Spitfires seal cup win with late Riviere goal

EASTLEIGH v FARNBOROUGH

SATURDAY 29th SEPTEMBER 2008
FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

By Jamie Montigue

Eastleigh eventually saw off high-flying BGB Premier side Farnborough courtesy of an 85^th minute goal from Anthony Riviere in this FA Cup tie.

Former Spitfires' Darren Wheeler and Ian Oliver both made a return to the Silverlake Stadium this afternoon for Francis Vines' side, whilst Eastleigh's fans favourite Andy Forbes continued his recovery from a long injury lay-off coming off the bench in the second half.

Ian Baird made just one change to the starting eleven that drew 1-1 at Bath City's Twerton Park last weekend as James Baker came into the starting line up for Jamie Brown, starting along side Matt Groves in attack.

The hosts produced the first attempt after just three minutes. A splendid pass out to the left from Tony Taggart picked out Matt Bodkin who cut back on to his right foot before finding Matt Groves with a fine delivery. Groves attacked the ball well and did everything right with the downward header but was unfortunate to see the effort fall narrowly wide of the upright.

Boro' skipper Steve Laidler sliced a shot from 18-yards towards goal, though Jason Matthews in the Eastleigh goal merely had to watch the ball fly safely over the cross bar in the sixth minute.

A moment later, the Spitfires had a corner on the near side which was punched away by the keeper, Lyall Beazley, but only as far as Riviere who was lurking on the edge of the penalty area. The former Fisher Athletic midfielder sent the ball back into the box where Warren Goodhind then picked up on the loose ball only to shoot tamely on the turn.

Still inside the opening quarter of an hour, Eastleigh were denied following good work from Groves whose great ball back to find Taggart created the opportunity when there was little on. Taggart hit the ball well first time with a low drive and was thwarted by a good save by Beazley. James Baker was in close attention following in on goal, but Beazley had recovered just in time to smother the ball at the second attempt.

A piece of individual brilliance from Matt Bodkin saw the on-loan Grays Athletic winger display some trickery and a few step-overs to leave his marker wrong-footed and at the same time creating a yard of space to whip the ball across. This is exactly what he did and Bodkin was very unlucky as the curling ball in to the back post evaded everyone and turned out to be a pretty decent attempt at goal that narrowly missed the target.

Peter Adeniyi put in a whole-hearted performance in the midfield and came close to finding the net as he worked the ball well showing quick feet in front of goal to side-step an opponent before curling a shot at goal that proved to be comfortable for the goalkeeper.

With twenty minutes played, Michael Charles played a good ball in to find the run of Rob Saunders to the left of goal, who in turn forced a save, but couldn't beat Matthews at his near post.

Saunders then came the closest to a goal so far just two minutes later, his shot clipping the top of the cross bar. This let off evidently left Eastleigh relieved and had the effort been just an inch lower the Spitfires would have found themselves a goal behind.

Farnborough made another impressive attacking move with the first half coming to a close. Michael Charles again played a clever through ball to find Saunders who was once more denied by Matthews.

It was Eastleigh however who ended the half the stronger side.

A low ball in from Taggart was well held up by Baker in front of goal. Riviere took over only to have his shot charged down and deflected for a corner.

The Spitfires could and probably should have taken advantage of a goalkeeping error with four minutes of the half to play. Beazley mis-placed his throw horribly short of it's intended outlet, his right back, instead it fell straight to Bodkin. Twenty-yards from goal and with the keeper out of position, Bodkin opted to try and play the ball in for Groves to his left instead of going for goal, though unfortunately the idea didn't pay off as Groves didn't read the pass and wasn't quite on the same wavelength.

On the stroke of half time, Beazley spilled the ball from a Bodkin corner where Warren Goodhind then laid it back to Taggart. The former Havant & Waterlooville FA Cup hero, had a good chance but blazed high - the miscued strike flying harmlessly over the cross bar.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-0 Farnborough

Three minutes into the second half, Farnborough worked the ball incredibly well with Wheeler bringing the ball forward and Oliver then crossing the ball into the feet of Marcus Richardson. The target man held off a challenge to play it back to Rob Saunders when a crucial interception from Luke Byles finally cut the flowing move off and cleared the imminent danger.

Jamie Brown, who scored last Saturday with a headed goal, was introduced in the 50^th minute as he replaced James Baker.

Five minutes later, Michael Charles slid in fairly with Matthews, a ball that he was fully entitled to go for, and came out with possession to present the ex-Basingstoke Town player with a glorious chance. Charles chipped the ball over Matthews and his effort was heading for goal though thankfully for Eastleigh, Luke Byles covered his keeper extremely well to head the ball off the goal line and avert the threat of going a goal behind.

Making an extremely warm welcome back to first team action for the first time since the end of last season, was the long-awaited arrival of Andy Forbes for his first appearance of the campaign. The golden goal scorer put a smile on every Eastleigh fans face to see him back after his injury troubles as he came off the bench just past the hour mark.

The combination of Charles and Saunders for the visitors seemed to be a recurring theme throughout the tie and on 68 minutes the pair again posed a problem or two for the Eastleigh back line. Charles played the ball across to find Saunders, who had burst into the penalty area, and so nearly caught out Matthews trying to place the ball towards the bottom corner. Eastleigh's first choice stopper got down well to keep it out and concede a corner kick.

Eastleigh seemed to step up a gear as they pushed that much more to try and find the goal that would ultimately see them through to the next round.

They were led superbly by Jamie Brown in attack, who had made a significant impact since his introduction, as well as the fine defending from both Luke Byles and Warren Goodhind at the heart of the back four - when they were called upon they dealt with everything without fail.

Taggart went for goal with his left foot, cutting in from the right hand side having been fed the ball from Bodkin. Farnborough cut the ball out and eventually cleared the danger with white shirts ready and waiting in front of goal should it have dropped kindly.

Thirteen minutes from time, Matt Bodkin made way for Adam Roberts. Taz wasted little time in getting involved as he won the ball high up the park in a dangerous position where he then sent an excellent cross to the back post, which sadly proved to be just a little too high for Taggart.

The lionheart, Jamie Brown, hit a speculative effort from 25-yards and was not at all far away with the dipping strike.

Eastleigh's late pressure finally paid off. Ian Baird's fortress, that is the Silverlake Stadium, saw yet another Eastleigh win and the 100 per cent home record staying strong as ANTHONY RIVIERE slid in at the back post five minutes from time. Jamie Brown headed a cross from Taggart perfectly down into the six yard box, inviting Riviere to take advantage and find the net which he did without hesitation to break the deadlock and put Eastleigh's name in the hat for the 3^rd Qualifying Round draw.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 1-0 Farnborough

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

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Vickers departs

Ashley Vickers has completed a permanent move to Newport County following a successful, initial loan period.

The towering centre half had established himself as captain for Dean Holdsworth side since making the switch from Eastleigh last month.

Dave Malone paid tribute to the former Weymouth man, who joined the Spitfires in March 2008 with current goalkeeper Jason Matthews. He commented: "Ashley is one of football's "nice guys" - and deserves the opportunity of regular first team football.

Thanks for your efforts here at the Silverlake Ash, and good luck for the rest of your career."

Forbes back in action as reserves beat Sutton

Eastleigh 2nd XI 5-3 Sutton United Res.
Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Fred Toomer, Niall Bryant, Jack Dukes, Adam Wiltshire, Tom Nicholas, Scott Gilham ©, Jamel Mattan, Williams Peauroux, Joe Maxwell, Scott Waters, Nick Watt

SUBS: Andy Forbes (on for Waters 45), James Powell (on for Nicholas 80), Joe Crook (on for Dukes 70)

Eastleigh Goalscorers: Joe Maxwell 2, Scott Waters, Jamel Mattan, Joe Crook

Wayne Mew and Paul Wiltshire's young reserve side continued their fine run of form, with a 5-3 victory over Sutton United's second string this afternoon.

This was Eastleigh's fourth straight win, which now sees the side stretch their unbeaten run to a highly impressive eight games.

Fantastic news to come out of the game aside from the terrific win, was the fact that fans favourite Andy Forbes is on his way back to full fitness. The Spitfires' top goalscorer for the past couple of seasons, has been sorely missed since missing pre-season with a groin injury and then missing the start of the Blue Square South season with a further setback due to a stomach abscess.

Coming on for Scott Waters at half time, Forbes got through 45 minutes of football this afternoon and it is now just a matter of time before 'Forbesy' is back in the first team finding the net again!

Bath City 1-1 Eastleigh

BATH CITY v EASTLEIGH

SATURDAY 20th SEPTEMBER 2008
Blue Square South

By Ray Murphy

Before leaving for the West County and Bath City, a side still to record its first home victory of the season, a point would arguably have been well received in the Eastleigh camp having had two heavy defeats out of their last three away games. The way the game went though it was a disappointed Eastleigh squad that headed for their Southampton base. Having led since midway through the opening half, it took until the last minute of the ninety for the home side to score an equaliser.

With Tom Jordan out through suspension, Warren Goodhind made his first start of the season in an otherwise unchanged side that had defeated Welling United 4-2 seven days earlier. Bath had an early chance when Dave Gilroy headed goal wards after Eastleigh failed to clear a corner but the ball fell into the arms of Jason Matthews.

On seventeen minutes a last ditch tackle from Luke Byles stopped Gilroy en route to goal but the striker righted himself but Matthews again saved his effort. Despite a couple of half chances it was with their first real attack on twenty-three minutes that Eastleigh took the lead. Tony Taggart sent in a cross from the right wing that was nonchalantly headed home by Jamie Brown.

Eastleigh could have added a second on the half hour, another Taggart cross saw Matt Groves head over when well placed then ten minutes later Groves had time on the edge of the box but placed his shot not wide enough of home goalkeeper Paul Evans. As the interval approached Taggart exchanged passes with Anthony Riviere and then Brown but edged his shot just wide of the upright.

The second half turned into a tense affair that saw very few chances created. Seven minutes into the half Trevor Challis’ cross was headed wide by Taggart. Four minutes later Eastleigh were caught short in defence from their own corner. As Bath broke away neat interplay by the Bath strikers Gilroy and Darren Edwards were both denied by the retreating Byles. From the resultant corner Matthews’ clearance only fell for Gilroy who headed the ball over the bar.

Martin Slocombe sent a cross in from the left flank with eight minutes remaining, which substitute Jamie Gosling, fired over as Bath introduced another striker from the bench in ex Eastleigh favourite Stuart Douglas. As the home side issued warnings to an Eastleigh side looking for only their third clean sheet in ten games, Paul Cochlin fired over from the edge of the box.

In the final minute of the ninety Bath did force home an equaliser. I

n January this year Bath recovered from a 2-4 deficit to score last in the final five minutes to snatch a 4-4 draw at The Silverlake. Saturday was not as dramatic but as Sekani Simpson drilled a cross across the face of the goal Danny Carey-Bertram was delighted to be unmarked in the six-yard box to fire home an equaliser.

FA Cup Draw

EASTLEIGH have been handed a meaty Hampshire derby in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday 27th September.

Ian Baird’s men will entertain Francis Vines’s Farnborough, who are riding high at the top of the BGB Southern Premier Division.

The draw in full can be found here.

Clinical Spitfires shoot down the Wings

EASTLEIGH v WELLING UNITED

SATURDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2008
Blue Square South

By Jamie Montigue

Welling sat one point behind Eastleigh in the table going into this game as the Spitfires sought out their third win in a week.

The Spitfires kept their impressive streak of home wins, and their 100% record at the Silverlake Stadium firmly in place running out 4-2 winners over Welling United.

MATT BODKIN's 11^th minute strike from the edge of the area set the ball rolling for Ian Baird's men, this the winger's first goal for the club since joining on loan from Grays Athletic. Andy Harris' corner came all the way out to the far side for Bodkin, who hit it sweetly leaving goalkeeper Jamie Turner motionless.

The Wings responded just five minutes later as a chink in the armour of the Eastleigh defence was exposed by a clever pass by Richard Stevens. Playing a through ball with a reverse pass, Stevens found JOE HEALY in space in the penalty area, and with just Matthews to beat, the striker made no mistake casually lifting the ball over the advancing keeper from close range for the equalising goal, despite suspicions of offside.

A minute later, Harris sent in a good cross from the right flank finding Jamie Brown in the centre who spun well but turned his shot high over the cross bar.

Matt Bodkin was looking lively with positive runs forward from midfield, meanwhile a Tom Jordan glancing header posed no real problems for Turner midway through the half.

Eastleigh's intricate passing in the final third was highly impressive and played a major factor in the next two goals, which were by far the best moves of the game.

MATT GROVES combined well with the architect Anthony Riviere, to fire the Spitfires back in front with a quality strike across goal on 31 minutes.

The Spitfires built on this foundation gaining a two-goal cushion five minutes before the break. MATT BODKIN claimed his second of the afternoon from a wonderfully-crafted move. Groves turned provider this time flicking the ball round the corner, past his marker to put Riviere through on goal and into the penalty area. The midfielder had the presence of mind to play a square ball across goal unselfishly, leaving Bodkin with the simple task of slotting home for 3-1.

At the opposite end, the visitors were rewarded a free kick as Trevor Challis took down former Spitfire, Ellis Green, just outside the penalty area. Jason Matthews made a great one-handed punch to keep out the powerfully struck shot by Ryan Martin and keep the visitors at bay.

Running the line superbly well, Matt Groves continued his master class in playing the centre forward role as he charged down a defender, a lost cause if you like, to win the ball high up the park and presenting himself with a chance on goal. Groves brought the ball forward and tried to lob the keeper but was unfortunate to see his effort go over the cross bar.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 3-1 Welling United

Into the second half Eastleigh were looking even more comfortable with a fourth goal, as early as the 52^nd minute. MATT GROVES wrong-footed Turner, deflecting a shot by Tony Taggart past the keeper and into the net to bag his second goal of the game and his fifth of the season.

Jason Matthews pulled off a string of good saves before Welling's Orlando Smith hit the underside of the bar with a long-range effort, having beaten both Tom Jordan and Luke Byles. This, the closest Welling had come to pulling a goal back, since their equalising goal early in the first half.

Matthews kept out Healy at his near post before saving a speculative effort from Ryan Johnson soon after.

Jamie Brown, dubbed the 'Bionic Man' by manager Ian Baird, made way for James Baker on the hour.

Tony Taggart then struck a powerful free kick a mere inches over the target.

Super-sub Adam Roberts came on for two-goal Matt Bodkin with twenty minutes remaining and forced a save out of Turner immediately having been played in by Taggart.

The Wings had the ball in the back of the net in the 77^th minute after great skill from Ellis Green, though it was ruled out for offside.

United did eventually get a second goal, but it was no more than a consolation. It came through former Eastleigh reserves left-back CRAIG BRAHAM-BARRETT who pounced in the penalty area to slam the ball past Matthews, again following positive wing play from Green who had attacked the full back to send a good delivery across. Andy Harris kept out the initial attempt with an excellent sliding challenge, but there was no stopping the rebound.

Eastleigh were given a let off as the game came to a close. A rare mistake from Harris could have been costly as the ball was allowed to run through to Healy who could not believe how much time and space he was given. Though the opportunity was glorious, Welling's goalscorer from the first half made a hash of it and skied the ball harmlessly over.

Six minutes from time, David Hughes replaced the superb Matt Groves, who deservedly came off to an ovation.

The visitors ended the half well, though Eastleigh's clinical finishing had already done the damage and secured the points.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 4–2 Welling United

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

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Setanta Shield draws rivals together

SETANTA SHIELD - Southern section Second Round

Bath City v Newport County
Lewes v Bognor Regis Town
Kettering Town v Bishop's Stortford
Fisher Athletic v Eastbourne Borough
Eastleigh v Havant & Waterlooville - Tuesday 7th October, 7:45pm kick off
Chelmsford City v Braintree Town
Thurrock v Hayes & Yeading United

Shootout win for Eastleigh in cup classic - Taz saves the day again!

EASTLEIGH v WESTON-SUPER-MARE

TUESDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 2008
Setanta Shield Round 1

By Jamie Montigue

In this Setanta Shield first round tie at the Silverlake Stadium, Eastleigh faced league rivals Weston-Super-Mare for the second time in a fortnight.

Warren Goodhind was handed his first start since his return to the club, whilst former Southampton Academy FA Youth cup winner Josh Dutton-Black made his debut for the club playing on the left of midfield.

Resting one or two regular first team players, Ian Baird gave Gareth Howells a full game, meanwhile Matt Groves returned to the starting line up.

A little over a minute had been played when Eastleigh had won a free kick high up the field and to the right of goal, which skipper Andy Harris took quickly playing a clever ball short into the penalty area. Groves picked it up well shooting first time on the turn but was unlucky to find the side netting only.

What looked like a promising opening for the hosts, turned out to be far from it with the visitors striking twice inside eleven minutes turning matters sour for Eastleigh.

It took Weston-Super-Mare just six minutes to open the scoring when an unfortunate Tom Jordan headed past his own goalkeeper from a Dean Grubb free kick with the ball cannoning down off the cross bar and crossing the line.

Jordan badly sliced a clearance towards his own goal soon after, this time from Ludovic Quistin's (Arsenal's William Gallas' cousin) low ball into the area from the left hand side.

Where there was definitely an element of luck about Weston's first goal, there was no doubting the quality of their second which came in the eleventh minute.

Dean Grubb, who was lively throughout, provided a precise cross from the right for the Seagulls' captain ANDY GURNEY to drill home with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.

With Eastleigh finding themselves two goals down, things were not looking too good, though it was still far too early to write off a come back.

In the 16^th minute, an Andy Harris free kick from deep saw Tom Jordan get up extremely well to direct a header towards the top corner only for Ryan Northmore to match the attempt with a fine save diving at full stretch to keep the ball out.

The former Havant & Waterlooville skipper was clearly looking to make amends for his earlier mistake and was putting himself about in front of goal from set pieces, heading just wide from another Harris corner two minutes later.

The same combination of Harris and Jordan were threatening to pull a goal back with Jordan again coming close getting to the ball first from a further set piece on 31 minutes but not quite able to keep his header down.

Eastleigh were slowly but surely coming into the game towards the end of the half and it showed with their attacking play becoming more prominent. Peter Adeniyi's low ball into the box had to be turned behind, and with it the danger cut out at the near post ten minutes before the break.

Howells was called into action on the stroke of half time to deny Darren Mullings with an instinctive reaction save from a mere 8 yards. The Weston player failed to make any decent contact on the rebound as Eastleigh escaped going further behind.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-2 Weston-Super-Mare

Eastleigh's first attack of the second half saw Jordan flick on a Harris throw in where Anthony Riviere was presented with a good opportunity, though the former Fisher Athletic midfielder's attempted header was somewhat tame lacking enough power to trouble Northmore.

Adeniyi sliced an effort high and wide, following impressive link up play between Riviere and Matt Groves before Tony Taggart came on to replace Dutton-Black in the 56^th minute.

Eastleigh came their closest yet to finding a goal with Peter Adeniyi's header coming back off the cross bar from a Luke Byles left-wing cross.

The Spitfires continued to mount pressure and the attacks on the Weston goal were beginning to be both far more frequent and numerous.

From a Taggart corner, Adeniyi flicked the ball into the path of Riviere who could only manage to slice a shot wide with his weaker left foot.

Four minutes after the hour mark, Taggart, who was providing that much needed width that seemed to be lacking in the first half, sent over an intended cross whilst slightly off-balance and nearly caught out the keeper with the ball clipping the top of the bar.

James Baker came on for David Hughes with twenty minutes remaining.

Eastleigh finally got their just rewards for their efforts with a 73^rd minute goal. Adeniyi's cross saw Taggart held back inside the six yard box in front of goal but it fell kindly for MATT GROVES who spun and fired high into the roof of the net at a crucial time giving a glimmer of hope that his side could still find a way back into the tie.

From this point on, it was one-way traffic with Eastleigh dominating the final third and pinning back their opponents.

Baker did very well down the right wing beating two men before finding Groves in the middle who in turn pulled the trigger which was deflected narrowly over the bar by an excellent sliding challenge on the edge of the penalty area.

With ten minutes remaining, Baird sent on Saturday's star man Adam 'Taz' Roberts in place of Matt Bodkin.

In the 84^th minute, Baker squandered a chance of an equaliser as he couldn't keep his header down at the far post from a Taggart cross.

Eastleigh were still creating chances deep into the additional time of four minutes with Taggart coming closest, cutting inside having beaten a couple of markers only to shoot inches wide of the post from 25 yards.

Miraculously the late drama at the Silverlake Stadium had returned for a second game running with the Spitfires taking the game to extra time through their new-found hero ADAM ROBERTS. The youngster, who oozes enthusiasm was played through by James Baker in the third minute of stoppage time and made no mistake despite the tremendous pressure on him to get the goal.

Taz took one touch to get it out of his feet before firing over the keeper and into the net.

Another great come back from the Spitfires, who are beginning to get a bit of a reputation for this now!

This was just the beginning of this epic cup encounter, as the goal meant the players would have to do battle in extra time with a further fifteen minutes each way.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2-2 Weston-Super-Mare

ADAM ROBERTS really can do no wrong at present it would appear, as his night went from good to great as he fired Eastleigh into the lead for the first time in the game four minutes before the break in the first half of extra time.

Tony Taggart's cross was met by a sublime first touch by Taz which saw the ball steered past the keeper and into the net for 3-2.

Barely a minute later, DARREN MULLINGS ensured Weston-Super-Mare were back on level terms with an excellent diving header to put the ball beyond Howells and into the corner of goal.

The thriLling cup entertainment on this September evening continued to throw up new twists as demonstrated by Eastleigh making it 4-3 with virtually the last kick of the half. Taz provided the cross from the left hand side which TONY TAGGART met beautifully on the volley, slamming home to restore the lead with the seventh goal of the night!

EXTRA TIME HALF TIME – Eastleigh 4-3 Weston-Super-Mare

Three minutes into the second period of extra time, a fine Eastleigh move was thwarted by Northmore who saved well to deny Baker.

The game was still not over yet as the visitors drew level through a JAMES PALMER shot that whistled into the top corner having taken a heavy deflection.

Two minutes from time, Baker's side-footed acrobatic volley from close range following Roberts' header into the box, was comfortably over the cross bar.

It remained all square at 4-4 meaning the game had to be settled by a penalty shootout.

EXTRA TIME FULL TIME – Eastleigh 4-4 Weston-Super-Mare

Eastleigh held their nerves to secure a memorable victory.

Weston-Super-Mare were up first and scored, before Tony Taggart took Eastleigh's first spot kick and made no mistake.

Weston scored their next, and similarly Eastleigh responded through a confident Luke Byles penalty.

Gareth Howells made a good save to give his side the upper hand and then Matt Groves put Eastleigh in front. 3-2.

Ryan Paddock levelled it up at 3-3 and James Baker despatched his putting the Spitfires one ahead at 4-3.

Darren Mullings scored Weston's fifth penalty to make it 4-4, meaning Eastleigh just needed to score from 12-yards with the next kick to take them through to the next round.

The pressure fell upon Peter Adeniyi, who ironically missed a penalty on Saturday, and did so again tonight smashing against the cross bar.

Into sudden death it went. Howells pulled off his second save of the shoot out and Tom Jordan could then complete proceedings with the winning penalty.

A superb and thoroughly enjoyable game of football that went right to the wire saw Eastleigh deservedly come through in the end and secure their place in the 2^nd round.

EASTLEIGH WIN 5-4 ON PENALTIES

Eastleigh Ladies 0-5 Aldershot Town Ladies

Pre-Season Friendly

SUNDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2008

Eastleigh Ladies 0-5 Aldershot Town Ladies

Venue: HOME at BAT, Totton & Eling

Team: Brooks, Beeton, Hebdige, Heda, Lewis, Read (Niven), Strode-Gibbons, Gwyther, Piper (Aboe), Murray-Walker, Boucher (Kingston) – Unused sub Brazier

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Latest Match Report

Eastleigh Ladies v Aldershot Ladies

Eastleigh Ladies inaugural F A Womens Cup fixture came to an abrupt ending. The Preliminary tie was abandoned ten minutes before the end of the scheduled ninety after Eastleigh substitute Stacey Niven remained motionless on the ground after colliding with the Aldershot goalkeeper Hayley Calder as they both made attempts for the loose ball. As the players awaited the response from the ambulance service, the match referee in agreeance with both Clubs brought the fixture to a close, with Aldershot in a seemingly unassailable 5-0 lead.

Aldershot Town Ladies normally play in the Southern Region Division Premier Division, two divisions higher than the Division that Eastleigh are in this season, following their promotion as Hampshire County League Division Two Champions last season.

Eastleigh gave competitive debuts to three players in Mel Lewis, Ali Strobe-Gibbons and Nite Murray-Walker. It took time for both teams to settle with the first chance not arriving until fifteen minutes when Eastleigh goalkeeper Alex Brooks produced a fine stop from Laura Funnell. Two minutes later a long range effort from the impressive Caroline Shepherd in the Aldershot midfield struck the post the rebound falling for Nicki Moore that produced another fine stop from Brooks.

Eastleigh’s response was another long range effort, Amy Boucher firing in the shot that was saved by Calder. There was another close shave for Eastleigh on twenty eight minutes when Moore shot wide when well placed whilst two minutes later Boucher’s free kick was again saved by Calder following an Eastleigh attack.

The pressure was starting to tell and Aldershot did take the lead after thirty two minutes. Laura Wallman lofted a shot from twenty five yards that beat Brooks to give the visitors the lead. Aldershot did have the ball in the net again three minutes before the interval but the effort was disallowed for offside whilst Murray-Walker had a shot well saved by Calder as the first half ended.

Eight minutes into the second period Aldershot doubled their lead. A cross from the left was turned home by Wallman. Three minutes later and Moore raced through the Eastleigh rearguard before firing a low drive past Brooks for goal number three.

With Eastleigh visibly shocked, Aldershot added a fourth goal on sixty two minutes, Wallman completing her hat trick heading a cross that struck the underside of the bar before bouncing over the line.

It was Wallman who added her fourth goal of the afternoon with a shot in the seventy fourth minute, whilst Eastleigh's only real attempt of the second half fell to Murray-Walker who was denied by Calder.

The strong running of Niven was causing concern for the Aldershot rearguard after her introduction as a substitute into the front runners role until the unfortunate accident that ended the game.

It was an enjoyable game and one that showed that Eastleigh Ladies have grown well together in the year that they have been formed and all bodes well for the future.

Final Score: Eastleigh FC Ladies 0-5 Aldershot Ladies

Rivs' dramatic winner keeps home run going

EASTLEIGH v BRAINTREE TOWN

SATURDAY 6th SEPTEMBER 2008
Blue Square South

By Jamie Montigue

Eastleigh kept their 100 per cent record in tact thanks to a stoppage time winner from man of the match Anthony Riviere.

The win did not look on the cards after a poor first half, though Ian Baird's men pulled through in a thoroughly entertaining finale to the game.

Matt Bodkin made his home debut for Eastleigh having come back from an ankle injury sustained on his full debut against Bromley last month. James Baker was up against his former team, as was Chris Piper who played his first game back at the Silverlake Stadium since his summer move to Braintree Town.

The first chance on goal came Eastleigh's way when Bodkin cut back on to his right foot from the left flank before sending over a telling cross into the middle. James Baker so nearly got one over his former club as early as the sixth minute but was denied by a stunning one-handed save from Craig Holloway to keep out the glancing header as he connected with the loanee's delivery to force an early save.

A piece of sloppy defending from the hosts saw Lee Patterson's side very nearly take the lead two minutes later. The ball came loose inside the penalty area from Michael Shinn's free kick, falling for a completely unmarked Wayne O'Sullivan at the near post. The Braintree midfielder tried to dink the ball over the advancing keeper Jason Matthews, who got a vital touch with his trailing leg to keep the effort out.

The visitors did however, take the lead in the ninth minute through SEAN MARKS. O'Sullivan slipped the ball neatly through the defence for Marks to squeeze a shot past Matthews which took a slight deflection before going in off the cross bar.

During the remainder of the first half, neither side showed enough quality about them and as a result the game became somewhat dry and stale.

Bar a Braintree free kick from Shinn, which Matthews did very well to save low down from the strike that was curled around a five man wall, there was very little by way of goal mouth action to talk about for some time.

Unfortunately the game wasn't really allowed to flow due to petty fouls being picked up on by the referee, which did not help matters.

Bodkin and Tony Taggart swapped wings towards the end of the half to try and inject some much needed fresh impetus, but this did not really come off.

On the stroke of half time, David Hughes, who had put himself about well with a battling performance in his first start at the Silverlake Stadium this season, played a fine ball over the top in search of Anthony Riviere's run into the penalty area. He found it with precision, though Riviere couldn't quite poke the ball past the keeper.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-1 Braintree Town

Braintree had two early chances in the half, firstly with O'Sullivan's low cross from the left finding the goalscorer Marks in the middle on 51 minutes. Marks turned well but scooped his shot high over the cross bar from close range.

Soon after, Iron's skipper Bradley Quinton played a great ball down the line for Lee Burns. Going for goal with a chipped effort to the right of the penalty area, Burns had to be denied by Matthews who came to Eastleigh's aid rushing out to the edge of his box and making a good block.

On the hour, Matt Groves replaced David Hughes with Eastleigh adopting a 4-4-2 now instead of operating with the lone striker of Baker.

Three minutes after his introduction, Groves' swivel shot from an Andy Harris header down into his path was comfortably dealt with by Holloway. Tony Taggart's cross from the right caused the problems initially with the visitors unable to clear their lines.

At the opposite end, Burns left Jordan in his shadow to find himself one on one with Matthews, but his weak side-footed shot from the edge of the area didn't pose any threat.

The Spitfires up to this point had not really created a clear cut chance since that early opportunity fell to Baker in the 6^th minute, but the game took a sudden twist midway through the second half.

Braintree's Billy Burgess handled on the line to deny Bodkin his first goal for the club, and the full back was promptly given his marching orders with the Spitfires being awarded a penalty kick as well as the added bonus of now only facing ten men.

Peter Adeniyi stepped up far too casually and fired straight down the middle at the keeper. Town survived the scare as Adeniyi got his feet mixed up for the rebound before Matt Groves picked up on the loose ball only to blaze over the cross bar.

Somehow Braintree had survived, or rather Eastleigh had squandered a glorious opportunity to get themselves back on level terms.

Adeniyi was then brought down just outside the box but Andy Harris' free kick was a long way off from testing the keeper, flying high and wide of goal.

Eastleigh's luck didn't look like changing as Bodkin beat the keeper all ends up with a great strike from 25 yards that came back off the upright. It really wasn't looking likely to be our day!

However, a couple of masterful substitutions from Baird with Jamie Brown replacing Baker in attack and Adam 'Taz' Roberts making a return to the club having re-joined, signing on a dual registration from Paul Doswell's Sutton United, came on for Taggart with thirteen minutes remaining.

Spitfires making use of their numerical advantage drew level with Brown's powerful downward header. A great goal all round and what better impact could both Roberts and Brown have made?With what was Roberts' second touch of the ball, the 20-year-old delivered the perfect cross to combine with fellow substitute JAMIE BROWN who found a 79^th minute equaliser. The

Three minutes from time, Luke Byles was caught in possession by Lee Burns who bore down on goal with just the keeper to beat. Tom Jordan made a last ditch challenge but brought his marker down on the edge of the area. Being the last defender and denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, the referee had no choice but to dismiss the towering centre half.

Quinton missed the target by some distance from the resulting free kick.

Four minutes of added time were indicated by the match officials and you could sense the nerves and tension around the ground.

Brave defending from the visitors saw a Luke Byles shot well charged down that would otherwise have been on target and possibly have gone in had the defender not made the important deflection to take the ball into the side-netting.

In dramatic fashion in the second minute of stoppage time, ANTHONY RIVIERE slammed home his third goal of the season from the edge of the area to complete a remarkable turn of events and ensure the three points went to Eastleigh.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2-1 Braintree Town

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

August Player of the Month Awards

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

“Kettering Have The Right Guy At The Back”

Kettering Town captain Guy Branston has won the Blue Square Premier "Player of the Month" award for August.

Branston has led his side through the first six games of the Blue Square Premier season without a defeat as the Poppies have made a mockery of their pre-season relegation odds.

The no-nonsense centre back has marshalled a Kettering defence that have only conceded 4 goals in their opening games following promotion from the Blue Square North as champions in May.

Town boss Mark Cooper believes the award is fully deserved and commented “Guy came from a league background so it took a while for him to get his head around the non-league game but he has been immense this season. “He’s exactly the kind of man you want in the trenches alongside you and he has forged an excellent partnership with new signing Exodus Geohaghon” he added.

In the Blue Square South the award goes to AFC Wimbledon striker Jon Main. The Dons forward got off to a fantastic start with a hat-trick at Newport County on the opening day of the season. That was Main’s second consecutive hat-trick after doing the same a week earlier in a pre-season friendly with former club Tonbridge Angels.

Main also hit important strikes late on in the games against Bognor Regis and Bromley to give his club a table-topping start to the Blue Square South season.

Andy Campbell from Farsley Celtic has won the award in the Blue Square North. The former Middlesbrough striker has hit 5 goals in six games including a brace in the 4-1 home victory over Fleetwood Town.

The signing from Halifax has started the season with a bang as Celtic look to regain their place in the Blue Square Premier.

August Manager of the Month Awards

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

“Harvey Has Rovers Punching Above Their Weight”

Forest Green Rovers manager Jim Harvey has won the Blue Square Premier "Manager of the Month" award for August. Harvey's side top the Blue Square Premier table after six games as they try to improve on last seasons best ever placing.

The month got off to a slow start as Rovers coped with defensive injuries, but they finished the period with four straight wins to reach the summit.

With pre-season talk dominated by how the Cotswold side would replace the leagues top scorer Stuart Fleetwood, the team answered in fine style by finding the net in every match.

Harvey commented “I feel our goals last season were down to the approach play and we haven’t lost that quality from our game, we just have different people on the end of those moves now”.

Despite having a small squad and a lower playing budget than most sides in the division Harvey’s side continue to punch above their weight after last seasons 8^th place finish.

Harvey conceded “If we get a couple of injuries then we could struggle with the size of our squad”. “When you look at some of the big sides in the division who attract attendances three times the size of ours then really we shouldn’t be aiming any higher than mid-table” he added.

The award is voted for by a panel of non-league experts including Setanta Blue Square Premier pundit Paul Parker. The former England star praised Harvey’s management style “Jim Harvey is working with a smaller squad and smaller budget than most managers but continues to deliver results at Forest Green, this puts them well on the way to achieving another top half finish”.

In the Blue Square South the award goes to AFC Wimbledon manager Terry Brown. The Dons have got off to a flying start after achieving promotion from the Ryman League last season.

Victory on the opening day at Newport County was followed by another four wins on the bounce as Brown’s side topped the Blue Square South table. After making extensive changes during pre-season Wimbledon have adapted well to this higher level scoring 15 goals in their first six games.

Returning Southport manager Liam Watson has won the award in the Blue Square North. Watson’s side achieved five wins and a draw conceding only 2 goals in the process. The Sandgrounders are sitting pretty at the top of the Blue Square North table as they try to regain their place in the Blue Square Premier. The highlight of the month was a 3-0 away win at Stafford Rangers continuing their 100% record on the road.

Josh Dutton-Black

Statement from Bognor Regis website:

http://www.therocks.co.uk/index.htm

Josh Dutton-Black

Winger Josh Dutton-Black has left Bognor to join Eastleigh FC. Josh lives in Oxfordshire and it was mutually agreed that it would be better for him to find a club closer to home to reduce the travelling involved in getting to Bognor.

With a number of new signings, it is also important for manager Mick Jenkins to be able to work within the agreed budget.

The club wish Josh every success in his future playing career and thank him for his efforts in the six league matches he has played this season.

Goodhind Returns

Returning to the club for a second spell is South African born defender Warren Goodhind.

The 31-year old defender joined the club from Blue Square Premier side Ebbsfleet United in November 2007 and made 18 appearances for the Spitfires last season.

Ian Baird would have liked to have kept the player he brought to the club for the coming campaign, but due to cut backs made in the close season, could only offer a lesser deal which Warren turned down.

Speaking at the end of the 2007/8 season, Baird commented, "Warren Goodhind's a good lad and we offered him a deal, but he felt insulted by it. I'm not sure where he's gone."

Goodhind started the new season at Ryman Premier League strugglers Harrow Borough but has now re-joined his former club and will offer more options in the defensive department in light of Ashley Vickers' recent move to Newport County (initially on loan).

He was named as an unused substitute in last night's 1-1 away draw with Weston-Super-Mare.

Late Baker strike secures share of spoils

WESTON-SUPER-MARE v EASTLEIGH

MONDAY 1st SEPTEMBER 2008
Blue Square South

Report by Ray Murphy

Forty-eight hours earlier Eastleigh FC produced their worst display for some time, this performance restored some of the faith back in them with a determination to show that the St Albans fiasco was a one off.

Andy Harris returned to the side from injury whilst there was a first start of the season for David Hughes, Aaron Martin and James Baker making way for them as they dropped to the bench where they were joined by returnee Warren Goodhind after a short spell at Harrow Borough. Jamie Brown playing in a strikers role lining up again with his ex Dorchester team mate and front-runner Matt Groves.

The early showing signs were worrying though. The home side with ex-Eastleigh striker Ashan Holgate leading their attack had the ball in the net after only five minutes. Marvin Brown saw an effort blocked the ball running for Andy Gurney who turned the ball into the net only to be denied by the flag of an assistant for being in an offside position. Eastleigh also produced an early attempt on the eighth minute Tony Taggart combining well with Groves before firing a shot against the foot of the post.

The half developed into a non-descript affair with neither side taking control of the midfield. As the game approached the interval Eastleigh started to hold the upper hand. Brown turned inside his defender on thirty-seven minutes but saw his long range shot saved by Ryan Northmore. A minute later Anthony Riviere sent a dipping drive just over the bar and on the stroke of half time Harris fired in a free kick that hit a defender falling for Riviere who fired over the target again.

A damp second period brought more chances for both sides. Nine minutes into the period Riviere's through ball saw Brown shoot narrowly wide then Taggart had another effort saved by Northmore.

Trevor Challis had to be alert to keep wing man Dean Grubb contained, one time Grubb did get past Challis in the sixty-third minute saw the wingers cross fly across the face of the Eastleigh goal but with no one on hand to apply the finishing touch. Eastleigh did fall behind on seventy-two minutes. A long clearance from Northmore was not dealt with by the Eastleigh defence, Jason Matthews had to punch the ball clear only falling invitingly for Ben Wells to turn on the edge of the box and place the ball into the corner of the net.

Wells was denied a second by a good save by Matthews after seventy-five minutes then four minutes later both Holgate and Brown failed to turn home a cross from Darren Mullings when unmarked in the area. Grubb had a run and final shot blocked by Riviere with nine minutes remaining as the home side looked for a deciding goal.

With three minutes remaining Eastleigh scored to claim a point they fully deserved. Harris’ corner was turned back across goal by Luke Byles and substitute James Baker turned home his third league goal of the season.