off. Seemingly more eager the home side took only six minutes to open the scoring. Without a victory in their opening five fixtures St Albans were congratulating the acrobatics of striker Simon Martin who produced a spectacular overhead kick to send the ball beyond Jason Matthews into the back of the net after the Eastleigh defence had failed to clear a corner from the home side, despite several opportunities.

As play switched to the opposite end a minute later Tony Taggart's corner was headed back across goal by Tom Jordan but Matt Groves could only head the ball high into the arms of home goalkeeper Paul Bastock. On ten minutes St. Albans added a second. Bastock's long goalkick fell behind Jordan allowing Paul Hakim a run on goal simply lofting the ball over the advancing Matthews and into the net.

This was a below par performance and Eastleigh never looked like revering from the two goal deficit. On seventeen minutes from an Eastleigh corner Bastock only managed to palm the ball away to the edge of the box where Jamie Brown fired a shot low but wide of the target. Two minutes later James Baker sent in a cross from the right wing but Matt Groves was denied by the feet of Bastock.

The home side always looked as though they would add to their tally. On twenty-six minutes, Hassan Sulaiman cut inside the Eastleigh defence but shot straight at Matthews. Seven minutes later Simon Martin beat both Jordan and Trevor Challis in a jinking run but Matthews saved the striker's shot.

With thirty-nine minutes played a piece of play typically summed up the Eastleigh afternoon. Baker taking on a defender in the area was tackled but the ball rolled to Taggart who measured a cross into the six-yard box. Groves in space could only head the ball straight into the arms of Bastock. Groves was guilty of a tame shot a minute later, which again Bastock fielded.

St. Albans added their third goal on forty-two minutes. A left wing corner from Jonathan Hunt was met with a powerful header from skipper and defender Ben Martin giving Matthews no chance. As the Eastleigh afternoon of misery continued, in the second minute of first half stoppage time a free kick into the St Albans area was flicked on by Luke Byles, but Jordan only managed to loft the ball over the bar.

Baker did get the ball in to the back of the St Albans net in the sixth minute of the second half, but the effort was disallowed for offside. With sixty-eight minutes played and any remote chance of an Eastleigh comeback was halted. A misunderstanding between Challis and Matthews allowed Sulaiman to nip in between the two and delicately chip the ball over the top of Matthews and bounce into the net.

With the game over as a contest St Albans finished the scoring with nine minutes remaining. Substitute Gary Cohen accelerated past Aaron Martin before firing a low left foot drive past Matthews.

Cameron double not enough for reserves win

Eastleigh 2nd XI 2-2 Whyteleafe Res.
Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Fred Toomer, James Powell, Niall Bryant, Scott Gilham ©, Adam Shepherd, Arron Milburn, Adam Wiltshire, Williams Peauroux, Stephen Hall, Scott Waters, Leon Cameron

SUBS: Youssuf Bamba (on for Hall 58), Joe Crook (on for Wiltshire 80)

Match Report by Jamie Montigue

Scott Gilham re-signed for the club this past week having left Eastleigh last season for Winchester City.

The centre half made a welcome return to the Silverlake Stadium, at the heart of defence and captained the young Eastleigh side putting in a typically committed performance.

In midweek, Eastleigh made it three straight wins as they beat Basingstoke reserves by two goals to one. Paul Wiltshire's and Wayne Mew's side were looking to build on this form this afternoon.

Eastleigh went ahead after just two minutes. Right-back James Powell showed great vision to spray the ball out to his left with a delightful, flighted pass where left winger Stephen Hall provided the assist with a perfect low cross. LEON CAMERON rounded off the move with a neat finish in front of goal, this his third goal of the season.

Immediately, Freddie Toomer, who was man of the match by a long stretch in the 2-0 win over Metropolitan Police last Saturday, was called into action making an impressive diving save and holding on to the ball well.

In the 12^th minute, good play from Powell down the right saw his ball in to the box cut out well by the keeper at his near post.

The game was very evenly matched for a long period of time with either side cancelling each other out.

It wasn't until midway through the half, on 30 minutes that the next goalmouth action should happen, and with it came the equalising goal. A long ball forward from the back, saw the Whyteleafe number 9 beat Toomer with a lobbed finish from the edge of the area.

The visitors, now with the momentum, had a couple of other chances towards the end of the first half, in particular in the 40^th minute, which saw the ball slipped through behind the Eastleigh defence only for the man on the overlap to fire harmlessly high and wide from the opportunity.

Three minutes before the break, Adam Shepherd was first to a loose ball inside the visitors' half where he then controlled it before having a good go at goal from 35 yards and wasn't all that far away with the attempt.

Eastleigh looked to have taken the lead on the stroke of half time as Cameron skipped past a challenge twenty-yards out before shooting left-footed. It was too hot to handle for the keeper who spilled it straight to Waters who slammed home the rebound only for it to be ruled out for offside.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh Res. 1-1 Whyteleafe Res.

Scott Waters was denied by a brave piece of goalkeeping five minutes after the restart following a great ball from Steven Hall.

Two minutes short of the hour, Youssuf Bamba replaced Hall on the left of midfield.

Whyteleafe were then thwarted by a great save from Toomer, who tipped the ball over the cross bar from a stinging shot that was heading for the top corner of goal.

Eastleigh's Bamba combined with Peauroux with a good pull back from the left of the area. Williams Peauroux arrived in the middle with a well-timed run, hitting the ball first time with a good attempt but unfortunately watching his shot wide of goal.

Out of nothing, LEON CAMERON grabbed his second goal of the game with a very neat finish at the near post turning the ball across the goalkeeper and into the far corner to put Eastleigh in front in the 72^nd minute.

The visitors really should have hit back with an instant reply at the opposite end. Instead, the ball in from the right providing an open goal to shoot at for the striker running in, was somehow turned over from just five yards out. An unbelievable miss and embarrassing at that.

Adam Wiltshire had to replaced with ten minutes remaining having picked up a knock. Joe Crook took to the field to replace the midfielder.

A minute later Scott Waters appeared to be tripped a good couple of yards inside the penalty area, though the referee only awarded a free kick just outside the box.

Bamba stepped up but failed to trouble the keeper from 19 yards, blazing comfortably high over the target.

Whyteleafe were back in it six minutes from time as they finished off from a fine through ball, the shot being smashed home leaving Toomer no chance.

It still wasn't quite over as Eastleigh had more chances to win it. Cameron was very unfortunate to be denied a hat trick from his speculative snapshot that tested the keeper to the limit with a powerful effort to the left of goal.

Eastleigh also struck the woodwork from a corner before Cameron's glancing header went just wide of goal from an Adam Shepherd cross.

In injury time, Williams Peauroux's ferocious strike from distance was far too powerful for the keeper to hold on to though fortunately for the visitors, the ball was cleared to safety and it remained all square despite Eastleigh having far more chances to put the game to rest.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh Res. 2-2 Whyteleafe Res.

Vickers joins Newport County on loan

Centre back Ashley Vickers who joined the Spitfires in March 2008 from Blue Square Premier side Weymouth, has completed a loan move to Dean Holdsworth's Newport County.

Dave Malone confirmed the news about the highly experienced 36-year-old and also revealed the possibility of a player coming in.

"We can confirm that Ashley Vickers has gone on loan to Newport County for an initial 3 month period.

We can also confirm that we are negotiating with another player, with a view to him joining us(with luck) early next week."

Eastleigh score Bognor double

EASTLEIGH v BOGNOR REGIS TOWN

MONDAY 25th AUGUST 2008
Blue Square South

By Jamie Montigue

On this August bank holiday Monday, the Spitfires came up against Mick Jenkins' Bognor Regis Town.

Prior to the main event, the supporters of either side did battle on the astro turf behind the pitch and it was Eastleigh who came out on top in a thrilling encounter, winning by 7 goals to 6.

This proved to be a good omen for Ian Baird's Eastleigh.

One man who is definitely no stranger to the Silverlake Stadium is Danny Smith who returned to face his former club, in the light blue of Bognor. The former Winchester FA Vase winning skipper and the midfielder who captained the Spitfires to successive promotions in recent years made a welcome return. Even after leaving the club as a player, Danny is still heavily involved in the thriving Football in the Community department with Eastleigh.

Following the off-colour 5-1 defeat at the hands of Bromley on Saturday, a result that saw a previously 100 per cent record tarnished in a bad day at the office, the Spitfires were out to set the record straight and prove it was just a blip.

Eastleigh also lost key players to injury in the weekend defeat including losing skipper Andy Harris, and new loanee Matt Bodkin.

Aaron Martin was handed his first league start in the Blue Square South, the young defender slotting in at right back adding extra height to the back four.

In the second minute of the game, Eastleigh won a free kick around 30-yards from goal as Scott Bolderson was penalised for a hand ball. Tony Taggart blasted the ball towards goal with an extremely good effort, that needed an important touch from the goalkeeper James Lester, to keep it out.

A minute later, Eastleigh could and probably should have taken the lead as Jamie Brown missed an excellent chance with a free header at the back post from a Taggart corner but got it all wrong.

Still in the opening five minutes, Eastleigh were taking the game to Bognor and setting the pace as they forced another corner kick with Peter Adeniyi's speculative effort from range forcing a corner as Lester punched over the cross bar.

The Rocks were still feeling the intense early pressure and it took a top drawer save to deny Tom Jordan his first goal for the club with a brilliant header that looked destined for goal.

A goal was just around the corner as Eastleigh eventually made their dominance pay dividends, breaking the deadlock in the fourteenth minute. JAMES BAKER pounced on a loose ball inside the Bognor penalty area and took full advantage planting a splendid half volley across goal and into the far corner. A beautiful strike with his weaker left foot to open the scoring in style.

It wasn't until the seventeenth minute of the game that the visitors really tested Jason Matthews. Bognor's first effort on goal coming courtesy of a Paul Watson free kick that was hit straight down the middle but bounced awkwardly in front of the Eastleigh stopper, who read it well to make a decent stop.

Tony Taggart forced a save out of Lester as he cut in from the left before pulling the trigger with his right, only to be denied at the near post.

Taggart came close from another free kick midway through the half, but his low drive provided little test for the keeper.

A neat interchange between Anthony Riviere and Taggart on 34 minutes, saw the latter make a good run in behind the defence, though his shot was straight at Lester.

The final action of the half saw Aaron Martin come so close to a headed goal. Rising at the far post and getting an excellent header on target, Martin's effort had the keeper beaten but was thwarted by a well placed defender on the goal line who made a great clearance to save a certain goal.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 1-0 Bognor Regis

Eastleigh began to lose their grip slightly with a couple of mistimed challenges, firstly from Aaron Martin, who was booked, and more costly from Luke Byles who was otherwise in commanding form at the heart of the defence winning so many headers alongside Tom Jordan but gave away a free kick in a dangerous position nine minutes into the half.

Mick Jenkins' side made the Spitfires pay for this one, as PAUL WATSON went directly for goal from the centrally placed set piece, 30 or so yards from goal, and found the net and the equaliser with a fine strike curling the ball left-footed beyond the outstretched arms of Matthews.

There appeared to be a few disagreements between a couple of players in the Eastleigh defence, as, with the scores now level, the visitors had a chance to go one better.

A cross by Paul Hinshelwood found Joe Gatting in the middle whose looping header flew narrowly over goal.

It was just two minutes later that Eastleigh hit back with a quick reply to restore the lead. James Baker held the ball up perfectly before playing the killer ball to the edge of the area with the lay off to find TONY TAGGART. The former Havant & Waterlooville cup hero needed no second invitation to have a go at goal, which is exactly what he did thumping the ball with venom into the top corner.

Luke Byles ran into trouble soon after the goal, taking the ball across his own goalmouth with perhaps one too many touches. The defender fortunate in escaping with just a throw in to Bognor and nothing more.

Play-maker Taggart found Baker to his right with 70 minutes on the clock, and the scorer of Eastleigh's first goal hit it well first time and was unlucky not to have hit the target.

David Hughes was back in first team action for the first time this season as he replaced Jamie Brown with eighteen minutes remaining.

Bognor's number 9, Joe Gatting produced a splendid save out of Matthews in the 75^th minute with a good turn and spin on the edge of the area to get the better of Tom Jordan, before shooting and being denied by an even better stop.

Referee Justin Amey of Bournemouth gave Rocks' goalkeeper James Lester his marching orders for a tussle with Matt Groves that led to violent conduct on the Eastleigh striker. Lester looked to have wrestled the former Dorchester and Lewes forward to the ground with excess force leaving the referee no choice but to display the red card.

The visitors now down to ten men, matters were made worse by the fact that they didn't have a recognised goalkeeper on the bench. This led to outfield player Sam Pearce taking the gloves and seeing out the rest of the game between the sticks.

Bognor certainly rallied and were playing with good spirit during the last ten minutes, so much so it was hard to tell at times which team were a man down.

Jason Matthews had to be on his guard to produce another good save to deny Paul Watson from a free kick, tipping the ball around the post.

Eastleigh did enough in the end to secure the three points and put the blip of the Bromley defeat behind them.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2-1 Bognor Regis

Match pictures by Jamie Montigue

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Spitfires suffer setback

BROMLEY v EASTLEIGH

SATURDAY 23rd AUGUST 2008
Blue Square South

Report by Ray Murphy

Do not read too much into this scoreline, few present in the 466 attendance would argue that the final result reflected very little on the ninety minutes played. Eastleigh paraded new loan signing Matt Bodkin from Grays Athletic and with the wingers assistance, pegged the home side back for the opening twenty-five minutes.

Eastleigh forced fourteen corners in the opening half hour but somehow left the field at half time trailing by two goals. Inside the opening five minutes following a sustained spell of pressure, James Baker had a measured shot saved by home goalkeeper Gareth Williams. Despite the early Eastleigh pressure some lapses in the Eastleigh defence gave Bromley the better goalscoring chances. One such slip on eleven minutes from the normally reliable skipper Andy Harris, saw Anthony Joseph get in behind the Eastleigh defence but his low drive to the left of Jason Matthews saw the Eastleigh stopper produce a good save.

Tom Jordan had a header from a Tony Taggart corner on thirteen minutes just off target then a minute later, Harris’ short corner to Bodkin saw a dipping shot into the top corner pushed over by the back pedalling Williams. The Eastleigh pressure continued, a Harris long throw was half cleared allowing Taggart to produce a shot that flew just wide.

Midway through the first half, a long clearance from Matthews was flicked on by Matt Groves falling into the path of former Bromley midfielder Peter Adeniyi, but his effort was not good enough to beat Williams. Taggart played another ball into Groves whose lay off saw Anthony Riviere fire just wide of the goal.

Another warning for Eastleigh came on twenty eight minutes when Harris’ short back pass allowed Joseph another run on goal but Matthews was out to save at the feet of Joseph. A minute later though Eastleigh were behind. With Bromley relying on quick counter attacks, one such break saw them switch flanks allowing Mark Corneille, unmarked to clip the ball over the advancing Matthews.

Eastleigh were visibly shocked. Worse was to follow for them on the stroke of half time Warren McBean saw his effort saved by Matthews, Nic McDonnell’s shot struck the bar and fell for Corneille to head the ball home for Bromley's second goal.

For the second period Eastleigh were without Harris who had to be replaced owing to an Achilles, which meant a switch in positions for Anthony Riviere, a move that had to be reversed for Riviere fourteen minutes into the second period when Bodkin limped away from the action after a heavy challenge. By this time though Eastleigh were further in debit with one of their old boys McBean producing a close range shot that was too powerful for Matthews to prevent crossing the line. After fifty one minutes, Matthews having to be alert to prevent Joseph adding a fourth two minutes later and then immediately seeing an attempt from McDonnell hitting the back of the net but disallowed for offside.

Bromley substitute Danny Hockton piled on the misery when with his first touch of the ball looped a shot over Matthews for goal number four on sixty-six minutes - a clinical finish, then eleven minutes on Hockton took his time to compose himself before delicately lifting a shot beyond Matthews and goal number five after the Eastleigh defence were the victim of over playing the ball out of defence.

Adeniyi headed home a cross from Trevor Challis ten minutes from the end of the match but as it was the fortune of Eastleigh for the afternoon, another assistant's flag saw the ‘goal’ disallowed for an offside decision. This was then followed by a Jamie Brown header from a Taggart cross well saved by Williams and then Riviere fired wide when well placed.

It was the second minute of stoppage time that Groves did manage to get Eastleigh on the score sheet, good work from Adeniyi allowed the ball to run to Groves to prod the ball over the line for a mere consolation.

Toomer on form in reserves win

Eastleigh 2nd XI 2-0 Metropolitan Police Res.
Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Fred Toomer, James Powell, Aaron Martin ©, Nick Lane, Adam Shepherd, Martin Thomas, Adam Wiltshire, Nick Watt, Arron Milburn, Scott Waters, Joe Maxwell

SUBS: Sam Doswell (on for Shepherd), Niall Bryant (on for Lane), Alex Easton (on for Maxwell)

Match Report by Jamie Montigue

On the back of Monday night's 4-1 win, when Paul Wiltshire and Wayne Mew's side was boosted by the presence of first team players such as David Hughes, Ashley Vickers and Gareth Howells, Eastleigh's second string were back at the Silverlake Stadium this afternoon taking on Metropolitan Police reserves.

In the seventh minute, Arron Milburn ran through the middle of the park unattended where he then spread the play wide to Scott Waters on his right. The striker let the ball run across his body before forcing a good save out of the keeper for a corner kick.

There were several knocks and injuries throughout the half adding to the injury time, the first of which, saw Eastleigh centre back Nick Lane in need of medical attention as he took a knock in the process of bringing down his marker and conceding a free kick.

The visitors' first chance saw their right winger get in behind Nick Watt but fire wide of goal in the twelfth minute.

At first glance it looked as though Eastleigh had taken the lead just past the opening quarter of an hour as Martin Thomas' free kick to the back post was headed back into the middle for Scott Waters to try his luck with a free header. The ball was pushed on to the cross bar and came back down, at which point the net bulged but this was most likely caused by the keeper who stumbled backwards, just managing to keep the ball out on the line.

Ten minutes later, Met. Police came close with a header from a corner, one that glanced across the face of goal before Eastleigh could clear their lines and start their own attack.

In the very next phase of play, at the opposite end of the pitch, Eastleigh helped themselves to the lead through a well-taken NICK WATT strike. Watt picked up the ball in the penalty area and made no mistake as he dragged the ball on to his right foot, picking his spot and planting a shot beyond the keeper and low into the corner of goal.

Immediately Eastleigh had another opportunity with a Thomas cross finding Waters in space who threw himself at the ball with a diving header and was unlucky to see his effort go comfortably wide of the target.

There was a further break in play as the skipper Aaron Martin and midfielder Adam Wiltshire collided, and, not long after, a Met. Police defender had to receive treatment for a cut to the eye.

The visitors had the better of the rest of the half, with good chances to pull level.

Two minutes after the half hour, the Met. Police number 8 blazed high over the cross bar picking up on the loose ball and hitting it first time from 20 yards out from Adam Shepherd's half clearance.

They had an even better chance when the same player played an excellent through ball for his striker who really should have done better with the flag staying down. Finding himself clean through on goal, one on one with Toomer, the number 9's shot ballooned up and over the cross bar.

In the last minute of normal time at the end of the first half, the Met. Police number 10 was through this time with only the keeper to beat though he found stiff opposition in the form of Toomer who stood tall and made a great save with his legs at the edge of his area.

The final action of the half in the last minute of injury time, saw Toomer keep Eastleigh in it once more with a superb reaction save. The referee ignored his assistant's flag and play continued with the ball coming across and the header from point blank range being kept out.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh Res. 1-0 Metropolitan Police Res.

Eastleigh were by far the slowest out of the blocks at the start of the second half but eventually picked themselves up.

Adam Wiltshire couldn't keep his shot down with around five minutes played but at least it was an attempt after a lot of pressure from the visitors early on.

Young Eastleigh stopper, Toomer continued his fine display showing a safe pair of hands once again to keep out a powerful attempt from the Met. Police winger, who had got past his marker before shooting from a tight angle out on the right.

Eastleigh made two changes midway through the half with defenders Sam Doswell and Niall Bryant coming on for Adam Shepherd and Nick Lane.

The Met. Police enjoyed a further good spell of possession and won four successive corner kicks at one stage keeping Eastleigh on the back foot as they sought out an equaliser.

Toomer tipped around his near post soon after, to keep his clean sheet in tact, whilst Eastleigh struggled to deal with another corner and made hard work of clearing the ball to safety.

Eastleigh's third and final substitution saw Alex Easton replace Joe Maxwell in attack.

Waters leaning back, failed to trouble the goalkeeper from the edge of the penalty box from Easton's knock down.

A Metropolitan Police free kick was arched around the wall effectively from 25 yards but Toomer used his hands well to pick up on the bounce in the closing stages.

The Spitfires youngsters added a second to double their lead out of nothing towards the end of the game. A superb diagonal, cross-field pass from Arron Milburn picked out Nick Watt on the far side to precision. Eastleigh's goal scorer from the first half, attacked the full back well before splitting the defence in two with a killer final pass to the back post for SCOTT WATERS to apply the finishing touch sliding home from 5 yards.

Watt almost added a third with virtually the last kick of the game as he curled one from range just past the far post.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh Res. 1-0 Metropolitan Police Res.

Loan Arrival

Eastleigh have today captured the loan signing of Grays Athletic striker/winger Matt Bodkin until the end of January 2009.

The Spitfires faithful will no doubt be familiar with the name after the former Welling United man impressed playing on loan for Thurrock last season.

On the final day of the league season, Bodkin scored two goals in the 4-1 win over Eastleigh to end any chance of a place in the playoffs.

Matt also put on a show in the pre-season friendly last month when Blue Square Premier side Grays came to the Silverlake Stadium in the 2-2 draw.

Coming off the bench and playing on the right of midfield, Bodkin helped his side back into the game with two excellent assists.

It is thought that Ian Baird's latest capture will feature in tomorrow's showdown with Bromley at Hayes Lane, 3pm kick off when Eastleigh will be looking to maintain their 100% start to the new campaign.

Hughes on comeback trail

Eastleigh 2nd XI 4-1 Ash United Res.
Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Gareth Howells, Martin Thomas, Aaron Martin, Ashley Vickers (c), Adam Shepherd, Arron Milburn, David Hughes, Jamie Brown, Nick Watt, Tom Clarke, Leon Cameron

SUBS: Joe Maxwell (on for Cameron 52), Williams Peauroux (on for Watt 52), Jamie Powell (on for Brown 78)

Match Report by Jamie Montigue

David Hughes is on the mend from his injury setback as he completed a full 90 minutes for the reserves this evening, typically pulling the strings from midfield and producing some fine passes.

Paul Wiltshire and Wayne Mew were boosted with a number of first team squad members in their line up. Goalkeeper Gareth Howells, centre back Ashley Vickers, who skippered, midfielder Jamie Brown, who is still yet to play a full game since his own injury set back and is being eased back in gently, and new signing Tom Clarke who signed last week having previously played for Dorchester Town, all put in good performances and helped to aid the younger players around them.

Eastleigh took the lead in the 21st minute after a fairly well-balanced opening to the game.

The goal came about from a Howells drop kick, which Clarke rose well to head out to the right flank for Arron Milburn to cross first time from the byline. Centre forward LEON CAMERON took full advantage of the service providing an excellent finishing touch, his effort beating the keeper all ends up and going in off the post.

Three minutes later, LEON CAMERON added another to his tally for the night with an equally impressive goal. Looping the ball up and over the head of his marker, Leon beat the next man before volleying the ball goalwards from 8 yards. The keeper reacted well to keep out the initial strike but like all good forwards Cameron followed in his own shot to grab both his and Eastleigh's second goal of the game. A fine individual effort.

Completing a sensational six minutes, in which time the Spitfires helped themselves to three goals, AARON MARTIN was the next to get himself on the scoresheet. Nick Watt's corner from the near side saw the centre back meet the delivery with a powerful header at the back post to put further daylight between the two sides.

Tom Clarke came close with a couple of speculative efforts from range before the visitors pulled one back.

Eight minutes before the break, Eastleigh were undone by an Ash United long ball. Gareth Howells was caught in no man's land in his penalty area and the Ash number 10 capitalised with a first time finish to lob the ball over the keeper and into the net.

Just before half time, Nick Watt forced a fine save out of the Ash United keeper with a good effort on the far side.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh Res. 3-1 Ash United Res.

Eastleigh made a couple of changes with Joe Maxwell and Williams Peauroux replacing two-goal Leon Cameron and Nick Watt respectively in the 52nd minute.

In the early stages of the second half, Tom Clarke showed that he is far from scared of having a go at goal from distance. Two or three times, the young forward was not far away from finding the target.

Joe Maxwell fired over the bar following an excellent through ball from left back Adam Shepherd just after the hour mark.

Aaron Martin may well have restored the three-goal cushion as he was presented with a free header from a Clarke corner but didn't manage to test the keeper on this occasion, heading narrowly wide.

In the 74th minute, Eastleigh made it 4-1 through JOE MAXWELL. Peauroux's shot from 25 yards was spilled by the keeper into the path of Clarke to the left of the 18-yard box. Sending over a telling cross, Clarke found Maxwell with precision to provide the assist, the ball sitting up perfectly for the young striker to slam home side-footed, on the volley.

The Spitfires went down to 10 men, three minutes later as Martin Thomas picked up his second yellow card to be given his marching orders.

Despite being a man down, Eastleigh had the better chances in the closing stages with Peauroux having a shot cleared off the goalline and Maxwell coming close in injury time.

A good win and most importantly for Ian Baird, who was in attendance with First Team Coach Matt Gray, would have been to see David Hughes get a full game under his belt.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh Res. 4-1 Ash United Res.

Spitfires fry the Fish

EASTLEIGH v FISHER ATHLETIC

TUESDAY 12th AUGUST 2008
Blue Square South

By Jamie Montigue

Eastleigh continued their 100% start to the new campaign with their third successive victory and, for the second match in a row scoring three goals.

Leroy Griffiths made his Spitfires debut having linked up with former boss Ian Baird in an unlikely reunion this week, this after the well-documented falling out at Havant and Waterlooville early last season.

The experienced 31-year-old came straight into the starting eleven against one of his former teams as the only change from the midweek win over Newport County replacing Mark Marshall, now of Swindon Town in League One.

Young striker Tom Clarke also joined this week from Dorchester Town and started on the bench.

The game started very unfortunately for Fisher's Lawrence Yiga. The tall centre forward clashed with one of his own players and suffered concussion forcing the visitors into an early change.

After a scrappy opening to the game, it was perhaps Fisher who had the better of the play to begin with.

In the 13^th minute, Jeff Goulding pushed a good ball through for Anwah Jones to chase where Tom Jordan had to step in and clear for a corner to cut out the danger.

Two minutes later, Luke Hickie played the ball down the line to Damien Batt whose cross into the box found Jeff Goulding at the near post. Goulding, presented with a good chance, got his feet in a tangle and the opportunity was gone with Eastleigh lucky to escape without damage.

For a good quarter of an hour to twenty minutes, there was a distinct lack of cutting edge and tempo from Eastleigh with not one shot or attempt at goal for such a long time it seemed, when the game suddenly took a turn for the better on the half hour.

Tony Taggart's pinpoint cross from the right, having beaten his man and getting on to his left foot, picked out JAMES BAKER beautifully who glanced an excellent header across the goalkeeper and into the corner of goal to break the deadlock.

The goal brought much needed impetus to the hosts play and suddenly the game had livened up.

Eastleigh went on to win two corners in a row as Anthony Riviere's cross was headed behind by Andy Sambrook.

Tom Jordan was shoved to the ground by Goulding towards the end of the half after the former Hawks captain confronted the player about a foul on Peter Adeniyi. The referee spoke to both of his assistants about the incident but bewilderingly kept his cards in his pocket much to the disbelief of Baird and his coaching staff.

Five minutes before the break Baker was booked for a typical striker's challenge on Gavyn Dayes for which he received a yellow card despite the defender appearing to make the most of it and going down in slow-motion.

In the second minute of time added on at the end of the half, Fisher's Scott Gooding chipped the ball in for Goulding who wanted to bring the ball down though his control got the better of him and the chance went away.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 1–0 Fisher Athletic

Eastleigh had visibly shifted up a gear since the break and immediately looked sharper and more hungry to win the game.

A fine dribble and cross from Taggart showed good creativity to open up the Fisher defence in the penalty area but there was no white shirt at the back post to get on the end of it.

The re-doubled efforts had paid off as on 50 minutes, Eastleigh doubled their lead with a second goal. Tony Taggart's surging run through the middle of park saw the former Havant midfielder leave his marker trailing in his shadow before getting his shot away.

Simon Overland in the Fisher goal couldn't hold on to the ball and parried it kindly for PETER ADENIYI who was on hand to tap home his first goal of the season.

Tom Jordan came within a whisker of making it three a moment later as he blasted the ball on the half volley from the edge of area. The commanding centre half's powerful attempt took a slight deflection to earn a corner ball, the chance coming about as Jordan pounced on a stray ball after Baker had tried to find a way into the box.

A bizarre one-two between Andy Harris and Tony Taggart from a corner saw Taggart badly slice it back out to the wing unintentionally. The Eastleigh skipper picked up the return ball and his cross went just behind and out for a goal kick.

Jamie Brown replaced James Baker on 53 minutes, and the combative midfielder took to the field in an attacking role alongside the extremely hard-working Matt Groves, who both played together at Dorchester Town for several seasons.

Brown played a good early ball into Riviere soon after coming on. Riviere's low shot however, was smothered by the goalkeeper.

A minute before the hour, a low cross from the left by Trevor Challis found it's way to Jamie Brown who did very well to get past his man but unfortunately couldn't find the finish.

The Spitfires continued a good spell of dominance with Taggart turning Mark Wright completely inside out with yet more nifty footwork before placing a superb ball across the face of goal. Gavyn Dayes sliced behind at the far post, narrowly evading an own goal.

Chris Mason replaced Leroy Griffiths with fifteen minutes to play, the latter enjoying his first action in the white of Eastleigh, although the best is yet to come once the new signing can build up his match sharpness.

Eastleigh kept the visitors in their own half for large parts of the second half and made sure of the win with a third goal twelve minutes from time. ANTHONY RIVIERE scored his second goal in as many games having been played in by Taggart and firing into the corner of goal with his left foot to put one over his former club with a good run into the middle and a lovely finish with his left foot.

Jamie Brown chased a lost cause to win the ball and possession close to the corner flag, where he then delivered a cross that was only just behind Groves, who still managed to get a header to it that spun off harmlessly.

Another three points secured, as Eastleigh move up to third in the table. It is far too early to be worrying about league standings at this early stage but continuing in this vein winning games, will do us no harm at all.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 3–0 Fisher Athletic

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

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Griffiths joins Spitfires

Following Mark Marshall's move to the football league with Swindon Town on Wednesday, the Spitfires have captured the signing of experienced 31-year-old forward Leroy Griffiths.

An official club statement read as follows: "Eastleigh FC can confirm that we have signed Leroy Griffiths from Gillingham on a non-contract basis.

Leroy trained with the first team squad last night, and will be available for selection for our home game with Fisher Athletic on Saturday (ko 3.00pm)."

This news means an unexpected reunion for Ian Baird with the man who he fell out with whilst at former club Havant and Waterlooville.

Despite the pair's differences Baird credited Leroy on contacting him and is very much a fan of the strikers ability on the pitch.

The Eastleigh boss was quoted in the Daily Echo today: "He's been big enough and brave enough to get in contact with me and say he'd love to come and play at Eastleigh.

"Marshy was the one player we had with genuine, electric pace and Leroy is as quick as anything," he said.

Winger bows out in Newport win

EASTLEIGH v NEWPORT COUNTY

TUESDAY 12th AUGUST 2008
Blue Square South

Report by Jamie Montigue

Mark Marshall tonight played his last ever game for the Spitfires ahead of his switch to the Football League with League One side Swindon Town.

Eastleigh were boosted by the return from suspension of midfield duo Anthony Riviere and Peter Adeniyi who were the only changes from the winning side at Thurrock on Saturday.

Dean Holdsworth's side meanwhile were on the back of a 4-1 defeat at the hands of newly promoted AFC Wimbledon, and Ian Baird's former colleague at Havant & Waterlooville, came to the Silverlake Stadium tonight to try and bounce back from this early set-back.

The Spitfires started the game brightly with a free kick from Trevor Challis being flicked on into the danger area by Matt Groves before County's Phil Walsh could intervene with an acrobatic interception to clear the visitors' lines.

A minute later, Anthony Riviere rushed into the penalty box, where he connected with a ball in from the left flank only to be denied at point blank range from goalkeeper Glyn Thompson who reacted very quickly to keep out the attempt and an otherwise certain goal.

Newport County's first attack of note came in the sixth minute, when Andy Harris made a hash of clearing the ball, swinging and missing where Richard Evans could pick up on the loose ball to set Rob Duffy to his right. The ex-Oxford United striker tried to catch out Jason Matthews with an audacious and clever chip from 10 yards, but Matthews reacted well tipping the ball onto the cross bar and fortunately behind for a corner kick.

With both sides having goalscoring opportunities and coming close within the opening minutes of the game, Eastleigh's first home game of the 2008/9 season in the Blue Square South, began with a lively opening with end to end action.

Tony Taggart was causing a problem or two down the right flank with his quick footwork and use of both feet always leaving the defender on the back foot. Swindon-bound Marshall was also determined to put on a performance and showed signs of real quality at times, on the opposite wing attacking down the left.

Eastleigh took a 22^nd minute lead, somewhat fortuitously as Andy Harris' free kick from inside his own half was turned into the net by Phil Walsh for an OWN GOAL. The striker finding himself doing far more harm than good in helping back defending this set piece, leaving Thompson bewildered and flat-footed as the ball rolled over the line past the helpless keeper much to the delight of the Eastleigh support.

In response, County rallied briefly but failed to force a save out of Matthews, despite a decent opportunity to do so in the 24^th minute from a well delivered free kick. The ball in was crying out for an end product at the back post, but was dragged shamelessly wide.

With half an hour on the clock, Eastleigh looked to have doubled their lead through Tony Taggart, who brought the ball forward and into the box from a neat James Baker knock down, before squeezing the ball past the keeper and into the goal. Sadly, the flag was up and the goal didn't stand.

Trevor Challis made an early exit from the game being replaced by Ashley Vickers in the 37^th minute due to an injury sustained earlier in the game, believed to be a bruised thigh.

Five minutes before the break, the Spitfires extended their lead to 2-0 through a well-placed Matthews long ball that saw a static Newport back line totally unprepared for dealing with the potential threat of the situation. ANTHONY RIVIERE reacted quickest in getting to the ball first and planted a beautiful strike beyond the keeper, picking out the top corner from the edge of the penalty area having steadied himself for the shot, and picking his spot. A great goal.

Just when things were looking rosy and comfortable, Eastleigh conceded a goal at the worst possible time – in the final minute of the half. In similar fashion to Riviere's goal, route one football from the visitors saw Thompson pump the ball long from which, the ball was helped into the path of KEVIN COOPER who stroked the ball home seemingly effortlessly with a smart side-footed shot to slot past Matthews.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 2-1 Newport County

Two minutes after the break Newport skipper, Adie Harris blazed high over the cross bar after appeals for a penalty were turned down. The away fans and players alike clearly believed they had reason to shout when the ball appeared to strike the hand of Tom Jordan.

In the 52^nd minute, Riviere tried his luck just outside the area connecting well with a powerful low drive, which took a heavy deflection off a Newport defender and with it the pace of the ball. Luckily for Thompson, the County stopper was well positioned this time and was able to prevent the same result as the first goal of the game.

Peter Adeniyi squandered a great opportunity to restore the two-goal cushion two minutes later, as Andy Harris' long throw on from the left evaded everyone to present the tall midfielder with a chance to get his name on the score sheet on his return. However, Peter somehow missed from just five yards poking the ball wide of the post.

Marshall was beginning to come into his own with sublime skill on the wing, always lively and posing danger to the Newport full back each time he got the ball.

It was the pacey wide-man who created Eastleigh's third goal in the 64^th minute. Sending in a low cross from the left, MATT GROVES was on hand to turn the ball in at the near post for his first competitive goal for the club showing real striker's instinct in the six-yard-box.

Eastleigh continued to dominate proceedings with James Baker coming close shortly after Groves' goal, nodding just wide of the post having rose well to meet an Andy Harris corner.

In the 68^th minute, Tony Taggart and Anthony Riviere worked the ball well down the right hand side to set up Groves in the centre, who poked the ball goal wards from a tight angle only for the keeper to watch the effort flash across goal where it was then cleared to safety

Andy Harris went for goal with a free kick on the left five minutes later, but from twenty-plus yards the Eastleigh captain fired low into the side netting.

Into the final ten minutes, Newport County got a timely second goal to set up a tense finale.

It was extremely well-worked with several passes strung together down the right, DANNY ROSE was involved heavily in the build up and rounded off an excellent team move with a fine finish into the corner of goal for 3-2.

Eastleigh had just one more chance before the game was up, this coming from wonderful footwork by Tony Taggart. Great feet, and a sharp turn in tight space, saw the former Havant midfielder work room for the shot but fired the ball straight at the keeper with his left foot.

Newport were now throwing everything at their opponents in a desperate attempt to salvage a point, though the closest they came was two minutes from time, when the goalscorer and former Manchester United midfielder, Danny Rose watched his cross land on the roof of the net.

Managing to hang in there with some solid defending towards the end, Eastleigh fully deserved the three points, their second in four days to keep up the great start to the new season.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 3-2 Newport County

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

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Marshall on brink of Swindon switch

Eastleigh star set for League One switch

- By Wendy Gee

EASTLEIGH winger Mark Marshall is on the brink of a dream move to League One outfit Swindon Town.

Following interest from AFC Bournemouth last week, Swindon boss Maurice Malpas has come back to the Spitfires with a firm - but, as yet, undisclosed - offer for the 21-year-old, which Eastleigh have accepted in principle.

Figures have been agreed and, providing negotiations continue to run smoothly, it is hoped the deal will be concluded tomorrow.

If the move does come to fruition, Marshall would become the second Eastleigh winger sold to a Football League club this year following Damian Scannell's £5,000 move to Southend United in January.

The pacy wideman recently impressed on a three-week trial at Swindon and, on his return to Eastleigh, picked up the man of the tournament award at the Errea South West Challenge Cup in north Devon.

Eastleigh boss Ian Baird confirmed: "Maurice Malpas rang me yesterday morning with an official offer.

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"We desperately don't want to lose Marshy, but we're not going to stand in the lad's way if the offer is right."

Spitfires' director of football David Malone added: "In principle we've accepted Swindon's offer but nothing will be done until Wednesday at the earliest."

Marshall will make what could be his last appearance in an Eastleigh shirt at home to Newport County tonight (7.45).

Baird snubs Bournemouth's loan offer for Marshall

Eastleigh turn down Cherries' plan for Marshall

- By Wendy Gee

EASTLEIGH have turned down AFC Bournemouth's request to loan winger Mark Marshall with a view to making him a permanent Cherries signing.

The 21-year-old spent two days with the Dean Court outfit last week before featuring for Eastleigh in Saturday's 1-0 Blue Square South victory at Thurrock.

But though the Cherries are keen to see more of the pacy wideman, the troubled League Two club are not in a financial position to buy him right now.

And Eastleigh boss Ian Baird believes a loan would not be in his club's or Marshall's best interests.

"Kevin Bond, the Bournemouth manager, rang me on Friday to say he likes Marshy and that he would like to take him until the end of the transfer window and then make us an offer for him - i.e. to take him on loan," said Baird.

"But Marshy wouldn't be starting for them and would spend most of his time on the bench.

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"As we're only 20 minutes up the road from them, they may as well come and watch him here."

Marshall had already spent three weeks on trial with League One outfit Swindon Town.

And, although there were encouraging noises from The County Ground, no offer transpired for the speedy wideman who is contracted to Eastleigh until the end of this season.

Fitzroy Simpson, a former Swindon and Eastleigh player, was instrumental in trying to fix Marshall up with the Robins, but Baird has had enough of the player being pulled from pillar to post.

"Mark's not going on trial anywhere else now," said ex-Saints striker Baird. "He's got four or five people offering him advice, but he wants to start listening to people like me who have got his best interests at heart.

"I've had more clubs than Jack Nicklaus and I know how impressionable young kids are - and Marshy's very impressionable.

"The proof of the pudding is that he's been on trial with two League clubs and neither have said we'll pay money for you."

Winning start at Thurrock

THURROCK 0-1 EASTLEIGH

SATURDAY 9th AUGUST 2008
Blue Square South

Report by Ray Murphy

On a wet August afternoon the opening Blue Square South fixture for Eastleigh was a repeat of their final game from last season some fifteen weeks earlier. Much has happened at Eastleigh during those weeks. Only five of the side that started the last fixture of 2007/8 were in the side to start on Saturday. The team selection process limited with options having both Peter Adeniyi and Anthony Riviere suspended.

The game started tentatively with few chances created by either side. Eastleigh held the upper share of possession whilst their hosts arguably had the better chances. It took fourteen minutes for the first goal attempt, a speculative long range effort from Andy Harris had the Thurrock debutant goalkeeper Andy Young back-pedalling as the dropping shot went just over the bar.

Seventeen-year-old ex-Peterborough striker Hakeem Araba caused the Eastleigh defence a few problems and in the nineteenth minute although suspiciously looking with the assist of a hand, Araba was in behind Ashley Vickers but his low shot was pushed away by Jason Matthews. A minute later Che Stadhart broke through a static Eastleigh defence but Matthews was alert enough to stem any danger.

Harris produced another long-range effort just wide of the target on twenty-six minutes and a minute later Nicky Greene had a shot deflected off target for Thurrock. The game developed into a midfield tussle with neither side taking control.

On fifty-nine minutes Greene taking control of a Thurrock free kick just outside the Eastleigh area, ended with a shot over the bar from eighteen yards. A minute later and Thurrock wasted two golden opportunities. Harris failed to clear any danger from a Thurrock attack allowing Stadhart a run on goal. Matthews guided Stadhart wide, but the striker recovered to fire goal- wards from an acute angle. The covering Trevor Challis cleared the ball off the goal line. The ball only fell for Rhys Henry who again shot goalwards but Challis threw himself to head the ball off the line to complete the double clearance.

As Thurrock asserted more pressure onto Eastleigh Araba broke through the Eastleigh defence but again Matthews came to the Eastleigh rescue. As play switched to the opposite end James Baker saw a header from a Luke Byles cross go wide of the target.

With quarter of an hour remaining Thurrock winger Henry ran at the Eastleigh defence but only ended with a weak shot straight at Matthews. Within a couple of minutes Mark Marshall set up Baker but this time the striker fired over.

The only goal of the game arrived with only eight minutes remaining. Trevor Challis’ pin point cross from the left flank saw Byles rise at the far post to send a header past Young in the Thurrock goal into the corner of the net. Both sides seemed to realise that there was only going to be one goal in this game and despite the match referee adding an additional five minutes stoppage time, Eastleigh returned home with three points ands some consolation for their defeat at the end of last season.

Thurrock Preview

Eastleigh stick with Cherries target Mark

- By Wendy Gee

Mark Marshall will line-up for tomorrow's Blue Square South opener at Thurrock - irrespective of whether the flying winger gets the green light from AFC Bournemouth boss Kevin Bond.

Marshall began a two-day trial with the Cherries yesterday and Bond has promised to get back to Spitfires' boss Ian Baird today to confirm whether he is interested in signing the 21-year-old wideman, who is contracted to Eastleigh until the end of the season.

Administration

"Marshy will definitely be with us on Saturday," said Baird. "It could be the first and last game he plays for us this season, but I'm not too sure about the financial situation at Bournemouth with them being in administration.

"Kevin Bond is a friend of mine, but that doesn't come into it. Our own financial situation has been well documented and Eastleigh are not prepared to give players away. Bondy is fully aware of the situation."

Swindon Town, who recently had Marshall on a three-week trial, have not yet closed the door on the winger, but their prime target is former Fulham and Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Kevin Betsy, who has been awaiting a pay-off from Bristol City.

Although Eastleigh's combative striker/midfielder Jamie Brown made a long-awaited comeback from hip surgery in last Saturday's 4-0 friendly defeat by Bournemouth, there is no chance of him playing tomorrow - or in the foreseeable future.

"He's only halfway into his rehab and he's still way, way off being match fit," Baird clarified. "The 20 minutes he played last week was all part of his rehab and he did it with the blessing of Kim Chesterfield, our physio.

"He felt okay afterwards apart from a bit of soreness where the scar tissue's built up. It's about breaking that down."

With midfield duo Anthony Riviere and Peter Adeniyi suspended tomorrow and both Andy Forbes (stomach abscess) and David Hughes (hand/knee) still in the wars, Eastleigh have only 12 senior players available to return to the scene of heartbreak.

Needing victory at Thurrock to clinch a play-off spot, the Spitfires crashed 4-1 and had Riviere sent off on a calamitous final day of the season.

"We've got poor memories of the place, but we'll do our very, very best tomorrow to get rid of them," said Baird.

"There have been a lot of changes at the club and everyone knows it's not the Eastleigh of old, but I'm happy with what I've got - I just wish I had a bigger squad.

All travelling

"The five young lads - Arron Milburn, Aaron Martin, Adam Shepherd, Chris Mason and Joe Maxwell will all be travelling. They might not last all season if I have to put them in, but they'll certainly get games."

Although Baird's old club Havant & Waterlooville - away to St. Albans tomorrow - are hot title favourites, Terry Brown, manager of Blue Square South new boys AFC Wimbledon, believes Eastleigh are in with a strong shout.

Baird said: "I don't see us as title tips purely because of the finances being spent elsewhere. There are six or seven clubs who I know for a fact have got bigger budgets than us.

"We've in the lap of the gods. If we get a smooth sail and avoid injuries and suspensions, we could be there or there abouts.

"Our budget's not bad, but a large proportion of it has been swallowed up by last season's players."

Murray steps down as Chairman

Club Announcement from official website -

http://www.eastleigh-fc.co.uk/

At a Board Meeting today, Paul Murray stepped down as Chairman of Eastleigh Football Club in order to concentrate on his main business interests.

Paul comments:

"Being Chairman of Eastleigh, in addition to being Chairman & Managing Director of my own company, has proved to be demanding. I wish to focus on my core business at this time.”

Chris Evans has been appointed as the new Chairman.

Chris has been an Equity Director of the Football Club since the new company was formed two years ago and has played a major part in taking the Club forward since then.

Chris has recently retired after a distinguished career in international banking and now has more time to devote to the management of the Club.

Chris has a great knowledge of football in general but about non league football in particular. He is extremely well equipped to lead the Club forward.

Paul Murray will remain at the Club with the role of Vice Chairman.

Tough work-out with Cherries ends in heavy defeat

EASTLEIGH v AFC BOURNEMOUTH

SATURDAY 2^nd AUGUST 2008

Pre-Season Friendly

EASTLEIGH: Jason Matthews, Anthony Riviere, Trevor Challis, Luke Byles, Tom Jordan (c), Ashley Vickers, Chris Mason, Tony Taggart, Matt Groves, James Baker, Mark Marshall.

Subs: Aaron Martin, Gareth Howells, Jamie Brown, Adam Shepherd, Arron Milburn, Joe Maxwell, Tom Bird.

BOURNEMOUTH: Shwan Jalal, Lee Bradbury, Ryan Garry, Scott Guyett, Jason Pearce, Marvin Bartley, Shaun Cooper, Darren Anderton, Jo Kuffour, Brett Pitman, Paul Rutherford.

Subs: Nicky Travis, Ryan Pryce, Josh McQuoid, Joel Ward, Matt Ritchie, Craig Dobson, Bradley McGugan.

By Jamie Montigue

In this final warm up game ahead of the new campaign, Eastleigh FC took on Kevin Bond's AFC Bournemouth on the back of a fantastic Errea Cup win where they played four games in just six days to emerge victorious.

Tony Taggart made his full debut having signed a contract on Thursday night after a highly successful trial and the generosity of an unnamed Director who made the signing possible by agreeing to pay the midfielder's wages out of his own pocket.

Meanwhile, flying winger Mark Marshall, who was named the Errea South West Player of the Tournament last week on his return to club after a three week trial with League One outfit Swindon Town, played his first home friendly of the new campaign in front of a 569 crowd at the Silverlake Stadium.

The Spitfires came into this match previously unbeaten throughout pre-season and have performed extremely well together as a team, however AFC Bournemouth came here this afternoon in a competitive spirit and put in a strong performance against an understandably jaded-looking Eastleigh.

With just four minutes on the clock, the visitors were in front. Lee Bradbury's cross from the right flank was headed out only as far as Marvin Bartley on the edge of the penalty area, who then fed the ball through for JO KUFFOUR who was left with a simple finish thanks to the flag staying down.

In the eighth minute, Mark Marshall attacked Bournemouth full back Lee Bradbury with promising wing play on the far side but couldn't quite direct his cross, as the referee's assistant adjudged it to have gone behind before Taggart headed into the side-netting.

Trevor Challis looked to have made a clean tackle coming out with the ball following a challenge on Paul Rutherford three minutes later, but conceded a free kick for the lunge and received a stern telling off from the referee.

AFC Bournemouth doubled their lead in the 19^th minute when BRETT PITMAN won a penalty kick, which he then converted.

Kuffour played the through ball for his strike partner Pitman who raced through into the penalty area where he was caught by a trailing leg from on-rushing goalkeeper, Jason Matthews. The referee had no choice but to award the spot kick, which Pitman brushed himself off to step up and coolly despatch from 12 yards to Matthews' right and into the bottom corner.

Eastleigh were made to endure numerous attacks from Bournemouth from here on in, and Kuffour might have made it 3-0 on 25 minutes.

Ryan Garry, the Bournemouth left-back pulled a good pull back from the left to pick out Kuffour who did everything right until the finish. Squeezing past the challenges of both Trevor Challis and Ashley Vickers on the edge of the box, Kuffour managed to beat the last man to create a golden opportunity but fired wide of goal.

It wasn't until the 32^nd minute that Eastleigh had their first attempt at goal. James Baker was tugged by Shaun Cooper to win a free kick, which Tony Taggart floated into the danger area to find Tom Jordan. The former Havant & Waterlooville captain attacked the ball really well with the header, which in the end flew comfortably wide.

Two minutes later, veteran midfielder Darren Anderton played a dangerous ball through the middle of the park to cut the Eastleigh defence in two. Fortunately for Eastleigh it evaded both Kuffour and Bradbury, rolling safely through to Matthews.

After some 'hand-bags' between the majority of players on the field of play came to an end, Eastleigh and Mark Marshall managed to force a corner on the left hand side, which 'Marsh' took placing a low delivery across the face of goal, which had to be cut out and thumped behind for a further flag kick.

Marshall had the second opportunity to deliver a telling cross, which he lifted this time only for the safe hands of Shwan Jalal in the Cherries goal to collect well.

The third consecutive Eastleigh corner was the most dangerous of all, with Vickers helping the ball on to the far post where Baker was unlucky to watch his glancing header wide.

Three minutes before the break, Bournemouth had a corner of their own. Jason Pearce was presented with a free header from the ball in, but failed to trouble Matthews with the effort.

On the stroke of half time, Challis picked up a knock as he along with two other Eastleigh team mates went up for the same ball, with the former Weymouth full back coming out worse off, bringing to an end an all-action and fully committed first forty-five minutes.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-2 AFC Bournemouth

Three minutes after the break, Eastleigh forced an early corner kick following good work from Tony Taggart. Not for the first time, Jalal collected the ball confidently despite pressure from Vickers.

Taggart, Eastleigh's one real stand-out performer on the day, produced a save out of the Bournemouth keeper moments later as he cut in from the right before driving the ball low with his left foot.

A third goal from Bournemouth in the 52^nd minute, stretched the advantage further with Kevin Bond's side now firmly in the driving seat.

An immaculate 45-yard cross field pass from Anderton, from inside his own half went a long way towards creating the chance, which JO KUFFOUR took without further delay. A short burst of speed saw him latch on to the perfect pass, where an excellent first time finish saw him net his second goal of the afternoon lobbing Matthews to make it 3-0.

Both sides made changes at this point, with young centre back Aaron Martin replacing James Baker for the Spitfires, whilst Kuffour's last action of the afternoon proved to be scoring the third goal as Josh McQuoid took to the field.

Darren Anderton continued to dominate the midfield for Bournemouth strolling around at a leisurely pace making things look easy whilst pulling all the strings.

It was Anderton who was yet again instrumental in creating the next opportunity which proved to be Bournemouth's fourth goal. The 36-year-old unselfishly played a great square ball to feed SHAUN COOPER to his left, which the former Portsmouth midfielder slammed home unchallenged.

Prior to this, Jason Matthews had done well to keep out an attempt low at his near post – another chance that Anderton had created.

Jamie Brown made a welcome return as he replaced Ashley Vickers shortly after the hour mark, coming back into the action after a hip operation, slightly ahead of schedule, which was very pleasing to see after such a long lay-off.

Jalal, the Cherries goalkeeper, started a quick counter attack from his own box having displayed safe-hands once more with a well-taken catch from a Taggart corner. Craig Dobson darted down the right flank at speed leaving his marker in his footsteps, where he then sent a good ball over that fell to Matt Ritchie. Matthews was called upon to save well, keeping out Ritchie's effort.

The Spitfires kept at it despite the tired legs against superior opponents and looked a little more lively in the closing stages.

In the 74^th minute Anthony Riviere worked the ball well in a confined space to find half a yard of space and make room for the cross, which was only just behind Matt Groves, who was lurking in the middle.

Five minutes later Mark Marshall won a free kick on the left hand side and it was his good delivery that found the head of Tom Jordan – his backward header looping narrowly over the bar.

Sadly for the visitors, the superb Shwan Jalal had to be replaced in the 82^nd minute having picked up an injury stretching for the ball. Ryan Pryce, the substitute goalkeeper coming on to replace him.

Seven minutes from time, Chris Mason gave Pryce his first test with a decent attempt from distance that was heading for the bottom corner, but the substitute keeper was equal to it.

Finally in the closing minutes, Matt Groves had a penalty shout turned down when he looked to be clipped by Pryce, who had come off his line to avert the danger when the contact on the Eastleigh striker was made.

Next up for Eastleigh is the big kick off in the Blue Square South with an away trip to Thurrock, where Ian Baird and his squad will look to recapture the finer moments and form from the previously unbeaten and highly successful pre-season campaign.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 0-4 AFC Bournemouth

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

Taggart signing done deal

Spitfires secure Taggart services

- By Wendy Gee

Tony Taggart will face AFC Bournemouth in tomorrow's friendly at the Silverlake Stadium as a fully-fledged Eastleigh player.

Although the former Havant & Waterlooville midfielder has been an integral part of the Spitfires' so far unbeaten pre-season campaign, he didn't actually sign a contract until last night.

"Taggs has been on trial, but not," said manager Ian Baird.

"He didn't need to be on trial with me because I know what he's about, but we didn't have the money to sign him a month ago.

"Fortunately, one of the Directors has kindly agreed to pay Tagg's wages which, from my point of view, is very pleasing.

He's done ever so well in pre-season, playing in three or four different positions, and he's gelled really well with the lads.

He's a good character and great to have around the dressing room."

Eastleigh meanwhile are still awaiting the outcome of winger Mark Marshall's three-week trial with League One outfit Swindon Town.

Indications are that Robins' boss Maurice Malpas has targeted a 'free agent' Championship winger and that Marshall, who is contracted to Eastleigh until the end of next season, is second choice.

Marshall's agent, however, believes Swindon are preparing to make the Spitfires a 'money per games' offer, which would suggest they are unwilling to cough up the full asking price for an untried player.

Baird said: "There are two ways of looking at that. Around 600 professional players were released on free transfers at the end of last season, but if they've got a decent CV then their wage demands are going to be significantly higher than the likes of Mark Marshall who's coming straight out of non-League.

"I'm not going to tell Maurice Malpas how to run his club, but I would take a chance on Mark.

"None of this unsettles me because I've been around these situations all my footballing life, but it's unsettling for the player with various people talking in his ear - and that doesn't help Eastleigh.

"The sooner it's resolved the better."

Matt Groves (blisters), Andy Harris (tight calf) and Luke Byles (hip niggle) should be okay to face Bournemouth tomorrow despite feeling the after-effects of four games in quick succession in north Devon last week.

The bad news, though, is that Andy Forbes has had another setback in his recovery from a hernia operation and now needs more surgery on a stomach abscess.

Broken hand victim David Hughes can't do any contact work for a further three weeks, while Baird reckons Jamie Brown, is still "a good month away" following hip surgery.

Eastleigh are hopeful of a big crowd for their final friendly before the big Blue Square South kick-off at Thurrock next Saturday.

It's Bournemouth's last friendly too and I'm assuming Kevin Bond will put out a strong side considering it was him who phoned me to ask for the game," said Baird.