Fab Four! Centre backs Tom & Aaron on goal trail again as Eastleigh record consecutive wins and clean sheets

DORCHESTER TOWN v EASTLEIGH

SATURDAY 31st JANUARY 2009
Blue Square South

Report by Ray Murphy

It had been an upheaval of a week for the home side Dorchester, with rumours of pay cuts, players leaving the club in droves and the departure of manager Shaun Brooks. The truth behind all of this is unknown to all of us naturally, though the team that took the field for Dorchester was the same as seven days ago apart from two players. All of that aside, nothing should be taken from Eastleigh’s four goal rampage that made up for the single goal home defeat suffered by Dorchester earlier in the season. In reality this was nothing but a stroll for Eastleigh for whom after scoring the opening goal, won the game at a canter.

Manager Ian Baird kept faith with the side that had scored a two goal advantage over Bath City five days earlier, meaning centre back Aaron Martin retained his place in the side alongside skipper Tom Jordan. Jonny Dixon returned to the substitutes bench following injury. Dorchester were without their leading scorer Ryan Moss through injury not even being fit enough to take his place on the Dorchester bench which was their original idea though a late team sheet alteration withdrew the striker. Eastleigh goalkeeper Jason Matthews had a quiet afternoon without a shot on target to mention.

The Dorchester pitch was not up to its normal high standards and any fluent football was not permissible on the surface. This led to a very disjointed opening half an hour with both sides unable to penetrate either defence. On thirty two minutes a strike from Anthony Riviere from twenty five yards took a wicked deflection off former Eastleigh midfielder Jamie Gleeson wrong footing Dorchester’s former AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Gareth Stewart nestling into the corner of the net and giving Eastleigh the lead.

Jordan had a header from a Tony Taggart free kick saved by Stewart on thirty-nine minutes, but Eastleigh scored a second crucial goal on the stroke of half time. Taggart's corner saw Stewart attack the ball but his weak punch fell for Martin to notch his second goal in two games.

Eastleigh then took further advantage immediately after the break. Four minutes into the second period, Ashley Carew's corner was knocked back across goal by Martin for his defensive partner Jordan to head home goal number three and also his second goal in two games.

The large contingent of Eastleigh followers were convinced more goals would flow. The former two Dorchester strikers in the Eastleigh ranks in Jamie Brown and Matt Groves worked tirelessly all afternoon and Riviere controlled the middle of the park. A major onslaught of further goals though always looked unlikely.

A fourth goal did arrive on seventy-eight minutes. Peter Adeniyi slipped a ball in behind the Dorchester defence and Riviere produced some neat footwork to avoid a defender then turned the ball across the face of goal where Groves gleefully turned home his ninth goal of the season.

Eastleigh Res. 0-1 Tooting & Mitcham Utd Res.

Eastleigh Res. 0-1 Tooting & Mitcham United Res.
Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Fred Toomer, Adam Gatcumb, Aaron Blaxall, Aaron Todd, Tom Nicholas (c), Nick Lane, James Powell, Joe Crook, Scott Waters, Ben White, Nick Watt.

Subs: Robinson (on for Blaxall 40), Bamba (on for Watt 50), Easton (on for White 70).

By Jamie Montigue

Match Photos - Here

After just two minutes, Eastleigh Reserves found themselves a goal behind. A long ball forward from the visitors was met by a tidy finish with a fine lob over stranded Eastleigh goalkeeper Freddie Toomer and into the net.


Ben White headed wide from an Aaron Blaxall left wing cross soon after, before Nick Watt fired narrowly over the cross bar with a good attempt from a free kick 20 yards out, to the left of goal.


Tooting & Mitcham really should have been two goals to the good but were left ruing a squandered chance as an unmarked man at the far post headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

In the 26th minute Ben White had the ball in the back of the net for the hosts. Neat interplay down the left saw Aaron Blaxall and Nick Watt combine to devastating effect with the latter threading an inch perfect ball through for White to finish off. To Eastleigh's dismay, the flag was up for offside but at least Paul Wiltshire and Wayne Mew's young side had proved to themselves that with short, passing football they would create opportunities and find the back of the net.


Unfortunately it just wasn't to be and as the cliche goes, it was just 'one of those days' where nothing seemed to go the Spitfires' way.

Left-back Aaron Blaxall limped out of the action five minutes before the break with an injury forcing the first change of the game.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh Res. 0-1 Tooting & Mitcham Utd Res.

Ben White or 'Chalky' as he is more commonly known, came the closest to an Eastleigh goal and the equaliser in the early stages of the second half. Attempting an acrobatic volley on the turn, White was unfortunate to see his improvised shot sail just a little too high.

Toomer was then called into action at the opposite end when he pushed a powerful free kick over with an impressive save.

The fresh legs of Youssuf Bamba sparked a little bit more spring and liveliness to Eastleigh's play and the second half substitute fed a clever ball through to Scott Waters to the left of goal inside the penalty area. Waters looked to turn the ball goalwards with his left foot but was denied by the legs of the goalkeeper.

Time was running down and still Eastleigh had not looked terribly likely to grab an equaliser.

Late in the game Waters firstly headed straight at the keeper from a cross by James Powell, before in the next attack, he couldn't keep a further header down from another right wing delivery.

Five minutes from time it opened up for Alex Easton to have a go at goal for Eastleigh but his half volley failed to threaten the keeper and flew narrowly over the cross bar.

It looked as though Eastleigh might just have taken something from the game when Nick Lane connected with a powerful header from a Powell free kick. Lane appeared to be pushed in the back just as he attacked the ball but got his header in on goal anyway and were it not for a top drawer stop by the visiting goalkeeper, Eastleigh would have walked away with a 1-1 draw as the ball was heading for the top corner. The Tooting & Mitcham goalkeeper made a despairing dive to the right and did superbly well to keep the ball out and effectively earn his side the three points.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh Res. 0-1 Tooting & Mitcham Utd Res.

Back to business! Centre backs get the goals and keep clean sheet in much improved Eastleigh performance

EASTLEIGH v BATH CITY

SATURDAY 24th JANUARY 2009
Blue Square South

By Jamie Montigue

Match highlights, including Aaron Martin's goal

Eastleigh got back to business with an important 2-0 win over Bath City, who were second in the form table coming into tonight's Blue Square South fixture. The performance was a dramatic improvement on the weekend's showing as the Spitfires hit back at their critics with the best possible response. They did this by showing a lot more determination, doing the simple things well, taking their chances, as well as the added bonus and rarity of a clean sheet to get back to that wonderful winning feeling.

Ian Baird was forced into changes from Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to Team Bath as he lost two players to injury - skipper Andy Harris and loanee forward Jonny Dixon, who grabbed his first goal for the club late in the game as a consolation at the weekend. Promising young centre back Aaron Martin replaced Neil Sharp at the heart of the defence, whilst Warren Goodhind returned to the starting line up at right back in place of Harris. The third and final change to the starting eleven saw Matt Groves come in for Dixon to partner Jamie Brown in attack.

In only the second minute of the game, Eastleigh signalled their early intent to make amends for the recent disappointing result. Jamie Brown's header looked destined for goal from a Tony Taggart corner but was kept out by the extremely well-placed Richard Evans on the goal line.

Ashley Carew had a fine game and looked far more confident and at ease on the ball as displayed by his direct running, getting at his markers and taking them on.

With ten minutes played, a low ball in from Warren Goodhind was half cleared to the edge of the area which allowed Anthony Riviere to pounce on the loose ball and fire narrowly over the cross bar with his left foot.

Bath's Dave Gilroy chased in a couple of times as City tried to break, but Jason Matthews was always alert and quick to the edge of his box to thwart any potential danger, before the visitors finally had an attempt of note in the fifteenth minute. Chris Holland climbed the highest in a crowded penalty area but couldn't keep his header down.

Three minutes later, Carew continued his excellent contribution to the game with a stinging shot that deserved so much more. Picking the ball up in the middle of the park, the on-loan versatile player had a go from all of 30 yards and came as close as close can be to opening the scoring. Just an inch lower and goalkeeper Steve Perrin would not have stood a chance, such was the power on the shot.

The Barnet loanee was at it again midway through the half, though this time Carew unselfishly fed the ball to his left for Riviere having broken from midfield and quickly turning Eastleigh into attack to create a goal-scoring opportunity. Riviere's shot was blocked as his marker stood up to concede a corner following further positive football from the hosts.

When Bath City did have possession in the final third, they were by and large restricted to shooting from distance where they were in all honesty going to find it hard beating Jason Matthews. In the 27^th minute, Evans received the ball wide on the right of midfield, where he cut inside and on to his left foot only to be rushed into a shot that flew comfortably wide of Matthews' far post.

Ten minutes before the break, Eastleigh survived a brief scare as they found themselves on the back foot for the first time in the game for a short moment. Darren Edwards headed the ball into the centre from a parry off of the goalkeeper as Dave Gilroy stole in at the near post and bundled the ball home with a header virtually on the goal line. Thankfully the flag went up for offside to prevent deja vu and the possibility of going through Saturday's script over once more, where they had played fairly well only to get caught out with two quick goals before half time.

The positive early start had dwindled ever so slightly, but was recaptured almost instantly when Carew caught the eye with a wonderful touch to get past Jim Rollo, knocking the ball ahead down the right touch line before dashing past and leaving the City captain for dead. His cross was just as lethal as he sought out Tony Taggart at the back post. Instead Lewis Hogg had got back well to take the ball away from it's intended target but in so doing, had his goalkeeper to thank for saving an own goal. Hogg's header was creeping in at the far post until Perrin, who had to change direction, scrambled across to make an excellent stop and keep the ball out with a vital touch as the scores remained level at half time.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-0 Bath City

Four minutes after the restart, Matt Groves was tugged just outside the penalty area to the right of goal to present Tony Taggart the chance to test the keeper with a free kick. The former Hawk went for power but unfortunately failed to trouble the keeper on this occasion.

Eastleigh kept plugging away trying to dominate proceedings and in the 55^th minute stepped the pressure up on Steve Perrin's goal a notch higher. Tom Jordan, who was captain in the absence of Harris, flicked the ball on with a near post header where Groves spun and shot with an instinctive volley from 6 yards forcing a splendid reaction save out of Perrin. As it turned out the flag was up anyway but it showed that the Spitfires were creating the chances in the first place.

It was looking increasingly likely that should anyone score first, it would be Eastleigh as they just saw too much of the ball.

Luke Byles drove forward from full back before feeding the ball through to Groves. The ex-Dorchester Town and Lewes centre forward hit the ball early to test the goalkeeper who did well to keep out the effort albeit that Perrin's momentum in saving the ball low to his right took him beyond the white line to concede a corner kick that ultimately led to the deadlock finally being broken.

Leading the way with a captain's performance, TOM JORDAN popped up to net his third league goal of the season as he stabbed home from close range from Tony Taggart's delivery.

No sooner had Eastleigh taken the lead, they managed to double it within a matter of minutes. Again it was a corner kick, again it was a centre half. A teasing corner from Taggart with a high ball into the box posed a number of problems to Bath City who simply looked vulnerable and could not deal with the corner. The ball hit Matt Groves at the far post as City failed to clear before AARON MARTIN capped a solid performance at centre half with the goal that he deserved, as he found the back of the net for his first ever in the Blue Square South.

Eastleigh came close to a third as Groves held the ball up well from Matthews' long kick up the park before rolling it back to Carew. Taking one touch to get the ball out of his feet, Ashley so nearly caught out the keeper with a delightful curling attempt that had Perrin back-pedalling to tip the ball behind for another corner kick.

Carew was clearly enjoying himself out there tonight as he saw so much more of the ball than he did on Saturday and was able to express himself to the Eastleigh faithful. Running the show, Carew's Brazilian-esque nifty, quick footwork saw him bring the ball forward with purpose before sliding the ball to his right to set Riviere free into the penalty area. Riviere in turn played it to Groves whose weak effort failed to live up to the sublime Eastleigh approach play.

A familiar face, that of Stuart Douglas returned to the Silverlake Stadium once more as he entered the fray for the visitors as a second half substitute. Shortly after, Baird injected fresh legs in the form of Brett Williams to replace Jamie Brown who was whole-hearted as ever never giving the Bath City defence a moment's peace.

Williams wasted little time in making an impression even in the brief time he had on the pitch. The young forward who featured heavily in the Eastleigh reserve side for a couple of seasons before making a switch to first team football at Winchester City, made one particularly fine run down the right that saw his pace beyond the back line and in on goal to force a good save out of the keeper.

There was no let up from a much more organised and professional looking Eastleigh display as they held their own in the closing stages of the game with resolute defending to hold out for a clean sheet.

Indeed Eastleigh may well have had a third goal when Baird's final roll of the dice, Joe Maxwell, was sent through on goal on the counter attack as Matthews punched a free kick clear for Peter Adeniyi to hook the ball down the right with an immaculate pass into the path of Maxwell who took one touch before striking wide of goal.

A win was required to get the club back on track after dropping five points in their last two games, and this was the perfect reply.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2–0 Bath City

Eastleigh 1-3 Team Bath

EASTLEIGH v TEAM BATH



SATURDAY 24th JANUARY 2009
Blue Square South

By Jamie Montigue

Eastleigh handed a debut to latest loanee, Ashley Carew who has joined on loan from Barnet, whilst fellow loan signing Jonny Dixon made his home debut having already played last weekend in the 1-1 draw with Braintree Town.

Luke Byles returned to the first team after being relegated to the reserves for disciplinary reasons last Saturday, having resolved his differences with manager Ian Baird this week.

Unfortunately the game was one to forget for the Spitfires with very few positives to come out of it as Team Bath ran out comfortable winners and gained ground on Eastleigh in the league table with two games in hand.

It was nice to see the sun shining for a change at the Silverlake Stadium on a fine afternoon after all of the bleak weather we have had recently, however Eastleigh were most certainly not shining as they put in a very off-colour performance and got all that their play deserved - nothing.

Shaun Benison picked the ball up on the left for the visitors inside the first minute of the game but his clipped shot/cross drifted wide of the mark.

Two minutes later Andy Harris played the ball down the line for Carew who was given his first chance to prove his worth to cover for Steve Clark who is thought to be out injured for around six weeks. The 6”2 versatile full back or winger made a positive run towards the byline where his cross was safely collected by goalkeeper Jake Meredith.

Team Bath provided the most potent threat and might have done better with an opportunity from a set piece in the fifth minute. A free kick on the far side saw a header at the far post find Matt Cooper who in turn nodded into the ground where Jason Matthews picked up the loose ball.

Only moments later Eastleigh failed to deal with another Team Bath free kick. Marc Canham's delivery was only half-cleared with the header away by Tom Jordan. Matt Thorne latched on to it but miss-hit his shot dragging the ball comfortably wide.

In the tenth minute, Jonny Dixon headed forward to the edge of the penalty area. Meredith ran out of goal to try and clear when Jamie Brown, whole-hearted as ever, was determined to get their first and won the challenge on the keeper to win a corner kick. From the resulting corner, Andy Harris found Neil Sharp who headed against a defender to win a further flag kick. Tony Taggart whipped in the corner on the near side but the ball was cleared to safety by the visitors.

The game had got off to a cagey start but neither side really looked like troubling the scorers.

Carew nipped past full back Greg Lake in the fifteenth minute and got his shot away only to see it wide of goal before Andy Harris came the closest to opening the scoring with a powerfully struck free kick that whistled inches wide of the post.

Midway through the half, Anthony Riviere chased hard having lost possession by the corner flag to pinch the ball back and win possession high up the field, before playing the ball into the box for Jonny Dixon, whose low shot was scrambled away for a throw.

Matthews was forced into his first real save of note in the 35^th minute. Marc Canham let fly from 25 yards but was denied by the former Weymouth stopper who got down well to save low to his right.

In the space of a couple of minutes Dixon looked most likely to make something happen for Eastleigh as he was first played in by Tony Taggart where he made a great turn, six yards from goal in a tight space only for a perfectly-timed last ditch tackle to hook the ball away. The on-loan Brighton & Hove Albion forward who has scored goals at Blue Square Premier level with Aldershot, then nodded the ball narrowly wide from a decent ball in from the right.

Eastleigh were becoming more and more stretched as the half wore on with Takumi Ake and Ben Thomson providing priceless width and unrivalled threat down either flank for Team Bath. Just two minutes before the break Ged Roddy's side took the lead as BEN THOMSON stole in at the far post completely unmarked to plant a side-footed volley into the top corner from close range to break the deadlock.

The Spitfires went right down the opposite end directly from kick off with Tony Taggart, however with defenders backing off and the perfect opportunity to trouble the keeper, the winger failed to get hold of it as well as he knows he can as his driven shot hit the target but lacked the sort of power needed to beat the keeper.

Anthony Riviere was next to try and make amends to hit back quickly before half time as he made a strong surging run through the middle of the park with great skill and balance before being dispossessed on the edge of the area. The ball came out as far as Dixon who blasted high over the bar with Carew screaming for the ball to his right.

Then came the real hammer blow. 1-0 down at the break wouldn't have been the best but would certainly have been within reach to turn the game around in the second half, should it have stayed this way. Unfortunately Team Bath took a strong foothold in the game with a sucker punch in the first minute of injury time added on at the end of the half, to give them something to hold on to, meaning Eastleigh would be forever chasing and it was always going to be a long way back from here.

Thomson this time turned provider with a cross from the left to find TAKUMI AKE at the far post who was left with the simplest of finishes to complete a quick fire double as Team Bath made the very most of launching a counter attack and doubled their lead.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-2 Team Bath

Shaun Benison really should have put the game beyond doubt just a minute into the half, and would have done had his header found the back of the net to make it 3-0 and kill the game off effectively for Eastleigh. Thomson once more provided the cross as he continued to torment the Spitfires defence finding Benison a mere 4 yards from goal in the clear. The striker's header though resulted in an embarrassing miss.

Matters were made worse for Eastleigh as they lost captain Andy Harris to injury early on - Warren Goodhind, his like for like replacement at right back.

Team Bath's Matt Townley came close with a looping header from a Thomson corner kick before a very frustrated Jamie Brown made way for Matt Groves on the hour mark.

Takumi Ake continued his fine performance and was a constant thorn and menace to Eastleigh all game long with endless running, and nearly added to Eastleigh's woe with a further goal as he cut inside, skipped past Carew and fired wide with his left foot.

Ian Baird reverted to three at the back with Luke Byles switching to a more advanced position as Eastleigh sought to try and find a way back into the game.

Anthony Riviere had his header plucked out of the air with ease by Meredith from a Taggart cross and then in the 72^nd minute, it was game, set and match to Team Bath.

MATT COOPER netted the visitors third goal of the game following a lovely piece of play from that man Ben Thomson whose trickery allowed room for the cross to pick out the front man who ran in unattended to score one of the easiest goals he is ever likely to score. It was becoming frustrating and deeply disappointing to see Eastleigh play so poorly at home.

Eastleigh finally started to show some character towards the end but it was far too little, too late. Brett Williams came on for centre back Neil Sharp and showed glimpses of his ability with some nice touches in his brief cameo substitute appearance.

Thirteen minutes from time, Jonny Dixon lofted the ball into the box from the right where Riviere threw himself at the ball with a flying header. At first sight, it looked as if the effort was going to be a big miss as he failed to make the cleanest of connections, when suddenly the ball hung in the air and dipped at the last second. Jake Meredith read it well to save underneath his cross bar.

Williams lashed the ball across goal a minute later putting the ball in exactly the right place, where it is extremely difficult to defend, however the set up evaded Dixon in front of goal.

It wasn't until deep into the final ten minutes of the game that Eastleigh had mustered their best attempt on goal in a very bleak and second rate performance. Young forward Brett Williams was again involved as he headed on neatly into the path of Matt Groves. The substitute and former Dorchester Town striker volleyed towards goal and hit the target to force a good save out of Meredith.

Team Bath could have made the scoreline look incredibly one-sided with three minutes to play as Mike Perrott slipped the ball through the Eastleigh rearguard only to see Benison's poor finishing spare further Eastleigh embarrassment.

The game was already long won by the visitors when JONNY DIXON came away with his first goal for his new club, one of very few positives from the afternoon's events at the Silverlake Stadium watched by a crowd of 544.

It was a mere consolation goal but Dixon took it well as Groves helped the ball on, and the loanee striker who has been brought in to cover Andy Forbes' sorely missed long-term absence, took his chance well placing the ball to the right of the goalkeeper.

Deep into injury time Riviere was felled just outside the box. Tony Taggart's effort was very impressive and deserved a goal. It was struck with such venom and accuracy but was met by an equally brilliant save by Meredith who pushed the ball on to the cross bar. Groves pounced but couldn't find the back of the net.

Eastleigh will have a lot work on their hands to improve in time for the visit of Bath City on Tuesday night if they want to go some way to make amends for their below-par showing this afternoon and get three points on the board to maintain their push for the play offs.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 1–3 Team Bath

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

Carew joins Eastleigh on loan from Barnet

Eastleigh have captured the loan signing of Ashley Carew from Barnet FC of the Coca Cola Football League Two.

Eastleigh's Director of Football Dave Malone confirmed the deal:

"We are delighted to confirm that we have agreed a 2 month loan deal with Barnet FC for 23 year old Ashley Carew.

"Ashley can play on either wing, and has also played full back for Barnet. He will be a welcome addition to our squad, particularly bearing in mind the recent injury to Steve Clark."

Click here for player profile from Barnet website.

Eastleigh Ladies 3-0 Salisbury Ladies

Eastleigh Ladies started where they left off after a near 8-week break by beating Salisbury 3-0 as they continued their unbeaten run in Hampshire Division 1.

On a pitch that had seen better days, the girls scored their first in under 20 minutes with a great goal by former Salisbury player Zoe Cranmer.

Momentum continued with some great crosses and runs from the wings which led to the second of the day by Night Akhonya her eighth of the season after she followed up a shot by Lucy Piper.

With a 2-0 lead the team went into the second half attacking still and playing some great football. The defence held strong and played a major part in an important clean sheet.

The third goal came from subsitute Amy Boucher who proved her worth with a great shot inside the 6-yard box.

Salisbury failed to attack though but made promising runs down the wings. Eastleigh's midfield were there to snub out any real danger, and with the Spitfire's keeper rarely troubled, three points and a clean sheet takes the Spitfires to 4th in the league and full of confidence for our next match away to Christchurch.

A great performance from all and something to be proud of by all players and supporters.

Jordan bails Eastleigh out at the death

BRAINTREE TOWN v EASTLEIGH



SATURDAY 17th JANUARY 2009
Blue Square South

Report by Ray Murphy

It was sixteen days since either of these sides last took to the field and the opening forty-five minutes showed just that. Cressing Road Stadium has now seen the visit of Eastleigh four times and the hosts Braintree Town still wait to record their first home victory against The Spitfires.

Since their last outing Eastleigh have been rocked with the loss of striker Andy Forbes for the rest of the season and the latest addition to the injury list is Steve Clark who injured ankle ligaments in training forty eight hours earlier and first reports is that the versatile Clark will be out for four to six weeks. Add to that Luke Byles was left behind to appear for the second string, it was a much changed starting eleven to the one that may have been fielded with all players available.

Skipper Andy Harris was pushed forward into a central midfield role allowing Peter Adeniyi to switch to wide right to cover for Clark. Warren Goodhind returned to the side for his first start for some eight weeks. Trevor Challis returned at left back whilst loan signing from Brighton & Hove Albion Jonny Dixon made his debut the day after his twenty fifth birthday.

The game started brightly as Dixon evaded a couple of challenges on the edge of the box but his shot was then off target in the seventh minute, then two minutes later Lee Burns’ cross for Braintree flew across the six yard box with nobody able to add a finishing touch.

The game then developed into an affair of mistakes on both sides with neither being able to string moves together that would hurt either defence. On the half hour Jamie Brown was wide on the right flank and his miscued cross arrived some thirty yards out where Challis arrived to fire a shot that was just the wrong side of the post.

With thirty-seven minutes played a flick on from Brown found Dixon just inside the area and his low left footed drive went under goalkeeper Craig Holloway into the net but the ‘effort’ was disallowed as Dixon was adjudged to have used his hand in bringing the ball under control. At the opposite end Burns found himself in space on the edge of the box and his shot was also just off target with Jason Matthews rooted to the spot.

Eastleigh had an opportunity right on the interval to open the scoring. Challis’ cross was again flicked on by Brown and Dixon slipped the ball under the advancing Holloway but just the wrong side of the upright.

The second half saw a bit more enterprise. Braintree showed their intentions early on with striker Danny Hockton and Sean Marks causing concern to the Eastleigh rearguard. Within four minutes of the restart Hockton dropped the ball in behind the Eastleigh defence where Marks collected the ball but his shot was saved by the legs of Matthews.

Tom Jordan managed to produce a shot whilst in the area from an Eastleigh set piece on fifty two minutes but Holloway was equal to the effort. On fifty-seven minutes the home side went ahead. Former Eastleigh midfielder Chris Piper was having an inspired game in the Braintree midfield. An inch perfect pass from Piper in behind Jordan found Hockton who clipped the ball over the advancing Matthews and despite the effort of the recovering Jordan, could not prevent Braintree opening the scoring.

Tony Taggart had a free kick diverted off target minutes later and from the resultant corner Brown headed wide. Eastleigh threw more into attack, which was leaving shortages in defence. On sixty-six minutes another Piper through ball saw Challis slip allowing Hockton through on goal but his shot was pushed away by Matthews. Matthews had to quickly recover as the ball arrived for Gareth Williams to produce another goal bound effort, which again Matthews saved.

Matthews was in action again two minutes later producing another stop from a shot on the turn by Hockton. Eastleigh would not give up with their attempts at bringing the game back level. Dixon worked the ball back in the middle of the park allowing Matt Groves and Taggart to exchange passes before Groves' shot was saved by Holloway.

With time seemingly running out, it was the fourth minute of stoppage time that Eastleigh netted an equaliser. Dixon was the provider with a cross from the right flank that was headed into the net by Jordan for his fourth goal of the season.

Eastleigh Res. 2-1 Tonbridge Angels Res.

Eastleigh Res. 2-1 Corinthian Casuals Res.
Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Fred Toomer, Adam Gastcumb, Aaron Blaxall, Tom Nicholas (c), Luke Byles, Adam Wiltshire, James Powell, Joe Crook, Scott Waters, Ben White, Nick Watt.

Subs: Todd (on for Wiltshire 81), Hall (on for Powell 83), Lane (on for White 88).

By Jamie Montigue

Eastleigh's second string made a promising start to the game with James Powell coming closest early on, his shot saved well by the visiting keeper low at his near post.

Ben White had the ball in the back of the net in the tenth minute for the Spitfires but the 'goal' was ruled out for offside.

The early pressure paid dividends as Eastleigh took the lead just eight minutes later following an extremely well worked move. White's sublime header from a ball forward was perfectly into the path of right sided mifielder Powell who overlapped well to side foot a powerfully driven ball in across the face of goal. NICK WATT raced in at the far post to take full advantage of the delivery and in so doing rounded off with a fine finish. The winger picked out the top right hand corner via the frame of the goal with an unstoppable shot as the keeper watched on helplessly.

Having taken the lead, Eastleigh had a good chance to make it 2-0 but Ben White stumbled backwards when the opportunity of a free header arrived.

Tonbridge Angels took a very aggressive approach to the game in an attempt to unsettle their youthful opponents, which left Eastleigh on the receiving end of some nasty tackles. This fact was not helped by the referee giving little or no protection to the players safety a lot of the time throughout the game.

Nine minutes before the break James Powell was in the right place, at the right time as he followed in a parry off the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

In the second minute of injury time added on at the end of the first half, Eastleigh skipper Tom Nicholas was unfortunate enough to head past his own goalkeeper and into the net to give Tonbridge a chance of finding a way back into the match.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh Res. 2-1 Tonbridge Angels Res.

Luke Byles had put in a commanding performance and no doubt helped to influence a very inexperienced side as he was dropped to the reserves side this week. It has been speculated that there was a slight disagreement between the defender and manager Ian Baird at training and that for that reason could possibly explain Byles' appearance this afternoon for Paul Wiltshire and Wayne Mew's side.

It was Byles who so nearly restored Eastleigh's two goal cushion just a minute into the second half but his header from a corner kick was cleared off the line by a man standing on the far post.

Other than a few half chances, from here on it was mainly the visitors who looked most likely to score.

They certainly threatened an equaliser and tested goalkeeper Freddie Toomer on a handful of occasions.

Their first attempt of note in the second half saw Toomer forced into a hurried clearance under pressure, the ball falling onto the foot of a thankful opponent. As the ball was lobbed back towards the Eastleigh goal, Toomer had just about regained his position but spilled the ball initially before diving on it at the second attempt.

Toomer was certainly the busier of the goalkeepers and had to force the ball around the post to deny a well struck effort from range moments later.

Adam Wiltshire tried his best to find an opening on the hour mark as he dodged and weaved several challenges in the penalty area showing good composure and skill to force a corner kick.

Tonbridge Angels were once again denied by Toomer, who palmed the ball around the post to keep out a free kick in the 77th minute.

With six minutes remaining Nick Watt's corner on the near side hung in the air for what seemed like an age and when it finally came down was headed against the woodwork.

The Angels were not finished looking for a late goal to save two points and again forced a save out of Toomer with time running down.

Eastleigh looked dangerous on the break in the closing moments of the game and may have just grabbed an extra goal to make it safe but it was not necessary in the end as they ran out 2-1 winners.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh Res. 2-1 Tonbridge Angels Res.

Race Night

Eastleigh FC Ladies are hosting a race night on Friday 20th February 2009 at the Silverlake Stadium. The event will win run from 7:30pm through to approximately 10:30pm.

Ray Murphy has very kindly organised the night and arranged two local businesses to sponsor the event, Covers and Premdor.

Our events in the past have had a great response from friends and family of the team but low number of support from the club and supporters. We hope that you will all support your local women's football team and come and make a flutter on a few races.

The ladies hope you will come and show your support as you do so well for the men!

Horses are available to buy prior to the night at £5 each. Every winning jockey receives £20. The club need to sell 56 horses and there are 6 races, so even if you cannot make it, please sponsor a horse or a race.

Entry is free!

Rearranged St. Albans fixture

Last weekend's postponed Blue Square South fixture against St. Albans City will now be played on Tuesday 3rd February 2009, 7:45pm kick off at the Silverlake Stadium.

Welcome to Eastleigh Jonny Dixon

Having lost Andy Forbes to a ruptured Achilles injury, Eastleigh have moved quickly to bring in a replacement striker.

Yesterday evening it was confirmed that Jonny Dixon of Coca Cola League One side Brighton & Hove Albion has joined the Spitfires on loan.

The Spanish born forward, joined Brighton last January for a fee of £55,000 after a decent goalscoring record at Aldershot Town but has struggled to get into the Seagulls side this year having already had a loan spell at Blue Square Premier outfit Grays Athletic.

Dixon, who turns 25 next week, would have been in contention to line up against St. Albans this afternoon, but will now have to wait until next Saturday's away trip to Braintree Town to make his debut following today's postponed fixture.

Meanwhile Lee Roache has returned to Cambridge City after his one month loan period expired. The diminuitive forward looked lively as a substitute but was restricted to just three cameo performances for the club and was recalled by City in any case.

Rearranged Fisher fixture

Last weekend's postponed Blue Square South fixture at Fisher Athletic will now be played on Wednesday 18th February 2009.

Hants Senior Cup Quarter Final

Please be aware that the dates have now been confirmed for the Quarter Final ties for the Hampshire FA Senior Cup sponsored by Tenon.

Tuesday 3rd February 2009 -

V T vs Basingstoke Town

Tuesday 10th February 2009 -

Andover vs Eastleigh

Fleet Town vs Bashley

Tuesday 17th February 2009 -

Brockenhurst vs Farnborough

All matches are to kick off at 19:45.

In the first of the Quarter Finals, V T will look to continue their fine form in the Wessex League as they take on struggling Basingstoke Town at Portsmouth Road. Last season's winners Basingstoke are expected to take a strong side to V T as they look to strengthen their hold on the trophy.

Eastleigh have not seen much success in the past couple of season's in this competition, but following two big score lines in the last two rounds, they will fancy their chances at Andover.

Fleet Town will look to use the home advantage as they prepare to face Bashley at Calthorpe Park. Both sides have seen relative success in previous years, and will try to use this as the stepping stone towards the final.

Last seasons finalists, Farnborough, face their third successive away trip. This time they travel to the New Forest to face Brockenhurst of the Wessex League. Brockenhurst are well capable of springing a surprise or two, so a shock may well be on the cards.

Fan request

Hi,

I am a season ticket holder with you and am about to set off on a 4250 mile bicycle trip across USA. I will be raising money to buy a disabled boy a specially adapted bicycle. However, what I wondered was if there is anyone willing to text me the results until the end of the season, being in fairly remote areas I will not be able to access a computer regularly. The last game I can attend will be 27 January, I'm willing to pay for the texts.

If also you are able give any publicity to this ride it would be most appreciated, please visit our web site www.bike4gus.com.

Many thanks

Tony Thompson

1 Kensington Close, Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, SO50 6NS

St. Albans game frozen off

Eastleigh v St. Albans

Blue Square South

MATCH POSTPONED DUE TO FROZEN PITCH

Eastleigh hit by crushing injury blow to star man Forbes

Eastleigh fans today were dealt a massive blow when they learnt of a 'serious achillies injury' to star man Andy Forbes.

Director of Football Dave Malone broke the news to keep fans informed and up to date as he so often has done on the club messageboard, but sadly it was bad news indeed.

The posted message read as follows: "Not the news you might be expecting, but we have to report that Andy Forbes has sustained a serious achillies injury - and is likely to be out injured for at least the remainder of this season.

"Andy was exercising yesterday when the injury occured, and was taken to Reading Hospital. He was examined there, and his lower leg was plastered.

"We expect him to see a specialist in the next 48 hours, and a decision will be taken as to how best to proceed.

"The Club has in place top medical insurance, and you can rest assured that he will receive constant medical attentions from experts in their field. Andy will also be placed in the care of Kim Chesterfield of Theraputics, who will oversee his rehabilitation.

"This is a devastating blow, both for Andy Forbes and Eastleigh Football Club. That said, life goes on - and we will make every effort to ensure we can maintain our challenge at the upper end of the BSS.

"I am sure that you will all join us in wishing Andy a safe and speedy recovery."

I too would like to echo those sentiments and sincerely hope that Andy recovers well, in the shortest time possible.

Winter weather takes it's toll - Both games off

Fisher Athletic v Eastleigh

Blue Square South

Eastleigh Res. v Basingstoke Town Res.

Suburban Premier League

BOTH MATCHES ARE OFF - FROZEN PITCHES

December Manager of the Month Awards

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

“Clough Scoops Award As Brewers Make It Ten In A Row”

Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough has won the Blue Square Premier "Manager of the Month" award for December. Clough’s side ended the year in pole position in the Blue Square Premier table with a ten point lead. This was due to a fantastic run of form that extends all the way back to the start of November. Since then, Albion have embarked on a run of ten straight league victories. Clough was unlucky not to scoop the November award as Histon’s cup exploits eventually swung the vote in the favour of their boss Steve Fallon. There can be no doubt that Clough deserves the honour as he continues to break records with the team he joined just over ten years ago. During December Albion recorded victories over former Football League sides Cambridge United, York City and Mansfield Town. They completed their 100% record with wins over Forest Green and Altrincham. During the period they scored 13 goals and only conceded 5.

In the Blue Square South the award goes to Chelmsford City manager Jeff King. The Clarets won all three of their Blue Square South matches to maintain their lead at the top of the table. City won away at Welling United and local rivals Thurrock as well as beating play-off contenders Hayes & Yeading United at their Melbourne Park ground. King’s side have reached the half-way point of the season looking for a second successive title after last season’s Ryman League success.

Carl Macauley from Vauxhall Motors has won the award in the Blue Square North. The Motormen were expected to have a season of relegation struggle but find themselves just below mid-table after a fantastic month. Motors recorded a 100% record with victories over some of the division’s bigger teams. Macauley’s side travelled to last season’s Blue Square Premier relegated sides Droylsden and Stafford. They also won 1-0 at home to promotion contenders Harrogate Town.

Eastleigh back to winning ways - Happy New Year!

EASTLEIGH v BASINGSTOKE TOWN



THURSDAY 1ST JANUARY 2009
Blue Square South

Report by Jamie Montigue

Seeking revenge on the Boxing Day defeat, Eastleigh entertained neighbours Basingstoke Town for round two of this Hampshire derby on the opening day of 2009.

A solitary goal from Andy Forbes on the stroke of half time was enough to settle the scores for a New Year's Day win.

Lots of play in the air contributed to neither side taking charge of the game in the opening stages. 'Stoke captain Joe Dolan, risked a casual back flick towards former Eastleigh goalkeeper Ross Kitteridge with Andy Forbes chasing in, though fortunately for the visitors, nothing came of it.

Eastleigh's first attempt on goal came in the fourteenth minute. Dolan conceded a corner kick under pressure from Tony Taggart and from it Andy Harris' delivery picked out Andy Forbes at the far post. Forbes' downward header found the side netting of goal though Kitteridge appeared to have his post covered.

Two minutes later Luke Byles played the ball into Jamie Brown who controlled exquisitely on the chest before turning sharply and volleying comfortably over the cross bar on the turn from 25 yards.

The Spitfires' troubled Kitteridge for the first time in the nineteenth minute. Peter Adeniyi was instrumental in the move as he calmly stroked the ball out to the left to spread the play, where Byles took over and sent a good ball into the penalty area. Jamie Brown was well placed and flicked a header towards goal that saw the Dragons stopper scrambling across goal just in time to keep the ball out.

Brown perhaps should have done better in the very next phase of play. A typically teasing Taggart delivery from the near side found Brown running free into the six yard box. The majority of the bumper attendance of 1,015 were already cheering and ready to celebrate Eastleigh taking the lead though it was in vain as Brown dived in and nodded wide of the mark.

Ian Baird's side maintained the increasing pressure as Brown was yet again involved, clipping the ball into the feet of Peter Adeniyi. The ball sat up well for the shot as the sky-scraping midfielder let fly from 30 yards only to see his effort spilled initially by Kitteridge, who gathered at the second attempt.

Basingstoke had to wait until the 25^th minute to register a shot on goal. Allan Tait played the ball to his right for Tom Williamson on the edge of the area who drilled a shot towards Jason Matthews at a comfortable height. The Eastleigh stopper got behind the ball and looked to take a routine catch. Just when Basingstoke had turned their backs to regroup, Matthews dropped the ball behind him where it started rolling dangerously towards his own goal before he could get back and recover to spare his blushes.

Eastleigh went straight up the field and produced the finest move of the game. Intertwining passes on the deck combined with excellent off the ball movement, liveliness and a rare sign of creativity as displayed by the step-overs, resulted in a shot on goal that couldn't quite provide the end product that it so deserved.

The visitors were restricted to half chances only as Eastleigh eventually took the lead a minute before the break. Tony Taggart's corner was punched away by Kitteridge straight back to the feet of the former Havant & Waterlooville midfielder who promptly swung the ball back into the danger area with an inviting cross to the far post. ANDY FORBES rose high from inside the six yard box to head home his first league goal since scoring four goals in two successive away victories in November to open the scoring.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 1–0 Basingstoke Town

Eastleigh looked set to build on this crucial goal with a promising start to the second half.

Moments into the half, Luke Byles in an advanced position from left back, made a positive run into the area and drilled a cross cum shot into the danger zone where the ball was cleared by an all-important header off the line.

Steve Clark ensured Eastleigh kept momentum with a powerful run down the right hand side where he started from within in his own half before finding Jamie Brown in the middle with the cross. Brown's luck in front of goal did not look like changing despite his constant effort as he glanced the ball narrowly wide of goal.

In the 52^nd minute Clark found Forbes this time, with a deep cross from the right though the header from the goalscorer proved to be a comfortable take for Kitteridge.

Shortly after the hour mark, Kitteridge came along way out of goal to deal with a tricky high ball into the box from Byles. The keeper failed to get decent contact with the punch as the ball fell to the feet of Clark. Basingstoke had done well to cover their goalkeeper as a whole host defenders were well placed on the goal line to keep Clark at bay.

Kitteridge was increasingly jittery and was so nearly caught out once more due to a further poor clearance in quick succession. With the keeper caught in no man's land, Andy Forbes chipped the ball towards goal with his left foot and was agonisingly close to doubling both his and Eastleigh's tally as Kitteridge struggled to get back and the ball landed just an inch the wrong side of the post.

Eastleigh made two substitutions as the game wore on with Matt Groves replacing Jamie Brown in attack and a little later, Tony Taggart making way for Lee Roache.

With ten minutes remaining, and virtually Roache's first touch of the game, Clark pulled the ball back across goal where it just needed a finishing touch. Roache was well placed but got his feet mixed up and the opportunity was gone as quickly as it had come.

A cagey finish towards the end of the game saw Eastleigh playing on nerves slightly as Basingstoke applied late pressure and threatened to claim a point in a game that they were never really in up until this point.

Before this however, there was time for one last effort from Eastleigh, five minutes from time. The two substitutes combined with Groves returning a one-two with Roache, who in turn shot across goal and wide.

Basingstoke's best effort of the match came in the 87^th minute when the lively David Tarpey, a second half sub from the Dragons, held the ball up to the left of goal where Matt Warner connected with a flying volley. Matthews did well to parry the ball away and beyond Phil Ruggles who was running in looking for a rebound.

Thankfully Eastleigh had done enough to get back to winning ways and start the new year with the right result and avenge their narrow loss on Boxing Day.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 1–0 Basingstoke Town

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here: