Eastleigh snap up goal-getter Gillespie

By Wendy Gee -

EASTLEIGH last night completed the signing of Bashley ‘legend’ Richard Gillespie.

Although just 24-years-old, the player nicknamed ‘Mr Goals’ will go down in history as one of the Foresters’ all-time greats having banged in 173 goals in 308 appearances for the Southern League club.

He has finished as top Bash marksman for the last five seasons and, with statistics like those, Eastleigh’s director of football David Malone is convinced he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of former Winchester City hotshot Andy Forbes.

Forbes has netted 131 times in 234 Spitfires appearances since stepping up from the Wessex League in 2004.

Despite injury restricting Forbes to just nine league starts last term, Eastleigh made it through to the Blue Square South play-offs and enjoyed the most successful season in their history.

So the mind boggles at the damage they could do with a fit-again Forbes and Winchester-based goal machine Gillespie on board.

Eastleigh's top scorer last season was wideman Tony Taggart, who struck 15 times in league and cup. Leading the way for the strikers was Matt Groves with ten goals – nine of them in the league.

But he has since returned to his old club Dorchester with Baird admitting he did not see him as a first-choice frontman.

“For me, that’s what makes Gilly’s signing so exciting,” said Malone. “Last year we finished third in the league and made the play-offs and yet we didn’t have a striker who scored more than ten goals.

“Now we have the prospect of having not one, but two proven strikers in a fit-again Forbes and Gillespie.

“Along with Brett Williams, who impressed on the recent trip to Hong Kong, and (striker/midfielder) Jamie Brown, it will give us a lethal group of frontmen.”

Malone knows better than most what Gillespie is capable of, having twice worked with him before in his days as Bashley chairman and director of Salisbury City, where the frontman spent a brief spell on loan in 2005.

“I’ve known Gilly since he was a youth player at Bashley and he broke into the first team at 17,” he said. “That’s part of his appeal. He’s only 24, but he’s already got so much experience.

“When we signed Brett Williams it was more of a gamble because we didn’t know if he could play at Conference South level, whereas I’m pretty sure Gilly can.

“If he’s anywhere near as good as Forbes, we’ll have done really well.”

No fee has been disclosed, but Malone confirmed both clubs were “happy with the financial arrangements agreed” for ex-Saints Academy player Gillespie, who had another year left on his Bashley contract.

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/football/4460695._Legend__signs_for_Eastleigh/

Carew opts for Bromley switch

Ashley Carew has moved to fellow Blue Square South side Bromley, despite initially agreeing to the offer of a new contract at Eastleigh.

The winger, who played 21 games and scored three goals in his brief stint at the Silverlake Stadium following an initial loan spell from Football League side Barnet, will be remembered most for his goal away to Newport which was regarded by many as goal of the season.

A club statement read as follows confirming the departure:

"Ashley Carew was offered terms for the coming season, which initially he accepted. However, following interest from Bromley, the player then made a request for us to review our offer - which both the Manager and the Board considered to be inappropriate. Thus Ashley Carew has decided to join Bromley. We wish him well.

"Needless to say, we will now consider the signing of a suitable replacement."

Following on from the above message, a further update from Dave Malone broke the news that former AFC Bournemouth youngter Carl Preston will be joining the Spitfires in pre-season.

"As a positive addendum to the news of Ashley Carew - we can announce that Carl Preston, a highly regarded young midfielder from AFC Bournemouth, has agreed to join us for pre season training - with a view to earning a Contract for next season. Carl made 2 first team appearances for Bournemouth last season - and comes highly recommended by the AFC coaching staff.

"It is particularly encouraging that Carl has chosen to come to Eastleigh - having had interest from Salisbury City, Weymouth and several other prominent non league Clubs. We look forward to seeing Carl play."

Ollie is back!

A statement on the club messageboard this afternoon confirmed that Eastleigh have completed the signing of Ian Oliver, who becomes the second ex-Eastleigh player to re-join the club following suit with Ian Baird's first summer signing ahead of the 2008/9 campaign - Danny Smith.

The message read as follows: "We are delighted to confirm that Ian Oliver has today re-signed for Eastleigh Football Club, having spent the last season and a half at Farnborough.

"Ian, who previously played at Swindon Town, was very keen to return to the Silverlake Stadium - and we look forward to him being a very important member of our 1st team squad in the season ahead.

"Welcome back Ollie!"

IAN OLIVER: Pictured above in action against Southampton in a pre-season friendly - July 2007

Player Profile by Jamie Montigue:

Ian is a very promising left back and emerged on to the scene of first team football at the Silverlake Stadium in the 2005/2006 season. Ian was almost ever-present at left back in the club's first season in the Conference South as he made a total of 38 appearances with another 5 as a sub.

He is a very enthusiastic player who is determined to succeed. He plays with passion, is strong in the tackle and more than comfortable on the ball.

Previously Oliver was on the books of Swindon Town along with Reading and AFC Bournemouth. With Saints legend Francis Benali joining the Spitfires in the summer of 2006, it had been difficult for Ian to cement a place within the side, and this led to Ian making a temporary switch to Winchester City in January 2007, on dual registration to give him the opportunity of first team football.

On his return to Eastleigh, Oliver grabbed the chance to get back in the side with both hands to finish the season as first choice full back and even netting a rare goal, one that will never be forgotten - a thunderbolt strike against rivals Havant & Waterlooville.

Having made just four starts and three as a sub for the Spitfires at the beginning of the 2007/8 season, Ian suffered a setback when a loan deal was agreed for the left back to join Farnborough FC in October 2007. The deal included a view to a permanent move which was put into place when Farnborough struck a long term deal with Oliver.

Ian is very popular with the fans and the news will surely result in a positive response. It will be great to see the likes of Oliver and Smith back in an Eastleigh shirt again this season, welcome back Ian.

Brett stars on tour

Pre-Season Friendlies

In addition to the Southampton friendly scheduled for Saturday July 4th, Eastleigh will now also play hosts to Premiership side and Saints' South coast rivals Portsmouth as the Spitfires continue their pre-season campaign in preparation for the 2009/10 Blue Square South kick off.

The complete schedule is as follows:

Home v Southampton - Saturday 4th July, Kick Off 3.00pm

Away v Vospers FC - Friday 10th July, Kick Off 7.45pm
Away v AFC Totton - Tuesday 21st July, Kick Off 7.30pm
Home v Portsmouth FC XI - Monday 27th July, Kick Off 7.45pm



Home v Salisbury City FC - Saturday 1st August, Kick Off 3.00pm

Hong Kong Soccer 7's - Results and Eastleigh reports

Eastleigh FC - Hong Kong reports by Ray Murphy

Main Tournament :

Group A :

Squads :

Chengdu Blades : Liu Hang Cheng, Hao Xang, Meng Ye, Peng Faneng, Zhang Yuqi, Wu Jiarui, Meng Guoqing, Yu Rui, Min Jin, Wan Xin Huo - Manager Mr Wang

Glasgow Rangers : Steve Lennon, Andrew Little, Rory Loy, Steve Kinniburgh, Andrew Shinnie, Gregg Wylde, Archie Campbell, Gordon Dick, Matthew Duffy, Grant Adam Manager Tommy Wilson

Hong Kong Football Club : Christian Capruso,. Anthony Sassi, Alan Fraser, Lo Yiu Hung, Frederick Schipper, Dennis Hayworth, Andrew Russell, Jack Sealy, Niklas Sandor, Tim Jannssen - Manager Tony Sealy

Tuen Mon Progoal : Not available

Matches :

Glasgow Rangers 2 Tuen Mon Progoal 0

Chengdu Blades 0 Hong Kong Football Club 0

Glasgow Rangers 3 Hong Kong Football Club 0

Chengdu Blades 0 Tuen Mon Progoal 1

Hong Kong Football Club 1 Tuen Mon Progoal 1

Glasgow Rangers 1 Chengdu Blades 0

Table :

P W D L F A Pts

Glasgow Rangers 3 3 0 0 6 0 9

Tuen Mon Progoal 3 1 1 1 2 3 4

Hong Kong Football Club 3 0 2 1 1 4 2

Chengdu Blades 3 0 1 2 0 2 1

Glasgow Rangers and Tuen Mon Progoal qualify for the Main competition knockout stages, Hong Kong Football Club and Chengdu Blades go into the Main competition Plate Quarter Finals.

-------------------------------------------------

Group B :

Squads :

Australian Under 18s : Kevin Olivera, Thomas Taylor, Daniel Bowles, Mitchell Bevan, Lawrence Thomas, Steven Lustica, Jason Davidson, Dimitrios Petratos, Kliment Taseski, Anthony Carlotti - Manager Joel Freeme

Hong Kong Football Clubs Captains Select : Tristan Hui, Peter Harrod, Kenneth Kwok, Mark Huff, Charlie Hunter, Stewart McInnes, Jeremy Gill, Max Poon, John Bliss, Amro Abbass - Manager Graeme Lane

Sheffield F C : Graham Benstead, Lloyd Gelsthorpe, Greg Wright, Janni Lipka, Lee Cooksey, Jordan Eagers, Ash Burbeary, Andy Potter, Ben Leonard, Steve Woolley - Manager Lee Walshaw

West Ham United : Peter Kurucz, Culum McNaughton, Ashley Miller, Oliver Lee, Matthew Fry, Bondz Ngala, Nicholas Barrett, Daniel Kearns, Conor Okus, Anthony Edgar - Manager Alex Dyer

Matches :

West Ham United 3 (Edgar 2, Miller) Hong Kong FCCS 0

Australia Under 18s 1 Sheffield 0

West Ham United 3 (Edgar, Lee, Miller) Sheffield 0

Australia Under 18s 2 Hong Kong FCCS 0

Hong Kong FCCS 2 Sheffield 2

West Ham United 0 Australia Under 18s 1

Table :

P W D L F A Pts

Australia Under 18s 3 3 0 0 4 0 9

West Ham United 3 2 0 1 6 1 6

Sheffield 3 0 1 2 2 6 1

Hong Kong FCCS 3 0 1 2 2 7 1

Australia Under 18s and West Ham United qualify for the Main competition knockout stages, Sheffield and Hong Kong Football Club Captains Select go into the Main competition Plate Quarter Finals.

-------------------------------------------

Group C :

Squads :

Aston Villa : Elliott Parish, William Grocott, Matthew Roome, Ciaran Clark, Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan, Dominik Hofbauer, Andreas Weimann, Gary Gardner, Richard Blythe - Manager Gordon Cowans

Birmingham City : Jared Wilson, Krystian Pearce, Jacob Rowe, Ashley Sammons, Jake Jervis, Luke Hubbins, Shaun Timmins, Dan Preston, Tony Breeden, Jordan Mutch - Manager Terry Westley

Citizen : Hisanori Takada, Kwok Fai Sham, Kai Hong Fung, Man Chun Chan, Alessandro Ferreira, Ka Ki Ma, Moses Mensah, Paulo Carreiro, Helio Goncalves - Manager Calvin Pui

Singapore Cricket Club : Owen Monaghan, Andrew Hutcheon, Adam Bowden, Scott Anderson, Mahdi Souiade, Scott Star, Tan Leng, David Alonso, John McCarvel, Martin Goerojo - Manager Owen Monaghan

Matches :

Aston Villa 2 Citizen 0

Birmingham City 0 Singapore CC 0

Aston Villa 3 Singapore CC 1

Birmingham City 1 Citizen 1

Citizen 2 Singapore CC 0

Aston Villa 1 Birmingham City 0

Table :

P W D L F A Pts

Aston Villa 3 3 0 0 6 1 9

Citizen 3 1 1 1 3 3 4

Birmingham City 3 0 2 1 1 2 2

Singapore CC 3 0 1 2 1 5 1

Aston Villa and Citizen qualify for the Main competition knockout stages, Birmingham City and Singapore Cricket Club go into the Main competition Plate Quarter Finals.

-------------------------------------------

Group D :

Squads :

Eastleigh : Freddie Toomer, Jamie Powell, Adam Gatcum, Tom Nicholas, Adam Wiltshire, Michael Green, Joe Maxwell, Chris Mason, Joe Crook, Brett Williams Manager - Paul Wiltshire

Glasgow Celtic : Daniel Lafferty, Mark Millar, Ryan Conroy, Niall McGinn, Krisjanis Vallers, Paul McGowan, Gillian Sheridan, Andrew Kennedy, Mark Misum, Anton Kurakins - Manager Danny McGrain/Willie McStay

Kitchee : Sang Tao, Li Hang Wui, Leung Chi Wing, Naimi, Lam Ka Wai, Lo Kwan Yee, Oliver, Chang Lain Hin Mica, Ngan Lok Fung, Yu Kwok Hoi - Manager Ken Ng

Yau Yee Select : Justin Chang, Michael Morton, Peter Robinson, Marco Klaus, Joe Hui, Anthony James, Christopher Pickles, James Davis, Chris Davis, Blay Brown - Manager Simon Lam and John Southgate

Matches :

Glasgow Celtic 2 Yau Yee Select 0

Eastleigh 0 Kitchee 0

Glasgow Celtic 2 Kitchee 0

Eastleigh 2 (Green, Williams) Yau Yee Select 0

Kitchee 2 Yau Yee Select 0

Glasgow Celtic 1 (Misum) Eastleigh 0

Table :

P W D L F A Pts

Glasgow Celtic 3 3 0 0 5 0 9

Eastleigh 3 1 1 1 2 1 4

Kitchee 3 1 1 1 2 2 4

Yau Yee Select 3 0 0 3 0 6 0

Glasgow Celtic and Eastleigh qualify for the Main competition knockout stages, Kitchee and Yau Yee Select go into the Main competition Plate Quarter Finals.

-------------------------------------------

Main Competition Knock Out Stages

Cup

Quarter Finals

Glasgow Rangers 1 West Ham United 1 (Barrett) Glasgow Rangers win on Gold Goal Extra time

Australia Under 18s 2 Tuen Mon Progoal 0

Aston Villa 3 (Albrighton, Gardner, Weimann) Eastleigh 0

Glasgow Celtic 3 Citizen 0

(Losing Quarter Finalists enter The Shield)

Semi Finals

Glasgow Rangers 3 Aston Villa 1

Australia Under 18s 0 Glasgow Celtic 1

Final

Glasgow Celtic 1 Glasgow Rangers 0

Shield

Semi Finals

West Ham United 2 (Kearns, Miller) Eastleigh 0

Tuen Mon Progoal 1 Citizen 1 Citizen won on penalties

Final

West Ham United 0 Citizen 0 Citizen won on penalties

Plate

Quarter Finals

Hong Kong Football Club 1 Hong Kong FCCS 3

Sheffield 2 Chengdu Blades 0

Birmingham City 2 Yau Yee Select 1

Kitchee 2 Singapore CC 0

Semi Finals

Hong Kong FCCS 0 Birmingham City 1

Sheffield 0 Kitchee 1

Final

Birmingham City 1 Kitchee 1 Birmingham City won on penalties

Masters Tournament :

Group A

Squads :

Football For Life : Dejan Antonic, Goran Paulic, Christiano Cordeiro, Tam Siu Wai, Marko Kraljevic, Fouad Ben Allal, Didier Six, Tansel Oender, Volker Nagel - Manager Phillippe Bru

Hong Kong Football Club Vets : Bob Sahawney, Richard Lant, Mark Bavis, Paul Wilson, Ashley Dyer, Terry Hill, Anto Garbo, Simon Page, Mark Grainger, Tony Hamilton-Bram - Manager

IP Global All Stars : Fraser Digby, Chris Powell, John Beresford, Rob Lee, Des Walker, Alex Rae, Mark Robson, Steve Lomas, Gordon Durie, Stuart Slater - Manager Paul Allen and Bobby Barnes

Kowloon Cricket Club : Aaron Yip, Paul McGunnigle, Steve Rigby, Garry Nelson, Ashgar Ali, Yaron Lamy, Tim Bredbury, Jim Down, Greg McGuire, Graham Archer - Manager Paul McGunnigle

Matches :

Football For Life 2 Hong Kong F C Vets 1

IP Global All Stars 1 (Rae) Kowloon CC 0

Football For Life 1 Kowloon CC 1

IP Global All Stars 3 Hong Kong FC Vets 0

Hong Kong F C Vets 0 Kowloon CC 0

IP Global All Stars 1 Football For Life 0

Table :

P W D L F A Pts

IP Global All Stars 3 3 0 0 5 0 9

Football For Life 3 1 1 1 3 3 4

Kowloon Cricket Club 3 0 2 1 1 2 2

Hong Kong F C Vets 3 0 1 2 1 5 1

IP Global All Stars and Football For Life qualify for the Masters competition knockout stages, Kowloon Cricket Club and Hong Kong F C Vets go into the Masters competition Plate Quarter Finals.

Group B

Squads :

Discovery Bay : Paul Rae-Howard, Anton Johannes Rohner, Garry Rollinson, John Michael Fawcett, Peter Hymns, Michael David Collier, Johannes Theodorus Jozef, Peter Troy, Robin Armstrong - Manager

G A C Blades : Graham Benstead, Paul Wood, Don O’Riordan, Jeff Eckhardt, Dave McCarthy, Peter Deszatnik, Scott Sellars, Bela Dukon, Tony Agana, Brian Deane - Manager Dave McCarthy

KFC Tokyo : Kitk Neureiter, Dave Serene, Desmond Corkhill, Martin Tierney, Jay Bailcove, Graeme McDonald, Frederic Rault, Kurunathan, Hans Pompen, Russell Henderson - Manager Kirk Neureiter

Yau Yee Select Veterans : Alain Lo Kwok Lun, Andy Archer, Barry Wilson, Chan Kam Fai, Chan Kam Pui, Fabio De Rosa, Jon McKinley, Laurence Rudge, Michael Grimshaw, Sean Hurley - Manager Bob Lawson and Gavin McDermott

Matches :

G A C Blades 0 Yau Yee Select Vets 0

KFC Tokyo 4 Discovery Bay 0

KFC Tokyo 1 Yau Yee Select Vets 1

G A C Blades 2 Discovery Bay 0

Discovery Bay 0 Yau Yee Select Vets 1

G A C Blades 0 KFC Tokyo 0

Table :

P W D L F A Pts

KFC Tokyo 3 1 2 0 5 1 5

G A C Blades 3 1 2 0 2 0 5

Yau Yee Select Vets 3 1 2 9 2 1 5

Discovery Bay 3 0 0 3 0 7 0

KFC Tokyo and G A C Blades qualify for the Masters competition knockout stages, Yau Yee Select Vets and Discovery Bay go into the Masters competition Plate Quarter Finals.

Group C

Squads :

Bexton F C : Glyn McGovern, Thomas Banks, Mark Tarry, Ian Webb, Nicholas Jackson, Richard Malley, Tony Leung, Dean Thomas, Tony Morley, Steve Walker - Manager Tony Morley

Happy Valley Vets : Chan Shu Ming, Lam Hing Lun, Li Pui, Lee Wai Man, Tam Ah Fook, Loh Wai Chi, Chan Chi Kwong, Wong Fook Wing, Koon Wing Yee, Lee Suet Fai - Manager Lee Suet Fai

Hong Kong F C Chairmans Select : Dave Shaw, Neil Jensen, Mark Norman, John McLellan, Andy Hunter, Mike Sadler, Sekino Kenichi, Lee Douris, Colin Jones, Graeme Lane - Manager

Hood All Stars : Dale Belford, Mel Hood, David Brightwell, Ian Brightwell, Richard Sneekes, Alistair Mauchlen, David Regis, Lee Glover, Clive Walker, Stuart Storer - Manager Mel Hood

Matches :

Hood All Stars 0 Bexton F C 0

Happy Valley Vets 0 Hong Kong FCCS 2

Hood All Stars 2 Hong Kong FCCS 0

Happy Valley Vets 1 Bexton F C 0

Hong Kong FCCS 1 Bexton F C 0

Hood All Stars 1 Happy Valley Vets 0

Table :

P W D L F A Pts

Hood All Stars 3 2 1 0 3 0 7

Hong Kong FCCS 3 2 0 1 3 2 6

Happy Valley Vets 3 1 0 2 1 3 3

Bexton F C 3 0 1 2 0 2 1

Hood All Stars and Hong Kong FCCS qualify for the Masters competition knockout stages, Happy Valley Vets and Bexton F C go into the Masters competition Plate Quarter Finals.

Group D

Squads :

Golden Rainbow : Mak Kwok Fai, Lee Fok Wing, Fok King Cheung, Tang Chi Ming, Yeung Kin Cheung, Leung Kin Bon, Yau Kin Wai, Pau Ke Yiu, Pang Kam Chuen - Manager Clive Wong

Singapore Cricket Club : Yoseph Azran, Ricardo Miranda, Paul James Roberts, Steve Webster, Nahar B Daud, Bill Crawley, Len Beschizza, Jim Parkin, Bruce Loggie, John Duffy - Manager Len Beschizza

Southampton Vets : Soni Yasaratne, David Howells, David Hughes, Andy Cook, Dino Zavagno, Martin Kuhl, Neil Heaney, Kevin Watson, Richard Dryden, Darren Baird - Manager Ian Baird

Team Bondi : Mark Leverick, Marcus Oxenham, Charles Kitson, Paul Clayton, Tim Chillington, Jonathan Garrick, Nick Mawdsley, Don Taylor, Stewart Montgomerie, Michael Denmark - Manager Nick Stokes

Matches :

Southampton Vets 1 (Heaney) Singapore Cricket Club 0

Golden Rainbow 1 Team Bondi 0

Southampton Vets 3 Team Bondi 1

Golden Rainbow 1 Singapore Cricket Club 0

Team Bondi 1 Singapore Cricket Club 3

Southampton Vets 1 Golden Rainbow 1

Table :

P W D L F A Pts

Southampton Vets 3 2 1 0 5 2 7

Golden Rainbow 3 2 1 0 3 1 7

Singapore Cricket Club 3 1 0 2 3 3 3

Team Bondi 3 0 0 3 2 7 0

Southampton Vets and Golden Rainbow qualify for the Masters competition knockout stages, Singapore Cricket Club and Team Bondi go into the Masters competition Plate Quarter Finals.

Masters Competition Knock Out Stages

Cup

Quarter Finals

IP Global All Stars 2 G A C Blades 0

KFC Tokyo 2 Football For Life 2 Football For Life win on Golden Goal extra time

Hood All Stars 1 Golden Rainbow 2

Southampton Vets 1 Hong Kong FCCS 0

Semi Finals

IP Global All Stars 0 Golden Valley 0 Golden Valley win on Golden Goal extra time

Football For Life 3 Southampton Vets 1

Final

Golden Rainbow 1 Football For Life 1 Golden Rainbow win on Golden Goal extra time

Plate

Quarter Finals

Kowloon CC 1 Discover Bay 0

Yau Yee Select Vets 2 Hong Kong FC Vets 1

Happy Valley 2 Team Bondi 1

Singapore Cricket Club 0 Bexton FC 2

Semi Finals

Kowloon CC 2 Happy Valley 1

Yau Yee Selects Vets 1 Bexton F C 0

Final

Kowloon CC 2 Yau Yee Selects Vets 0

-------------------------------------------

Eastleigh F C

Group

Eastleigh 0 Kitchee 0

Kitchee are one of the proverbial trophy contenders in Hong Kong, a side that you cannot underestimate in any competition especially when on home soil. To Kitchee’s advantage the game kicked off in a 34-degree sunny day, totally different to the conditions that Eastleigh had trained in the two previous days.

The game ended goalless with both sides obviously unsure of their opponent’s capabilities. The closest either side came to scoring was through Eastleigh’s Chris Mason whose second half shot rolled agonisingly the wrong side of the post. A point a piece though for their first games.

Eastleigh : Toomer, Gatcum, Nicholas, Mason, Wiltshire (Powell), Green, Maxwell (Williams) – Crook nu

-------------------------------------------

Eastleigh 2 Yau Yee Select 0

The Yau Yee Football League is the most established football league in Hong Kong with over 50 teams in four divisions and this was their select side. Eastleigh were more positive than in their opening match and with Yau Yee having lost their opening fixture to Glasgow Celtic they also needed a victory.

Eastleigh were in front though within twenty five seconds. Trialist Michael Green, previously with Christchurch and New Milton, rifled home a strike from the edge of the box. Yau Yee struck the bar in the third minute of the two seven minute halves through Chris Davis.

The game swung from end to end though Eastleigh never really looked in danger of letting their lead slip but finally made sure with a second goal on twelve minutes fifteen seconds when Brett Williams produced an excellent individual goal.

Eastleigh : Toomer, Gatcum, Powell, Mason (Crook), Wiltshire, Green, Williams (Maxwell) – Nicholas nu

-------------------------------------------

Eastleigh 0 Glasgow Celtic 1

It was imperative that Eastleigh avoided a defeat in this game by more than a single goal to enable them to qualify for the knockout stages of the Cup competition against a Glasgow Celtic side that included striker Gillian Sheridan who had played for the Celtic first team in the season that had just ended European Champions League match with Manchester United.

The only goal of the game came on two minutes twenty-five seconds when Anton Kurakins shot was pushed away by Freddie Toomer but only into the path of Milan Misum to shoot home. Brett Williams had a fine match for Eastleigh and caused the Scottish defence major concern as Eastleigh searched for an equaliser. Shortly after the goal, Williams’ shot was cleared off the line then twice more in the first half Williams made himself space for goalbound attempts but both were off target.

The major talking point of the match though was a penalty award that was not given for Eastleigh when it appeared to the majority of the crowd that Williams had been upended in the penalty area but Premiership referee Mike Riley in charge of the match saw no infringement. A single goal defeat though saw Glasgow Celtic progress into the next round as group winners with Eastleigh as runners up.

Eastleigh : Toomer, Gatcum, Powell, Mason, Wiltshire, Green, Williams – Maxwell, Nicholas, Crook nu

-------------------------------------------

Main Cup Knockout Quarter Final

Eastleigh 0 Aston Villa 3

All matches at this stage of the competition should be tough and this was certainly true in this fixture as Eastleigh were to ply their trade against last seasons tournament champions Aston Villa. Freddie Toomer made a save from a Barry Bannan free kick early on but the Eastleigh keeper was powerless to stop the opening goal on five minutes thirty six seconds as the matches were extended to ten minutes each half. Andreas Weimann powered home a shot from the edge of the box to give Villa the lead.

The closest Eastleigh came for an equaliser was shortly after the goal when Adam Wiltshire’s long through ball was flicked on by Brett Williams but Michael Green saw his effort saved by Villa keeper Elliott Parish. Just prior to the interval Villas Dominik Hofbauer drilled a shot across the face of the Eastleigh goal.

Thirty seconds in to the second period Marc Albrighton had an effort pushed away by Toomer and the keeper had to quickly recover to smother a rebound effort from Weimann.

On eleven minutes thirty-four seconds Villa did add a second, Albrighton scoring and with Eastleigh pushed out in attempt to claim a goal back, a set piece saw Gary Gardner complete the scoring on fourteen minutes twenty seconds. The result meant that Villa progressed into the semi final stages of the competition and a tie against Glasgow Rangers whilst Eastleigh enter the Main Plate competition for the losing Quarter Finalists where they meet West Ham United.

Eastleigh : Toomer, Powell (Gatcum), Nicholas, Wiltshire (Mason), Maxwell (Crook), Green, Williams

-------------------------------------------

Main Plate Knockout Semi Final

Eastleigh 0 West Ham United 2

The Eastleigh interest in the 2009 Hong Kong 7s ended with this defeat at the hands of West Ham United. In a fixture that was always in doubt until the final whistle, it was West Ham that had the better opportunities but Eastleigh were unlucky not to have at least had a draw from this fixture.

Anthony Edgar went close for West Ham on four minutes whilst shortly after Brett Williams found himself in a one on one situation with West Ham goalkeeper Peter Kurucz but the West Ham keeper won the contest.

The first goal of the match arrived on eight minutes thirty nine seconds, an Eastleigh attack was broken down and a quick West Ham counter attack found Daniel Kearns on the edge of the box stroking home to put West Ham ahead.

There was only thirty seconds remaining on the clock when west Ham added their second to clinch their victory when an excellent move by the West Ham side ended with Oliver Lee sliding the ball into the path of Ashley Miller to plant a firm shot low down past Toomer.

Eastleigh : Toomer, Gatcum, Powell (Nicholas), Crook (Green), Mason, Maxwell (Wiltshire), Williams

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Errea South West Cup 2009 - Fixture Schedule

http://southwestchallengecup.moonfruit.com/

EASTLEIGH - Errea South West Challenge Cup Winners 2008

Saints pre-season friendly confirmed

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~1687191,00.html

Ahead of the home game against Ajax on Saturday 18th July, Saints will take on Eastleigh, AFC Totton, AFC Bournemouth and Cheltenham Town inside the first two weeks of July.

• Eastleigh (A) Saturday 4th July 2009 at 3pm

The opening match sees Saints make the short trip over to the Silverlake Stadium, where Eastleigh narrowly missed out on promotion to the Blue Square Premier last season after losing unexpectedly in the play-off second leg.

Managed by former Saint Ian Baird, the Spitfires are a regular opponent in the pre-season schedule and this season's encounter will take place on Saturday 4th July with a 3pm kick off.

Hong Kong Soccer 7's 2009

EASTLEIGH: (Back row) Paul Wiltshire, Sam Malone, Tom Nicholas, Joe Maxwell, Adam Gatcumb, Joe Crook. (Front row) Brett Williams, James Powell, Fred Toomer, Adam Wiltshire.

EDOF reports: "We took a group of 17 to an International tournament, nearly all of the players under the age of 20, and we competed against some of the best Acadamies in the UK. Although we were beaten by Aston Villa, West Ham and Celtic I can assure you the gap was very small - and in fact Celtic (who won the tournament) said that their hardest game was against EFC!

Paul Wiltshire and Sam Malone were the coaches, and they had the lads well drilled and disciplined. Our fitness levels were every bit as good as the pro.Clubs. Thank you to those two, and to Ray Murphy who looked after all the admin.

This year we allowed the lads some slack, and relied on them to act as adults. They did exactly that, and proved that they are now mature enough to be treated in such a manner. The organisers were most impressed by us, so now we cross our fingers for an invite back next year.

Finally, a big thank you to all of of sponsors and backers. Your financial contribution was a great help, and enabled the lads to really enjoy this great experience."

CELTIC LAND SOCCER SEVENS TITLE WITH VICTORY OVER RANGERS

Glasgow Celtic won the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens for the first time on Sunday (May 31) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch rivals Rangers.

A second-half strike from Paul McGowan was enough to secure the trophy in front of a near-capacity crowd at Hong Kong Football Club.

“It was a fantastic spectacle and both teams played the game to win,” said Celtic manager Willie McStay. “There were plenty of incidents and both teams had their chances, so it was a great game for the fans.

“It’s my third year here – we lost in the semi-finals two years ago, lost in the final last year and now we’ve won it, so I’m absolutely delighted.

“We have a great record against Rangers at youth and reserve level and it’s always sweet to beat them.”

McGowan struck shortly after half-time following brilliant approach work from flying winger Niall McGinn.

Rangers – missing captain Andrew Shinnie through suspension after he picked up two yellow cards earlier in the day – fought back but Archie Campbell missed a simple chance to equalise in the final minute after a goalmouth scramble.

McStay was full of praise for the Soccer Sevens as a development tool for young players.

“Players have to think, keep the ball, show good movement and be patient. It’s a lot of the same things they have to do in 11-a-side but here there’s no room for error.

“I think it’s a fantastic format and a great experience for these young players. Some of them have never been outside Britain, never mind Europe.”

Celtic’s road to the final began with a 3-1 quarter-final victory over Hong Kong side Citizen, with captain Ryan Conroy and Mark Millar (2) on target. Then a Conroy penalty secured a 1-0 win over the Australian U18s national team in a hard-fought semi-final.

Rangers beat West Ham United 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final that was settled by Steven Lennon’s golden goal winner in extra time.

They then knocked out holders Aston Villa with an outstanding 3-1 semi-final victory. Goals from Shinnie, Rory Loy and Lennon put Rangers in command before Villa’s Marc Albrighton replied, but the holders were unable to mount a comeback.

In the Masters competition, Golden Rainbow, a team comprising former Hong Kong league professionals, won the Cup with a 2-1 victory over charity side Football For Life.

Lee Fuk Wing put Golden Rainbow ahead in the first half but former France international Didier Six scored a late equaliser with a diving header.

That sent the game into four-a-side sudden-death extra time and Yeung Kin Keung’s spectacular volley won it for Golden Rainbow with just seconds remaining.

Golden Rainbow had earlier beaten the IP Global All Stars 1-0 with an extra time golden goal from Lau Chi Yuen.

The Cup success delighted Golden Rainbow coach Simon Wong. “It’s great to see this team of local players and friends enjoying the tournament and playing in such a great atmosphere,” he said.

“We’ve played in this tournament for many years and we know that when it comes to four against four, you have to use your goalkeeper as an outfield player so you can keep possession.”

Defeat in the semi-final came as a shock to the IP Global All Stars – who included former England internationals Des Walker, Rob Lee and Chris Powell and ex-Scotland striker Gordon Durie in their line-up – as they had not conceded a goal in the tournament until that point.

“We probably did enough to win the game, so we’re disappointed,” said captain Walker. “We’re all ex-professionals and we came here to win.

“But it’s a fantastic tournament, it’s really well organised and they look after the players. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and Hong Kong is a great city.”

Since it was first held in 1999, the tournament – sanctioned by the Hong Kong Football Association – has developed into the world’s premier seven-a-side soccer event.

The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

The Soccer Sevens was title sponsored for the first time this year by Hong Kong-based international property company IP Global.