Eastleigh 3-0 St. Albans

EASTLEIGH v ST. ALBANS

TUESDAY 31st MARCH 2009
Blue Square South

Report by Jamie Montigue

Sticking with the unbeaten eleven who heroically defeated AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, Ian Baird named an unchanged side as his Spitfires sought revenge for their heaviest defeat and worst performance of the season at Clarence Park, when St. Albans ran out 5-1 winners over Eastleigh back in August.

Both sides had been in good form coming into the game - Eastleigh in particular had found a winning formula with eight wins from their last eleven and just one defeat. Meanwhile tonight’s visitors St. Albans were unbeaten in their last eight ahead of this twice re-scheduled fixture.

In the opening stages of the game it was Steve Castle’s side who were most positive, at least to begin with. Hassan Sulaiman kept his width well on the right hand side and attacked with purpose down his flank whilst stretching the play.

Other than one moment for Eastleigh, when Tony Taggart was played in down the far side from a chipped through ball only to see Lee Butcher race off his line to collect and take off the playmaker’s foot, the visitors had the better of the play.

Following two set pieces in a row at one end for The Saints, a moment of inspiration from Taggart saw Eastleigh break the deadlock against the run of play in the 13^th minute. The former Hawk’s supreme vision spotted JONNY DIXON in space to his right at which point Taggart unleashed a terrific reverse ball through the legs of his marker to find the on-loan striker.

Dixon continued to show precisely the quality player that he is with an Andy Forbes-esque finish to calmly stroke the ball home first time into the bottom corner and beyond the reach of the keeper for his second goal in as many games.

From this point on, there really was only one side in it. Eastleigh’s confidence shot up immediately and the immense back four of Warren Goodhind, Tom Jordan, young Aaron Martin who I cannot praise highly enough, and Luke Byles not to mention the sweeper keeper Jason Matthews who is the final layer of protection – just did not look like being beaten.

The best move of the game saw Eastleigh storm into a 2-0 lead with just 21 minutes played. Peter Adeniyi and Tony Taggart exchanged passes in the middle of the park as the hosts kept possession and then had the ability to penetrate the St. Albans side with a fantastic move. Taggart sprayed an excellent pass out to the left where Ashley Carew hit a beautiful early cross into the penalty area. JAMIE BROWN headed home to round off the perfect move with a perfect finish for his sixth league goal of the season.

Paul Hakim caught the ball full on the volley a minute later but cleared the stand with a poor attempt before Eastleigh took charge once more.

Eastleigh so nearly extended their lead to three goals, six minutes before the break. A long throw in by Byles down the left saw Dixon get behind the ball displaying good strength to hold off his defender, turn him and hook a dangerous ball across the face of goal with the outside of his boot in one swift movement. Taggart threw himself at it with a diving header only to be denied by Lee Butcher who kept the ball out diving at full stretch to his right.

Ashley Carew fired low towards goal from range following a 45-yard diagonal pass sprayed across the pitch from Adeniyi but Butcher kept the midfielder out diving to his left this time.

Continuing to show the maturity of an experienced pro centre back though in reality still just nineteen years of age, Aaron Martin slid in with a perfectly timed challenge on the stroke of half time to keep Sulaiman at bay after Hakim had pulled the ball back from the by-line to create a shooting chance. From the resulting corner, Ben Martin powered a towering header narrowly over the bar.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 2–0 St. Albans

The attendance was announced shortly after the restart and the 567 was in stark comparison to the record league crowd, which was broken just four days earlier when 2,283 saw Eastleigh beat AFC Wimbledon by two goals to one at the Silverlake Stadium.

Former Spitfire Adam Everitt had a free kick on the far side cleared away by the Eastleigh defence early in the half before the frizzy-haired, temperamental defender lost his discipline two minutes shy of the hour when he got a good hold of Jamie Brown’s shirt and tugged him with a blatant foul inside the 18-yard box.

Referee John Busby was well-placed and quickly pointed to the spot. TONY TAGGART stepped up and made no mistake confidently despatching the penalty with a powerfully driven shot to the keeper’s left with the ball nestling safely in the bottom right hand corner to further impound the misery on St. Albans.

With Eastleigh more or less home and dry with a comfortable three-goal cushion, Ian Baird saw fit to make all three changes over a fifteen minute spell with Jamie Brown, Tony Taggart and Jonny Dixon receiving thoroughly deserved ovations as they were handed rests in place of Matt Groves, Steve Clark and finally Brett Williams.

Adam Everitt rose well to meet Hector Mackie’s 64^th minute corner and watched on as his header missed the target by a close margin.

Eleven minutes from time, Eastleigh substitute Williams came closest to extending the lead with an exquisite turn to spin the defender before shooting left-footed from the edge of the area – an effort that had to be turned away past the post for a corner.

Some five additional minutes were added on as the 90 minutes came to a close, and still it was Eastleigh who had the better of the final chances.

Tom Jordan and Luke Byles played the ball out from defence with a couple of swift, neat passes before Adeniyi set Matt Groves free down the right with a typically well-weighted inch-perfect pass. Groves hit it early shooting across goal and forced a corner, from which Groves turned provided this time to lay the ball back to Pete who smashed a stunning dipping effort only a whisker away from finding the back of the net.

There was time for one last piece of action as Jason Matthews read the situation early and was alert to the danger to cut the ball out when Simon Martin was bearing down on goal.

When the final whistle came, it signalled a convincing win for Eastleigh who are now well on course for hitting their target of the playoffs and just four points behind the leaders.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 3–0 St. Albans

Baird moulding Eastleigh into title contenders

- By Wendy Gee

"Never mind the play-offs, Eastleigh must now be considered as genuine contenders for the Blue Square South title after completing a magnificent season’s double over leaders AFC Wimbledon in front of a record Silverlake Stadium crowd of 2,283.

But irrespective of whether promotion comes their way this season, the Spitfires’ new-found stability has assured them of one thing – that Ian Baird is the man to lead them forward for the foreseeable future ... and beyond.

The ex-Saints and Leeds United striker is already signed up to the Stoneham Lane club until October of next year and will shortly extend that deal to October 2011."

Click here for full article

'Handy' Jordan sets Spitfires on way to seal historic win!

EASTLEIGH v AFC WIMBLEDON

SATURDAY 28th MARCH 2009
Blue Square South

Report by Jamie Montigue

A league record crowd of 2,283 packed into the Silverlake Stadium in their droves for this top of the table clash between league leaders AFC Wimbledon (with their huge away following), and Ian Baird’s Eastleigh.

Before last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Welling United, the last time Terry Brown's Dons had lost a league game had come some nineteen matches ago – ironically against the Spitfires back in early December 2008.

When today’s drama finally came to a conclusion it was the hosts who went home celebrating a massive three points, as Eastleigh became the only team to do the double over AFC Wimbledon this season.

Eastleigh have now trimmed the gap on the table-toppers to seven points with a game to spare whilst opening up a nine-point cushion over sixth-placed Maidenhead United - who have played a game more, as the Spitfires continue their push and momentum in search of cementing a playoff place. As the season comes down to the business end, things are looking extremely bright but nothing is guaranteed just yet.

The first half saw relatively few chances created as both sides cancelled each other out, though the visitors perhaps edged the opening forty-five minutes.

In the 4^th minute, pacy forward Kezie Ibe looked favourite to get to the ball first from a knock down when challenged by Eastleigh keeper Jason Matthews, who had raced a long way out of goal. Both players tumbled to the ground before the danger was eventually cleared.

Former Eastleigh number one James Pullen was up against his ex-team mates and manager this afternoon and was given a typical Tom Jordan welcome. The commanding centre half and skipper clattered into the goalkeeper with a robust but completely fair challenge to get their ahead of Pullen. Just as Aaron Martin turned to shoot towards goal from the loose ball, the referee blew up for a foul.

Just under quarter of an hour had been played when both Ibe and Jon Main worked together to keep Luke Byles at arms length. As the ball dropped dangerously inside the six-yard box, Ibe pulled the trigger only to be denied by a splendid sliding block by the covering Martin.

Excellent movement by Main saw the striker steal in on goal in a good position when Jay Conroy’s sweeping cross from the right came in. The division’s leading goal scorer will be disappointed with the finish however as after doing the hard work, his volley was extremely wayward.

In this closely fought encounter thus far, the next opportunity came the way of the Dons. Chris Hussey curled a free kick all the way through in search of runners to the back post but Matthews was able to watch it safely wide.

Ashley Carew was looking the most potent and threatening attacking force in Eastleigh’s armoury. The versatile, skilful winger had come into the action more and more as the half wore on managing to get a couple of deliveries into the AFC Wimbledon penalty area and behind the opposition defence as the Spitfires began to use the ball and the width of the pitch to a better standard.

Neither keeper had been tested to this point with the first half drawing to a close, but Jon Main did come close in the 32^nd minute when he broke the Eastleigh offside trap to race through down the left and fire narrowly wide of the upright.

Eight minutes before the break, Luke Byles produced a saving tackle of the highest quality to prevent Ibe a shooting chance on goal. When the strong and pacy forward charged into the box it looked ominous for Eastleigh until Byles burst on to the scene with a perfectly-timed and executed sliding challenge.

Both Warren Goodhind and Jamie Brown received yellow cards in the closing stages of the half. Brown can feel slightly hard done by for his caution as it appeared the whole-hearted forward performed an over-head kick and made contact with the ball when his marker Conroy put his head in and was accidentally caught.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-0 AFC Wimbledon

The opening five minutes of the second half produced more goalmouth action and efforts on goal for Eastleigh than the previous forty-five minutes altogether as the hosts made a very bright start.

Jonny Dixon, who was starting his first game in over a month due to injury, flashed a shot just wide of goal following a long throw on from the right. His best effort was yet to come as in the very next attack, Jamie Brown’s pinpoint header set his strike partner Dixon on his way to goal. The Brighton & Hove Albion loanee latched on to the knock down and hit a first time chipped effort that so nearly caught out the back-pedalling Pullen. The AFC Wimbledon stopper had done brilliantly to match the exquisite attempt by tipping over the bar in style to concede a corner and keep the scores level.

Pressure mounted on the Dons when Aaron Martin hooked a lofted ball back into the danger zone from a deep corner. Tom Jordan launched himself forward with a diving header but couldn’t direct the ball anywhere close to troubling the keeper.

From the Spitfires’ perspective, Ian Baird would have been very encouraged by the flying start that his troops had made, and it proved to be a sign of things to come but only after a brief spell from the visitors.

Warren Goodhind failed to get hold of a clearance that sliced wickedly towards his own goal and looked to be sailing into the net past Matthews. Fortunately it was a good couple of yards wide of the post and out for a corner.

AFC Wimbledon were rewarded a mysterious free kick for an alleged foul by Jordan moments later and from it Jason Matthews had got in a good position to get his body behind Chris Hussey’s strike and hold the ball well.

It wasn’t long before Eastleigh were back on the front foot as livewire Carew sent a teasing ball across goal that had to be punched clear and out for a corner by Pullen.

The opening goal of the game sparked a lot of controversy as TOM JORDAN met Tony Taggart’s in-swinging delivery quite clearly with the use of a hand to find the back of the net! Probably the only two people in the ground who failed to notice this were those that matter most - the referee and his assistant. These sorts of decisions tend to even themselves out and it just so happened that this one went Eastleigh’s way much to the dislike of AFC Wimbledon who disputed hotly but to no avail. In all fairness, had this been the other way round I am almost certain Eastleigh would have felt the same way, but that is football.

That said, the referee’s decision is final and the game goes on as the Spitfires looked to build on their 1-0 advantage.

With the Dons somewhat rattled and frustrated it was Eastleigh who continued to press with Taggart having a shot blocked by Ben Judge, which was closely followed by a curling effort from Dixon that proved to be just a little too high.

Ashley Carew, who in my eyes was a strong contender for man of the match, hit a ferocious, stinging 35-yard pile driver which baffled Pullen due to the amount of power and swerve on the ball. The ex-Eastleigh keeper did well to get something on it to keep out the fine effort out by chesting away to the left of the area where he was then forced into a second stop to push away Taggart’s follow up.

The chances were coming thick and fast now with Tom Jordan squandering a glorious opportunity from a mere two yards at one end, before in the blink of an eye Matthews was called upon for the first time in what seemed an age. The former Weymouth stopper produced a flying stop to keep out second half substitute Danny Kedwell’s shot from the edge of the area that was heading for the top corner.

It was at this point that the unusual but not unheard of event of the referee having to be replaced due to a hamstring injury. One of his assistants took the whistle but this left the dilemma of finding someone to run the line which resulted in a long delay from action before the issue was eventually resolved.

Once the game had restarted, Eastleigh wasted no time at all in getting back in their stride and finding their rhythm. A mesmerising run from Carew inside the area to the left of goal, saw the former Barnet midfielder leave markers for dead with his fancy footwork and pinpoint cross. JONNY DIXON made no mistake with a fine close range finish to double the Spitfires’ advantage.

Eastleigh made all three substitutions in the final ten minutes with Steve Clark, Brett Williams and Matt Groves all taking to the field to replace Taggart, Dixon and Brown.

With seven minutes remaining ELLIOT GODFREY pulled a goal back for the Dons with an unstoppable volley that nestled into the top corner leaving Matthews absolutely no chance. This goal certainly made things all the more interesting to set up a tense finale.

So much added time appeared to come from nowhere even taking into account the delay whilst waiting for a new referee’s assistant, and it was these painful, seemingly never-ending seconds and minutes that kept coming which only added to the nerves and nail-biting from Eastleigh.

Groves volleyed wide from a Williams flick-on before the inevitable onslaught from the visitors arrived.

Kezie Ibe must have thought he had levelled the scores with a dramatic equaliser as he did everything right with a header from point blank range but Matthews responded with a stunning one-handed diving save to his right to somehow keep the ball out. A couple of corners and set pieces followed but Eastleigh had soaked up the pressure and held on for a memorable win.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 2-1 AFC Wimbledon

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

Baird agrees new contract

"We are pleased to announce that we have today agreed an extended Contract with our Manager - Ian Baird.

The full details will, of course, remain confidential - but we can confirm that the Contract will be until 2011, with an option to further extend.

We trust that this will indicate our confidence in Bairdy, and will further demonstrate our determination to bring both stability and success to Eastleigh Football Club."

Squad contract news

"The Club are absolutely delighted to confirm that the following players have signed new contract terms for next season:

Anthony Riviere, Peter Adeniyi, Jamie Brown & Jason Matthews

This is in addition to the following, who are already Contracted for next season:

Tom Jordan, Andy Forbes, Aaron Martin & Brett Willliams

We can also confirm that we will be conducting talks with all of the remainder of our existing squad over the next week or so. We are hopeful that successful negotiations can be concluded with most/all of them - as it is our intention to do all we can to retain as many of the current squad as is possible.

Such negotiations would not normally be conducted at this early stage. However, the Board and Manager have been so delighted with the way our squad has performed this season, particularly bearing in mind the unfortunate reductions in salaries, that we are of the opinion that they deserve the reward of stability and security here at the Silverlake."

Brayley Released

"The Club can confirm that we have today released Bertie Brayley. The player was not able to train on Thursday of last week, and thus was not available for selection on Saturday. We have concluded that it is in our mutual best interests that Bertie makes alternative arrangements for the reminder of the season, and we wish him well for the future."

Bertie has since returned to Chelmsford City.

Worcester 0-1 Eastleigh

WORCESTER CITY v EASTLEIGH

SATURDAY 21st MARCH 2009
Blue Square South

Report by Ray Murphy

A first ever trip to mid-table Midlands side Worcester City brought Eastleigh a further three points to their quest of promotion thanks to a penalty three minutes from time, from not what you can describe as the best game of football you ever saw.

At this stage of the season perhaps it is now the fact that results actually mean more than the performance, though for long spells it seemed that the home side that have only won four home games all season, despite one of those being against league leaders AFC Wimbledon, would have settled for a point from the outset.

Eastleigh were still without the injured Anthony Riviere along with Andy Forbes and Andy Harris, whilst Bertie Brayley was unavailable and Gavin Heeroo suspended. Ashley Carew moved to a central midfield role along side Peter Adeniyi with Tony Taggart and Steve Clark taking the flanks. A highly disappointing opening half brought three chances. In a sudden spate of action on twelve minutes Carew's free kick was back-headed by Jamie Brown and just wide, then two minutes later an immediate response from Worcester saw Jamie Price’s free kick headed into the net by skipper Craig Wilding only to be ruled out for offside.

On the stroke of half time Taggart was allowed to carve a run right through the Worcester defence before laying the ball to his right for Adeniyi just on the edge of the box, but the midfielder screwed his effort wide of the upright.

The second period was slightly better, as the half progressed, Eastleigh were always the side that looked more likely to bag a winner. Four minutes into the second period an acrobatic overhead attempt from the Worcester striker Marco Adaggio brought a fine save from Jason Matthews.

On fifty-eight minutes manager Ian Baird withdrew Clark for Matt Groves allowing Carew to switch to his normal wide role and Brown reverting to a midfield position. Two minutes later Price’s corner was punched clear by Matthews the ball falling to the edge of the box for Gary Walker but he blazed his effort high over the bar.

The game though then turned Eastleigh’s way. On sixty-four minutes a Tom Jordan header from an Adeniyi cross was saved by home goalkeeper Danny McDonnell. On seventy-nine minutes another Carew free kick saw another Jordan header saved by McDonnell but the ball fell for Jonny Dixon who only managed to fire over.

Eastleigh were exerting more pressure. Only six minutes remained when Carew skipped past his defender before sending in a low cross that was ballooned over the bar by Brown. Three minutes later as the ball was played into the area for the chasing Groves, all in the ground could see the movement of Groves’ shirt as Oliver Barnes tugged the striker back once too often for the liking of referee Simon Bennett who awarded a penalty. Tony Taggart sent a low left footed effort right into the corner of the net beyond the reach of McDonnell for what turned out to be the decisive goal.

As Worcester battled back in an attempt to save themselves a point the closest they came was in the final minute when an excellent tackle from Aaron Martin in the area denied Wilding a shooting chance and give Eastleigh their second single goal success in two weeks.

Milburn wonder strike seals win for reserves

Eastleigh Res. 1-0 Uxbridge Res.
Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Craig Lisher, Adam Gatcumb, Tom Nicholas, Justin Hall, James Powell, Jamel Mattan, Martin Thomas (c), Joe Crook, Nick Watt, Scott Waters, Arron Milburn.

Subs: Adam Wiltshire (on for Crook 56), Perry Mullins (on for Mattan 59), Ben White (on for Waters 71).

By Jamie Montigue

Match Photos - Here

In Andy Leader's first reserve game in charge at the Silverlake Stadium following his recent appointment, Eastleigh Reserves sealed a 1-0 win over Uxbridge courtesy of a super strike from ARRON MILBURN.

The only goal of the game and therefore the winning goal, came in the 15th minute following a sliced clearance from the visiting goalkeeper. Milburn was underneath it and connected perfectly to execute a sublime volley into the net from 20 yards. Arron's technique was right out of the top drawer and it would have taken some save to keep the powerful strike out as the Spitfires took a deserved lead.

Milburn had Eastleigh's next best chance in the 28th minute when he tested the keeper with a driven shot that had to be beaten away from danger.

At the opposite end meanwhile, Eastleigh's James Powell made a crucial saving tackle to keep Uxbridge out when they were clean through down the right.

Uxbridge had a couple of chances towards the end of the half with a free kick going close, and finding the ball in the back of the net only for the 'goal' to be ruled out for offside.

Veteran midfielder Martin Thomas was the experienced head in Leader and Paul Wiltshire's youthful side and it was the skipper who fired narrowly wide of the mark four minutes before the break.

The half concluded with Scott Waters spinning well and shooting an inch or so off target from the edge of the area on the half volley.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh Res. 1-0 Uxbridge Res.

Two minutes into the second half, Jamel Mattan couldn't quite get his head over the ball to keep his effort down when well placed to the left of goal.

The Spitfires were awarded a 50th minute penalty kick when centre back Tom Nicholas' movement caused mayhem in the area and led to him being held back. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and it was Waters who stepped up from 12 yards with the opportunity to double Eastleigh's lead. The striker hit it well enough but the Uxbridge keeper guessed right to make a good stop and keep the spot kick out.

1-0 it stayed as the hosts held on to the lead provided by Milburn's early goal.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh Res. 1-0 Uxbridge Res.

Star defender Byles ought to be with League club

- Star defender ought to be with League club

Farnham Ladies 1-8 Eastleigh Ladies

Eastleigh Ladies played without three keys players today, but proved that it didn't matter as they ran out comfortable 8-1 winners against Farnham Ladies.

The girls got off to a shakey start conceding a goal in the first 10 minutes. But it was enough of a wake up call to get in gear and take a 4-1 lead at half time.

Farnham did well to attack but some great goal line clearances from the Spitfires' defence meant the lead was held.

Eastleigh doubled the scoreline in the second half and secured another 3 points and 8 goals!

Scorers: Amy Boucher 2, Rachel Heda 2, Zoe Cramer 1, Connie Brazier 1, Gemma Aboe 1, OG 1

Eastleigh Ladies are at home to Red Star at BAT Ground next week, 2pm KO - Come see what all the fuss is about!

Super sub Taggart on target as Spitfires return to winning form

EASTLEIGH v WESTON-SUPER-MARE

SATURDAY 14th MARCH 2009
Blue Square South

Report by Jamie Montigue

Eastleigh returned to winning form this afternoon thanks to the return to action of Tony Taggart, who came off the bench to score the Spitfires all three points with a 68^th minute header.

Following last weekend’s ‘re-arranged’ side due to a number of injuries and suspensions, manager Ian Baird was boosted by the return of Jamie Brown and Steve Clark from suspension whilst skipper Tom Jordan shook off an injury to make a return. All three came straight into today’s starting line up versus Weston-Super-Mare along side home debutant Gavin Heeroo - who joined Eastleigh from former manager Paul Doswell’s Sutton United side a fortnight ago.

The Eastleigh faithful were also delighted to see Taggart make the bench following a spell out with injury and even more pleased having witnessed the impact he made when he came on!

Either side looked a little cagey and nervy throughout a fairly even first half. Both Eastleigh and their visitors had a number of chances throughout.

The first chance came Eastleigh’s way in the fifth minute. A typically whole-hearted challenge from Jamie Brown won the hosts possession high up the field with the loose ball falling to his strike partner Brett Williams who shot wide of the mark.

A minute later Brett had got into a great position once more, this time following a through ball down the left channel. The young striker poked the ball towards goal only to be denied by goalkeeper Ryan Northmore who had rushed out of goal well to make himself big, block the shot and gather at the second attempt.

Meanwhile Ben Wells came close for the visitors as he cut inside from the left and drilled an effort narrowly off target in the sixth minute.

There was a spell where the amount of play in the air far outweighed the football seen on the deck, which was neither pretty nor effective as both sides still hadn’t managed to settle just yet.

Aaron Martin made an excellent intervention to deny Manny Williams when it looked like the forward had the beating of him and had got the goal in sight when suddenly Martin came in with a crucially well-timed, perfect sliding challenge. Tom Jordan followed up to support his fellow centre half with another good tackle but the ball only came out as far as Wells on the left flank. The low cross was well cut by Matthews to prevent an easy tap in at the far post.

A quarter of an hour had been played when Martin headed towards goal from a corner. Jordan managed to keep it in play and tee up Ashley Carew whose left footed deflected shot was saved by the keeper.

Soon after Williams set Steve Clark free down the left and the wide midfielder got to the by-line before sending a good ball across the six-yard box. Alex Kite dived in to head behind his own goal and avert the danger.

Eastleigh’s approach play was generally very pleasing however there were a couple of instances where the final ball proved to be the only problem.

In the 19^th minute, the Seagulls’ Manny Williams wrong-footed the last Eastleigh defender to give himself a golden opportunity of beating Jason Matthews from six yards. Having done all the hard work with the quick feet and good movement to get in behind the defence, the striker’s spin and shot flew harmlessly high over the cross bar.

Next it was Eastleigh’s turn to threaten. Carew and Brown combined to pick out Aaron Martin who had come up for a corner kick. The talented centre back improvised with an impressive attempt at an overhead kick that had to be blocked and turned away from goal. Clark swung a superb ball back in to the box but it had just a little too much on it for Brown who run in unmarked.

Ten minutes before the break, Ashley Carew’s thunderous 30-yard strike deserved so much more. Hitting the ball so sweetly with his left foot from range, it was a wonderful effort from the versatile midfielder that was heading for the top corner were it not for Northmore reacting well to tip over the bar and deny a beautiful goal.

Eastleigh’s Williams was then booked despite winning the ball fairly with an excellent challenge to pressure the Weston-Super-Mare full back Michael Green and close down from the front. Green went to ground and rolled around despite little or no contact made by the striker, and it was the reaction of the Weston dugout that influenced the referee to produce a harsh yellow card.

Seconds later, Ben Wells came the closest to opening the scoring as he struck Matthews’ cross bar with the Eastleigh keeper beaten by the swerving 20-yard effort. Manny Williams followed in and should have done better than nodding wide with the goal at his mercy – a let off for Eastleigh.

In the 40^th minute, Luke Byles’ free kick was met by Brown heading just the wrong side of the post – very unfortunate as Northmore was left standing and wouldn’t have got across in time to keep it out had it been only an inch to the left.

Matthews was equal to a Marvin Brown snapshot and then the last of the action saw Eastleigh on the attack with Gavin Heeroo’s low shot saved low to the keeper’s right.

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

There was a slight delay before the action resumed for the second half as the referee’s assistant had to be replaced due to an injury.

Eastleigh made the better start to the half with the ever-reliable Warren Goodhind in an advanced position delivering a great early cross in search of Brown that had to be flapped behind for a corner kick.

Two minutes later, Peter Adeniyi chipped the ball forward for Williams to bring down well and shoot wide of goal from outside the area.

It was ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ drama, as Jamie Brown thumped a fine acrobatic volley against the woodwork after a Martin knock down from a deep free kick, still inside the opening five minutes of the first half.

This open game filled with chances at either end continued with Manny Williams looking odds on to score only a minute after Brown had been kept out by the cross bar at the other end. Jason Matthews was rounded and all the Eastleigh fans had to hold their breath expecting the worst, when out of nowhere, Aaron Martin came in with a sublime tackle to cover his goalkeeper and prevent a simple tap in. This was defending of the highest class.

In the 50^th minute Clark charged in to meet Brown’s lofted pass to the back post but volleyed behind.

Tony Taggart was welcomed back from injury as he replaced Clark four minutes shy of the hour.

Immediately Eastleigh were reminded of the kind of threat and creativity that Taggart has to offer as he ran at his marker with intent and whipped a dangerous ball into the box that proved to be just too high for Williams, who soon made way for Bertie Brayley.

It was all Eastleigh since the opening of the second half, and the pressure continued with Carew being brought down 25-yards from goal. The former Barnet man picked himself up to strike the free kick, curling the ball around the wall and just wide of the upright.

A rare mistake by Carew allowed Weston-Super-Mare to break forward and get a shot in. Adrian Harris found Manny Williams to his left whose tame shot posed no problems for Matthews.

Then came the moment the Eastleigh fans were waiting for. Peter Adeniyi’s cross from the left was turned home by a TONY TAGGART glancing header to break the deadlock and for the perfect way to mark his return to action in the 68^th minute.

Having secured the all important break through it was just a case of shutting up shop for the Spitfires. The defence were in fine form once more with Luke Byles and Tom Jordan particularly outstanding to ensure a clean sheet.

The all round effort and commitment from Eastleigh was very impressive as Baird’s men ground out a solid 1-0 victory to leap frog Chelmsford and open up a ten point gap between them and sixth placed Maidenhead United in the race for the playoffs.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 1–0 Weston-Super-Mare

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

Hampshire Senior Cup - Semi Final

FLEET TOWN v EASTLEIGH

TUESDAY 10th MARCH 2009
Hampshire Senior Cup Semi Final

Report by Ray Murphy

For the second time this season, Eastleigh tasted defeat in the Hampshire Senior Cup. Unlike in the last round though, when they were reinstated following an administration error at their opponent’s venue, Eastleigh will have no course for recall from this semi-final defeat.

Only one player remained from the Eastleigh side that had tasted defeat in their previous Blue Square fixture, whilst the Ryman League side Fleet Town, also on the verge of a play off position in their division, were four players short of the side that had represented them the previous Saturday, whilst former Eastleigh winger Darren Wheeler was cup-tied.

It was an evenly contested first half where Eastleigh including five nineteen-year-olds in their starting line up along with another two players a year younger, had a couple of chances to have taken the lead. In the first minute Nick Watts' cross was headed wide by Joe Maxwell and six minutes later another Watt delivery was headed just over the bar by Tom Nicholas.

Will Salmon flashed a low drive just wide of the target on twelve minutes whilst skipper for the night Martin Thomas had a long-range effort that was just over.

Excellent work by former Queens Park Rangers striker/midfielder Chris Flood allowed Maxwell in on goal but Maxwell shot straight at the advancing Fleet goalkeeper Mark Smalley on thirty-three minutes, then a minute later at the opposite end Salmon's cross was knocked back by Jamie McClurg only for Ed Smith to shoot tamely at Gareth Howells.

Three minutes before the interval Steve Noakes headed Darren Campbell’s corner wide and the interval arrived with no goals.

With the slope at their advantage, the home side took little time in pressing home an advantage. Within a minute of the restart Nathan Smart's swerving shot was pushed away by Howells but from the ensuing corner Smart sent another dipping drive beyond the reach of Howells to give Fleet the lead.

Noakes quickly saw a header pushed away by Howells and another Smart long-range effort struck the bar as Fleet took full control of the game. On sixty-five minutes the second and decisive goal arrived for Fleet. A long clearance from Smalley was not cleared by the Eastleigh rearguard, which allowed Ed Smith to wrestle free from the markers and fire a low shot to Howells' left.

As the game ebbed away, Howells had to deal with another long-range effort from Smart and pre-season Eastleigh trialist Tom Bird saw a long-range effort saved by the Eastleigh keeper.

Fleet Town now go for their second Hampshire Senior Cup Final appearance in three seasons, this one at St Mary’s Stadium against Sydenhams Wessex League side VTFC on Thursday 30th April.

New management team appointment - Andy Leader

Eastleigh's Director of Football Dave Malone tonight revealed that former Winchester City manager Andy Leader has joined the Spitfires as part of the management team. The message read as follows:

"We are delighted to announce that we have today appointed Andy Leader as part of our football management team. Andy, who has a vast amount of knowledge and experience in non league football, will have responsibility for player development and will also work with Paul Wiltshire in the running of our Reserve team.

"As a Club it is vital that we see some positive results from our extensive youth system, and to that end it was essential for us to appoint an experienced and capable person to oversee the development of our players.

"We wish Andy every success in this new appointment."

Carew staying at the Silverlake

Wideman Ashley Carew, left, is staying with Eastleigh for the rest of the season after being released by League Two outfit Barnet.

Baird explained: "Ashley was recalled by Barnet and told he was being released. We've agreed to take him until the end of the season."

Carew, 23, would like to find another Football League club, but Baird said: "They all want to get back into the Football League.

"For the moment he's better off with a side who are fourth in the Conference South so that his agent can tell everyone he's playing for us."

Carew made 28 League Two starts for Barnet since joining from Gillingham on a free in the summer of 2007, plus 15 as a a sub.

Bromley fixture

Eastleigh v Bromley which was scheduled for Saturday 11th April will now be played Friday 10th April with a 12.30pm kick off.

Christchurch Ladies 0-7 Eastleigh Ladies

Eastleigh Ladies continued their unbeaten run with a well deserved three points against Christchurch.

Goals from Stacey Niven (2) Amy Boucher (2) and a hattrick from woman of the match Connie Brazier made the win in gale force winds and hale stones all the more sweeter!

Eastleigh take their winning streak to Farnham next weekend.

Beavers steal last gasp winner

HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH v EASTLEIGH

SATURDAY 7th MARCH 2009
Blue Square South

Report by Ray Murphy

With seven minutes of this top of the table Blue Square South fixture remaining, Eastleigh were holding a single goal lead which in reality saw a league table that had Eastleigh in third place, ten points clear inside the play off places in the Division, with second placed Hampton & Richmond Borough some eight points behind top of the table A F C Wimbledon with only nine games to play. A dramatic final seven minutes of normal time plus three minutes of stoppage time in which two players from the home side were dismissed by referee Mr John Scott and two goals to their credit, saw Hampton cut that lead on A F C Wimbledon to five points and the ‘The Dons’ still to visit The Beveree Stadium, they firmly have their eyes on the championship. Eastleigh still remain in the play off places with a seven-point cushion.

It was always going to be a hard afternoon for The Spitfires. With Steve Clark, Jamie Brown and Trevor Challis suspended, they also had Anthony Riviere, Tony Taggart, Jonny Dixon, Tom Jordan, Andy Harris and Andy Forbes on the sidelines with injuries. With the threadbare squad at his disposal, manager Ian Baird had to draft in Gavin Heeroo for his debut after signing from Sutton United in midweek whilst the substitutes bench featured two eighteen year olds as well as a year older Chris Flood recently released by Queens Park Rangers and also 35 year old Martin Thomas who has not played any football since last September and not appeared in an Eastleigh first team since December 2006.

Eastleigh started brightly, Bertie Brayley who had been struggling with flu all week, and playing in an unfamiliar wide role saw his cross half cleared and Heeroo's low shot was deflected for a corner. From the Ashley Carew corner Neil Sharp headed over. With nine minutes played a cross from Marcello Fernandes was flicked on by Lawrence Yaku only for John Scarborough to shoot wide of the target for the home side that had lost at home in midweek for the first time in sixteen league games.

On fourteen minutes Hampton goalkeeper Matt Lovett was quickly off his line to clear away from Matt Groves following an inch perfect through ball from Carew. Two minutes later Jason Matthews jumped with Hampton centre forward Ian Hodges for the ball, the ball falling for Stuart Lake who turned his shot wide of the post.

Shaun McAuley had an effort that was pushed away by Matthews on twenty-one minutes the ball arriving again for Stuart Lake but Matthews was repositioned to make another save. A minute later and Eastleigh were ahead. The elegant Peter Adeniyi strode away on the left hand side; he wrong footed his defender before sending in a cross to the near post where Groves diverted in with the help of a slight deflection off Ryan Lake to give Eastleigh the advantage.

The goal gave the home side more impetus. A long drop kick from Lovett was sliced by Luke Byles allowing Yaku a run on goal but Matthews was equal to the striker's attempt. Yaku also collected another long Lovett clearance but again Matthews denied the striker. On forty minutes Dean Wells’ long throw was cleared to the edge of the Eastleigh box but only allowing Hampton midfielder Francis Quarm to strike but his effort was just over the bar. As the interval approached Eastleigh relieved the pressure and Warren Goodhind's cross was headed over by Brett Williams.

Within three minutes of the restart Yaku had taken the ball round Matthews but Sharp recovered to assist his goalkeeper and so kept the Eastleigh lead in tact. Two minutes later and with Matthews off his line Yaku lofted an effort over the top of the keeper but also just over the bar. A long drive from Quarm on fifty-four minutes skimmed the top of the netting and five minutes later a short corner played by Hampton saw the ball arrive at the far post where Stuart Lake again failed to hit the target.

Goodhind had a half volley saved by Lovett on sixty-three minutes but it was the home side that were having the majority of the play. On sixty-six minutes Fernandes' free kick was met by the head of Orlando Jeffery but Matthews tipped the ball over the bar.

Arguably the turning point of the game came on sixty-eight minutes. Heeroo’s challenge on McAuley saw the midfielder earn his second yellow card of the afternoon thus bringing his debut to an abrupt end. Thomas was brought into the action at the expense of Brayley to cover the midfielder’s loss.

On eighty-three minutes Hampton did get their equaliser. For the first time in the afternoon, the Eastleigh defence lacked just a slight bit of concentration. Ryan Lake and Quarm played a short corner allowing Quarm to stride into the area before firing home a low shot past Matthews. The midfielder threw his shirt in the air in celebration that earned him a yellow card.

Eighty-seven minutes on the clock. Adeniyi played the ball through the Hampton defence allowing Groves a clear run on goal only to be hauled back by Ryan Lake. Lake became the second player of the afternoon to see Mr Scott's red card, whilst Carew's free kick was saved by Lovett.

The clock was shown as only an additional two minutes of stoppage time to be played by the official in this bristling encounter. In the first minute of stoppage time, Quarm produced an untamed challenge on Thomas, which saw Mr Scott issue the player a second yellow for the afternoon joining Ryan Lake in the home team changing room.

As you thought the afternoon would not bring any more drama, there had been three minutes of stoppage time played when a long clearance from the Hampton defence saw Sharp unfortunately slip allowing Hampton substitute Kieran Knight in behind the defender who drilled a superb low left foot drive from twenty five yards across the face of Matthews into the net for the winning goal. There was only just time for the game to be restarted before the final whistle sounded leaving a highly disappointed Eastleigh side facing a Hampton crowd who could not believe what they had just witnessed and their dreams of winning the league title back into their hands.

Goals, Goals and more goals! Waters fires four in ten nil reserves riot!

Eastleigh Res. 10-0 Burgess Hill Res.
Suburban Premier League

TEAM: Fred Toomer, James Powell, Gareth Bachelor, Tom Nicholas (c), Adam Gatcumb, Adam Wiltshire, Youssuf Bamba, Joe Crook, Arron Milburn, Scott Waters, Nick Watt.

Subs: Jamel Mattan (on for Watt 56), Ben White (on for Waters 72), Sam Longman (on for Powell 83).

By Jamie Montigue

Match Photos - Here

An incredibly commanding performance saw Eastleigh Reserves run out 10-0 winners this afternoon. This was their second home win in a row following on from an equally impressive 5-0 win the last time out at the Silverlake Stadium in the middle of February against Three Bridges.

Youssuf Bamba was lively throughout and created an early opportunity with his direct running down the right. The ball came across for Arron Milburn whose shot was cleared off the line in the sixth minute. Nick Watt followed in but volleyed high over the cross bar.

The Spitfires opened the scoring on 18 minutes, following a mistake by Burgess Hill's Josh Morris that allowed JOE CROOK in on goal to loft the ball over the keeper and into the net with a neat finish to capitalise.

Both Waters and Watt were in need of medical attention and had to leave the field of play for a good couple of minutes each following nasty tackles midway through the half.

Eastleigh had a great chance to further their lead with three white shirts around the ball inside the six yard box but they were still kept out as the keeper got down well to smother Waters' close range effort.

With just over half an hour played, Burgess Hill's right back went in double footed and received his marching orders for a second yellow card that may as well have been a straight red. It meant that Eastleigh were now up against ten men and were looking to take full advantage of that fact.

Barely two minutes after the sending off, Eastleigh doubled their lead through SCOTT WATERS. It was a goal made beautifully by Bamba who beat two players down the right before crossing from the byline. Waters had made a great run to the near post and turned the ball goalwards to beat the keeper with a delightful touch.

Five minutes before the break WATERS scored his second and Eastleigh's third as he followed in from a Joe Crook effort that had been spilled by the keeper.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh Res. 3-0 Burgess Hill Res.

ARRON MILBURN made it 4-0 to continue the goal-fest as the ball came loose in the area following skipper Tom Nicholas' header from a corner kick in the 51st minute.

Four minutes later, a jubilant SCOTT WATERS tucked away his hattrick goal having been played through and slotting to the right of the goalkeeper.

The game was well and truly over as a contest now but this didn't stop Eastleigh who continued to bombard their opponents and looked like scoring everytime they went forward, which more often than not, they did!

Five soon became six when Wiltshire had a shot come back off the post that WATERS picked up on to show good footwork at the edge of the area to lose his man and fire home his fourth of the afternoon. A very prolific and productive performance from the striker in front of goal indeed.

The best was yet to come as ADAM WILTSHIRE scored a fine solo goal after a dazzling dribble that had the finish to match. It was a super strike from the central midfielder that left the keeper no chance, such was the power on the shot that nestled into the far corner of goal.

When Burgess Hill finally found a way through into the Eastleigh penalty area, Fred Toomer was called upon and didn't disappoint with an excellent save to keep the ball out from point blank range.

Into the last ten minutes, Adam Gatcumb headered over the bar from a Bamba corner before second half substitute BEN WHITE made it 8-0 with virtually his first touches of the ball as he ran through and finished to the keeper's left.

Four minutes from time, Arron Milburn played the ball into WILTSHIRE who blasted the ball home with a scorching drive that rifled into the back of the net for his second goal and Eastleigh's ninth.

There was still time for Eastleigh to hit double figures and the game was complete when the hosts netted an incredible 10th goal in the 88th minute as JAMEL MATTAN ran free into the penalty area and slotted past the keeper from a tight angle.

What more could Paul Wiltshire and Wayne Mew have asked for from the youngsters? These players are the future of Eastleigh Football Club and to see them pull off a result as one-sided as this was excellent.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh Res. 10-0 Burgess Hill

'Square up' to Blue Square and raise money for Red Nose Day

* CALLING ALL FANS *

Blue Square, proud sponsors of the Football Conference, are looking to make Saturday 14^th March a special fundraising day for Comic Relief through their exciting keepie uppie challenge “Square Up”. By taking part, you the fan will have the opportunity to win £10,000 and a trip to Wembley!

In order to raise money for Comic Relief, Blue Square are appealing to home clubs and fans to join in with the spirit of Red Nose Day by getting involved on Saturday 14^th March.

At half time at each home game on the 14^th March we would like to see as many clubs as possible invite four fans, home or away aged 18 and over, to take part in the keepie uppie “Square Up” Challenge. To be in with a chance of being invited onto the pitch to take part, we would like clubs to choose fans who have come dressed for the occasion …… wearing their Comic Relief Red Nose!

Each fan will have 3 attempts to do as many keepie uppies as possible with the square ball. The fan who scores the highest on a single attempt will win a £25 Blue Square betting voucher and £25 will be donated by Blue Square to Comic Relief for each club taking part.

Blue Square’s Sponsorship Manager, Matt Cook, says:

“This is a great opportunity to encourage clubs to get their fans involved in the ‘Blue Square’ challenge and at the same time raise valuable funds for comic relief.”

Matt adds:

“Just £15 can pay for two months’ worth of basic provisions, giving an orphaned child in South Africa the chance to go to school rather than have to work or walk miles a day to fetch wate. If all 30 games taking place on the 14^th March partake in the ‘Square Up’ challenge, we will be donating £750.00 to Comic Relief.”

So come on fans, get your Red Noses on and get down to your local Blue Square Premier, North or South club on Saturday 14^th March and help those less fortunate.

Who knows, your generosity might lead you onto the Wembley pitch at the play-off final with the chance to win the phenomenal £10,000 prize!

Eastleigh Ladies 4-2 Portsmouth University Ladies

Eastleigh Ladies came out on top of this close game with a 4-2 win, taking their chances and making their shots on goal count.

Portsmouth scored both of their goals from set-pieces: from a free kick and a penalty, whilst the Spitfires scored three from open play and one scorching free kick from all of 30-yards.

The Spitfires managing to pull off this excellent win against the team to beat, has now put them joint top of the league with 20 points.