Crouch invests in Eastleigh

By Wendy Gee -

FORMER Saints chairman Leon Crouch will not be watching Alan Pardew’s men at QPR tomorrow – he’ll be at non-League Eastleigh instead.

Through his company, the Fullers Group, Crouch has agreed to become the new shirt sponsor of the Spitfires who are gearing up for another assault on promotion from the Blue Square South.

By way of thanks, Eastleigh chairman Paul Murray will present Crouch with a framed Eastleigh shirt shortly before tomorrow’s final pre-season friendly at home to Salisbury City (August 1, 3pm).

It’s not the first time Eastleigh have benefited from Crouch’s generosity. Two years ago, he donated £5,000 to provide a scoreboard for their Silverlake Stadium home.

Denis Bundy, Eastleigh’s commercial manager, said: “Although Leon’s heart will always be with Saints, he’s delighted to be associated with local football – and, in particular, Eastleigh, the second biggest club in the Southampton area.

“I’ve always got on well with Leon and when I phoned him out of the blue to ask if he would be our shirt sponsor, he said ‘why not?

“He wants to show the community of Southampton that he is supportive of local football.

“On behalf of Eastleigh, I’d like to thank him for his support.”

For the full stroy see today's Daily Echo.

Premiership Pompey prove their class as Nugent bags a hattrick

EASTLEIGH 1-6 PORTSMOUTH

MONDAY 25th JULY 2009

Pre-Season Friendly

Report by Jamie Montigue

Eastleigh were delighted to welcome Premier League side Portsmouth to the Silverlake Stadium this evening as a pleasing crowd of 1,401 turned out to see this pre-season friendly.

Newly appointed manager Paul Hart (now on a permanent basis following a spell as caretaker boss), watched on as his side made a flying start to the proceedings with the visitors racing into a 2-0 lead inside the opening ten minutes.

First though, Daniel Subotic turned his man inside out with a turn that created room for a shot, only to fire high over the bar as early as the second minute.

The attacking flair from Pompey continued as a well-constructed move resulted in Subotic’s perfectly flighted cross to the far post was met by a Paris Cowan-Hall downward header that had to be beaten away for a corner by Eastleigh goalkeeper Jason Matthews.

From the resulting set piece, former Tottenham defender YOUNIS KABOUL powered a bullet header past the despairing dive of Matthews and into the net to bury Angelinus Basinas’ delivery and open the scoring.

This set the tone for the rest of the match in a sense and as it turned out the next goal was almost identical, or at least came in the same manner of a corner kick and simple headed goal.

The Spitfires found themselves 2-0 behind before they had even registered a shot of their own. Subotic made his presence felt in the Eastleigh penalty area to nod the ball down into the path of PARIS COWAN-HALL who applied the finishing touch from close range. Eastleigh will be asking themselves questions over the marking no doubt, as yet again Portsmouth were given room and made their opponents pay the price.

Cue the chimes of bells and the sound of drums ringing around the Silverlake Stadium as the Portsmouth fans lifted the atmosphere having taken a strong foothold on the game even at this early stage.

Cowan-Hall then drove a low shot across goal only for Matthews to get down and make the save following a clever reverse pass from Richard Hughes in the 19^th minute, before two minutes later there was to be further bad news for the hosts.

Hopefully the sign of Andy Forbes being substituted prematurely (just 21 minutes played), was merely for precautionary reasons and nothing serious to worry about. It certainly doesn’t bode well for Eastleigh to lose their striker to a further injury set-back if indeed that does prove to be the case, just as he was beginning to come back and recover. Brett Williams was the man to replace Forbes.

Midway through the half, Portsmouth had the chance to make it three goals from three corners. Midfielder Gautier Mohoto hit a clean left-footed strike that was charged down well by Martin and deflected behind. Again Basinas sent a telling cross into the Eastleigh penalty area, and once more Subotic and Pompey had plenty of time and space at the back post only for a lack of control, which saved the Spitfires on this occasion.

Things went from bad to worse from Eastleigh’s point of view as DANIEL SUBOTIC was gifted a simple goal purely from a communication mistake and misunderstanding between captain Tom Jordan and his keeper Jason Matthews.

A long ball from the back was pumped forward and looked to be taken care of with no threat or danger in sight when Jordan got underneath the ball. However, his keeper had already sprinted towards the same ball and the pair met at the edge of the 18-yard box. Jordan had already headed the ball back towards the position Matthews had just vacated merely seconds before, and as the loose ball trickled towards the six yard box Subotic ran through, said “thank you very much” and capitalised on the blunder with the simplest of tap-ins to put Portsmouth three goals to the good.

Brett Poate was lucky to escape with a yellow card and his victim Basinas, even more fortunate to be able to continue after a heavy challenge soon after the third goal.

Experienced defender, Hermann Hreidarsson made a jinxing run into the box on the left hand side and looked to be making good ground but there was to be no escaping the attention and sliding challenge of young centre half Aaron Martin, who promptly put an end to the danger.

With what was Eastleigh’s first attempt of the evening, BRETT WILLIAMS found the back of the net with a goal of real quality. It was the first time the Spitfires had threatened going forward, but it was well worth the wait. Tony Taggart wrong-footed his marker on the left wing, came back on to his right foot before sending in an inch-perfect cross on to the head of Williams who did all the rest with a fine glancing header. There was to be no stopping this effort and for the Eastleigh fans, the goal at least was worthy of praise, provided cheer and even a glimmer of hope.

Three minutes before the break, Subotic clipped a half volley narrowly wide of the post as a cross from the right flank drifted in to the danger area.

Portsmouth held a 3-1 lead at the end of the first half.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 1-3 Portsmouth

In the 50^th minute Cowan-Hall did extremely well to skip past two Eastleigh challenges including side-stepping Tom Jordan, making something so difficult look relatively easy as he continued on with the ball at his feet and unleashed a piledriver from the edge of the area that smashed against the inside of Matthews post. With the keeper beaten, the ball bounced away to safety fortunately for Eastleigh, though the skill and moment of inspiration from the Pompey youngster fully deserved a goal for the attempt.

Eastleigh did improve momentarily when Tony Taggart played the ball across to Peter Adeniyi who in turn teed the ball up for Poate. The former Hawk’s shot took a feint deflection and from the following corner, Azmir Begovic did well to punch the ball away but only as far as Taggart whose sliced half volley from 20 yards was just a little too high.

Four minutes shy of the hour, a square ball by Kaboul pulled up short and was cut out by the pace of Shaun McAuley, in his Silverlake Stadium debut, but having done the hard work to win the ball high up the pitch with the interception, the shot was blazed high and wide of the mark.

Portsmouth changed their entire side in the 61^st minute, with a number of first team names with Premier League experience taking their place on the field including the likes of Sylvain Distin, Croatian flair player Niko Kranjcar, Papa Boupa Diop and Dave Nugent who went on to seal the game in comfortable fashion.

Nadir Belhadj cut back well from the byline and played the ball into the feet of Kranjcar who fired the ball into the side netting with his left foot moments after his introduction.

The visitors continued to threaten and take the game to Eastleigh as can be expected, with a whole side of fresh legs up against them.

Michael Green impressed for the hosts when coming on and playing on the left of midfield, but the visitors with their proven quality had just too much in their locker and their class shone through as the game wore on.

In the 77^th minute, DAVE NUGENT after coming close twice already, was played in clear on goal from a lovely pass by Eugene Bopp, with the forward beating the offside trap and slotting past Matthews with a well-taken finish for 4-1.

Six minutes later DAVE NUGENT was on target once again for his second strike of the evening. Pancrete’s cross was turned home in style with a beautifully-executed volley from the former Preston North End striker that crashed in off the woodwork, leaving Matthews without a prayer to keep it out.

The game was rounded off in perfect fashion for DAVE NUGENT and Portsmouth at least, as the second half substitute completed a hattrick in just over ten minutes with a sublime finish. Kranjcar slipped the ball in behind the defence and from there Nugent chipped the ball delightfully over the head of Matthews with a classy touch to seal the rout at 6-1.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 1-6 Portsmouth

City beaten - Winchester 0-2 Eastleigh

WINCHESTER CITY 0-2 EASTLEIGH

SATURDAY 25th JULY 2009

Pre-Season Friendly

Report by Jamie Montigue

Winchester City FA Vase winners Danny Smith and Andy Forbes were up against their former side in this annual pre-season friendly match, as Eastleigh fielded a strong line-up and came through the game with a decent work out and the right result to boot.

Ian Baird, who interestingly enough was named on the substitute’s bench for the visitors, didn’t have to wait too long for the first goal of the afternoon.

Ian Baird takes his place in the Eastleigh dugout... as a substitute!

With just four minutes on the clock, a long throw from the right saw Tom Jordan nod the ball into the centre. PETER ADENIYI, who was operating in the unfamiliar role of centre forward, stroked the ball low into the corner of goal to open the scoring from close range as the visitors got off to a flyer.

Shaun McAuley in his second game for Eastleigh following an impressive debut at AFC Totton on Tuesday night, forced a corner soon after, which was headed into the danger area by Forbes with a looping effort that had to be tipped over the cross bar by the alert goalkeeping of Chico Ramos.

City were forced on the back foot again with a second successive corner from the Spitfires, which saw Forbes fire narrowly wide of the mark.

In the 10^th minute, Tom Jordan was fouled just outside the penalty area by Nathan Peprah Annan to give Brett Poate the opportunity to have a go at goal from the resulting free kick. The former Havant & Waterlooville left-sided player, who was operating in the centre of midfield this afternoon along side Smith, went for goal from 25-yards out and saw his effort deflected just wide of the keeper’s right hand post.

Eastleigh goalkeeper Dan Loader, who is currently on trial and training with the club had a very uneventful first half without a save of note to make. It was his huge goal kick however that created a chance out of nothing for Eastleigh as the City back line were caught out by the awkward bounce and Andy Forbes showed great movement to get to the ball first and try a first time lob over the on-rushing keeper only to see his shot drift off to the left of goal.

McAuley delivered a dangerous cross from the right in the 25^th minute that took a vital punch from Ramos to take the ball away from Peter Adeniyi who was poised to head home.

A minute later, an acrobatic volleyed cross from Forbes fell at the feet of Adeniyi but the towering midfielder blazed high over the bar under pressure following neat approach play from Eastleigh.

Eastleigh continued to take the game to City, who struggled to contain their Blue Square South opponents, as McAuley’s header was kept out from a left flank Trevor Challis cross.

The Spitfires doubled their lead through centre back AARON MARTIN as Forbes rose highest at the back post to head the ball across the face of goal and into the path of the youngster who nodded home into an unguarded net.

Aaron Martin heads home the second goal

Brave defending from the Winchester captain Peprah Annan blocked a Forbes strike but in so doing, diverted the shot to send the keeper the wrong way. Ramos reacted superbly by re-adjusting his position in a split second and keeping the ball out with a fine save.

Before the break, Eastleigh showed excellent passing, possession football just as they had throughout the afternoon, and on this occasion Danny Smith played a one-two with Adeniyi whose deep cross from the near side was just an inch too high for Oliver.

HALF TIME: Winchester City 0-2 Eastleigh

Sam Doswell gets the better of McEnery in the air

During the interval, Eastleigh made two changes with Sam Doswell replacing Aaron Martin and Shaun McAuley making way for Richard Gillespie. In the mini re-shuffle, Peter Adeniyi dropped back into his natural central midfield position and Poate moved out to the right wing.

Immediately Gillespie so nearly found himself through on goal though City’s substitute keeper raced off his line well to cut out the danger.

The conditions changed dramatically with showers and sporadic heavy downpours of rain in the second half as opposed to the bright sunshine in the first. One thing that didn’t change however was Eastleigh’s domination of the game as they continued to keep the ball in City’s half and create chances, albeit with less luck in front of goal.

Ten minutes into the half the Spitfires conjured up a fine move with Adeniyi combining to good effect with Forbes. Forbes nutmegged the Winchester skipper and former Dorchester Town centre half Nathan Peprah Annan, but delayed his shot finding himself with too much time and space in front of goal and went for power only to fire straight at the keeper Stacey Harper, who did well to beat the ball away.

Forbes troubled his former side once more minutes later as he glanced a Brett Poate free kick wide of goal with the header.

The Spitfires continued to make better use of the ball and enjoyed the majority of possession as most would have expected at the beginning of the game, whilst City were lucky to escape with the visitors having shots flash narrowly wide in quick succession.

Gillespie then fought off Peprah Annan on the far side showing great strength and composure before sending over an excellent cross into the centre that evaded Forbes by a matter of inches.

Eastleigh came even closer in the 71^st minute when a perfect free kick delivery from Poate was met by an angled header from Forbes, blocked by the keeper and scrambled away off the goal line.

Andy Forbes on the ball

Pleasing to the eye, Eastleigh worked the ball around sharply with control, pace and precision down the left hand side with the tireless Danny Smith slipping in the killer final pass into Gillespie to create a glorious opening and split the City defence in two like a hot knife through butter. The former Bashley forward had a great opportunity to round the move off but his first touch let him down on this occasion and was the only thing to deny Eastleigh extending their lead to three goals.

Winchester did show signs of improvement towards the end of the game after being mere spectators for large spells and had their best opportunity come and go with 13 minutes remaining.

A long ball forward saw the ball evade Tom Jordan and roll through to the keeper, Dan Loader, who in turn sprinted to the edge of his penalty area only to spill the ball right at the feet of Leon Osei. With the ball there for the taking, Osei could not take advantage of the error and Loader’s blushes were thankfully spared when he clutched at the ball gratefully at the second attempt.

Nine minutes from time, Smith worked the ball across to Poate who couldn’t get any control on his shot from 18 yards that flew high over the cross bar, before Osei displayed glimpses of attacking threat in the closing stages for Winchester.

It was to be Eastleigh’s game as they ran out deserved 2-0 winners ahead of their Monday night showdown against Portsmouth.

FULL TIME: Winchester City 0-2 Eastleigh

Tom Jordan wins this aerial battle

Match pictures by Jamie Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

Hampshire FA Saturday Senior Cup Draw

First Round

Saturday 5th September 2009

Bournemouth (Sat) vs Guernsey Athletic

Belgrave Wanderers vs Moneyfields

Tuesday 8th September 2009

Farnborough North End vs Ringwood Town

Blackfield & Langley vs United Services Portsmouth

Tadley Calleva vs Newport (IOW)

AFC Portchester vs Alton Town

Hythe & Dibden vs Lymington Town

Eversley vs Petersfield Town

Christchurch vs Fawley AFC

Fareham Town vs Alresford Town

Totton & Eling vs Horndean

Whitchurch United vs Hartley Wintney

Romsey Town vs Brading Town

Cowes Sports vs Hamble ASSC

New Milton Town vs Stockbridge

Thursday 10th Spetember 2009

Andover New Street vs Hayling United

Second Round

Tuesday 6th October 2009

Cowes Sports/Hamble ASSC vs Gosport Borough

Cove (Sat) vs Whitchurch United/Hartley Wintney

Christchurch/Fawley AFC vs Eastleigh

Bashley vs Farnborough

Hythe & Dibden/Lymington Town vs Havant & Waterlooville

V T vs Totton & Eling/Horndean

Aldershot Town vs Romsey Town/Brading Town

Fleet Town vs Blackfield & Langley/United Services Portsmouth

Eversley/Petersfield Town vs Brockenhurst

Fleet Spurs vs Farnborough North End/Ringwood Town

New Milton Town/Stockbridge vs Tadley Calleva/Newport (IOW)

AFC Portchester/Alton Town vs Basingstoke Town

Fareham Town/Alresford Town vs AFC Totton

Andover vs Winchester City

McAuley in fine debut display - Gillespie off the mark in narrow Spitfires win over Stags

AFC TOTTON 0-1 EASTLEIGH

TUESDAY 21st JULY 2009

Pre-Season Friendly

Report by Jamie Montigue

Goal(s): Richard Gillespie 78th minute

There must have been some doubt before kick off as to whether or not the pitch at Testwood Park would hold up to the heavy downpour as the rain beat down this Tuesday evening. Thankfully for both sides the rain eased off and Eastleigh were able to get back to football after their bizarre exit from the Errea Cup in Devon despite a 100% record.

Ex-Spitfires Chris Collins, David Hughes and James Taylor were all in action for the hosts, meanwhile Ian Baird welcomed his latest signing Shaun McAuley and handed him a debut following his transfer from last season's Blue Square South play-off finalists Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Immediately it was clear that McAuley has all the attributes to become a success at his new club should he continue as he means to go on, as he tormented the Stags' left back Matt Troon throughout the evening displaying great pace and tremendous dribbling and crossing ability, getting behind his man and delivering a deadly ball from wide positions on countless occasions.

The only goal of the game came with less than quarter of an hour remaining as RICHARD GILLESPIE rounded off a good team move and turned the ball home from close range following neat work by substitute Brett Williams whose chipped ball across the face of the six yard box allowed Gillespie, the former Bashley hot shot to open his Eastleigh goalscoring account with a simple tap in, yet a typical poacher's goal.

Games off* - Update **Eastleigh XI v Andover is back on at Stoneham**

Saturday's friendly against Andover has been called off due to the rain we have had, which has caused a waterlogged pitch.

Dave Malone confirmed: "The British summer has got the better of us, and the home game with Andover on Saturday has been called off, due to a waterlogged pitch.

"Also, here in Devon, our game tonight against Exeter City has similarly been cancelled (for the same reason). Therefore we are eliminated from the tournament, on goal difference, and will be returning home without the Errea Cup (not that we ever had it, anyway!)."

**UPDATE - Game back on at Stoneham Park**

"Thanks to the cooperation of the owners, the game will now be played at Stoneham Park (ex AC Delco gound) which is at the top end of Stoneham Lane.

"This is of course subject to adverse weather conditions on Saturday. Kick off remains at 2pm."

Young keeper invited to train

Click for larger image

McAuley transfer delayed

Click for larger image

Errea Cup: Ilfracombe 0-1 Eastleigh

ILFRACOMBE TOWN 0-1 EASTLEIGH

WEDNESDAY 15th JULY 2009
Errea South West Cup Group A

Report by Ray Murphy

Eastleigh opened their defence of the ERREA South West Cup with this single goal victory at the picturesque home of South West Peninsula League (two divisions below Wessex League status) side Appledore; against Toolstation Western League Premier Division (equivalent to Wessex League) side Ilfracombe Town.

Eastleigh manager Ian Baird started the fixture with normal understudy goalkeeper Gareth Howells, trialists Michael Green and Carl Preston whilst Andy Forbes continued his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury.

Early chances were limited though Eastleigh held the upper hand of possession against an Ilfracombe side that had already played one game in the three-team group, suffering a 1-4 defeat against Exeter City. The first chance fell in the eleventh minute when Green’s left wing cross saw Forbes' header hit the bar.

Eastleigh were unable to penetrate a solid looking Ilfracombe defence and the Devon side themselves created no chances to bring Howells into serious action. Ilfracombe’s first attempt on goal came on twenty-six minutes and that only saw Lee Langmead scuff a shot from the edge of the box wide of the target.

Four minutes later Howells did have work to do saving a free kick from Ricky Marinaro. Eastleigh scored the all-important goal four minutes before the interval. With the rules of the competition allowing for forty minute equal halves, thirty six minutes had been played when good work again on the left by Green saw his cross half cleared allowing Forbes to head the ball back across the goal for Tony Taggart to fire home.

Eastleigh almost increased their lead two minutes later as Ilfracombe again struggled to clear the ball from the area Taggart shot goalwards that brought a good save from Ilfracombe goalkeeper Steve Oliver. A minute later Brett Poate sent a corner into the box that Forbes volleyed just over the bar. As the half time whistle was just about to be blown, the Ilfracombe side had another half chance when Marinaro dragged a shot from the edge of the box wide of the target.

Three minutes into the second period Ilfracombe had an excellent chance to equalise. It brought a superb stop from Howells to push a half volley from Shaun Lewis over the bar, then from the resultant Marinaro corner, Neil Bettis headed wide.

Forbes headed a Poate cross over the bar on fifty two minutes whilst five minutes later Langmead slid a ball across the face of the Eastleigh goal inside the six yard area that no one managed to apply a finishing touch too.

The final two chances of the match fell for Eastleigh. Aaron Martin headed a corner back across goal for Danny Smith to fire over whilst Richard Gillespie was put through on his own only to shoot tamely at the goalkeeper Oliver.

So Eastleigh held on to this slender one goal victory and now face Exeter City in the final group game, the winners of which will progress into the semi finals. The man of the match award, given by members of the Devon County F A was to Eastleigh trialist Carl Preston.

Unfortunately for Eastleigh their scheduled match against Exeter city was postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch at Bideford which handed Exeter City a place in the semi final as they had beaten Ilfracombe Town 4-1 earlier in the week so Eastleigh made their trip back home having played just the one fixture.

Beaver bagged - McAuley joins Eastleigh

By Wendy Gee -

Eastleigh will have a new name in their squad for this week’s Errea South West Challenge Cup in north Devon.

The Spitfires have agreed a deal with speedy wideman Shaun McAuley from Blue Square South rivals Hampton & Richmond Borough.

McAuley, 24, joined the Beavers in the summer of 2007 having come through the ranks at Hayes.

Described by H&R as: “a pacy and exciting player who is just as comfortable as a striker”, he won the club’s best newcomer award in his first season at the Beveree Stadium. “We needed to replace Ashley Carew (following his move to Bromley) and Shaun is a good signing for us,” said Eastleigh boss Ian Baird.

“I’ve admired him for the last couple of years. He’s always caused us problems when he’s played against us. He’s quick with plenty of energy."

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/football/eastleighfc/efc_news/4490383.Eastleigh_set_to_field_new_pace_ace/

He's back! ... Forbes scores on return from injury in VT friendly win

VT FC 1-2 EASTLEIGH

FRIDAY 10th JULY 2009
Pre-Season Friendly



Like he hasn't been away... Andy Forbes scores on his return to action after a long term injury - above Forbes is pictured in tonight's 2-1 friendly win over Vospers

Report by Jamie Montigue

After sustaining a serious Achilles injury at the beginning of the year (January 2009), an injury which ruled Andy Forbes out for over half of the 2008/9 season and restricted the striker to just nine league starts last term, Eastleigh’s key man was finally back in action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

It was truly a welcome return to see ‘Forbesy’ back playing for the Spitfires again and was like he hadn’t been away. Making it through 53 minutes at Vosper’s in tonight’s pre-season friendly, Forbes scored an equalising goal early in the second half to inspire his team to overcome a 1-0 half time deficit and on to victory.

Winning everything in the air and coming short to combine and feed the ball through for his new strike partner Richard Gillespie was a positive sign of things to come, even at this early stage where preparations are focussed on fitness and getting ready for the new league campaign.

VT’s starting eleven contained many familiar faces including ex-Eastleigh names such as Paul Sales, Ryan Ashford, Kevin Gibbens, Tyrone Bowers and Barry Mason to name but a few.

The first chance of the evening went to the home side who came within inches of opening the scoring as early as the third minute from a corner kick.

Tony Taggart’s cross at the other end had just too much on it for Danny Smith before Taggart fired in a free kick from a tight angle towards the top corner.

In the 19^th minute, the pair combined again with Eastleigh’s midfield beginning to see a lot of the ball. Taggart made a lively run from the right flank and slipped a neat pass into the penalty area for Smith whose chipped shot was turned away by the keeper.

Sales hit a speculative effort with a left foot volley that drifted high and wide of Jason Matthews up right in the 27^th minute as VT threatened through the pace of Mason on the counter attack, but still it was the Spitfires who were in full control of possession.

Peter Adeniyi, and the tireless Danny Smith who worked from box-to-box constantly and made good use of the ball throughout, bossed the middle of the park for the visitors whilst Taggart was always a threat down the flanks and former AFC Bournemouth youngster Carl Preston, who is on trial with Eastleigh, delivered a number of crosses from wide positions but to no avail.

The commanding back line of Warren Goodhind, Tom Jordan, Aaron Martin and Trevor Challis, were rarely troubled but when called upon were dominant.

Towards the end of the first half, a Taggart free kick went all the way through a crowd of players in the middle but took a deflection and flew narrowly wide of the mark.

Richard Gillespie, full of running, played the ball unselfishly across the face of goal with dangerous pace on the ball but VT managed to survive the scare and scramble the ball away ahead of further danger.

Out of nothing and completely against the run of play, VT took the lead two minutes before the break. A quick throw in from the right hand side caught Eastleigh completely off guard as Adeniyi was left covering the centre halves who had gone forward for a previous set piece, and the hosts capitalised. RYAN ASHFORD received the ball 10 yards from goal, sidestepped two Eastleigh challenges and kept a cool head to slot past Matthews and find the bottom right hand corner of goal.

HALF TIME: VT FC 1-0 Eastleigh

On the back of conceding a shock goal moments before half time despite being in command of first half proceedings, Eastleigh came out all the stronger for it and set out quickly to get back on the front foot and attack.

In a matter of minutes, Forbes had already come close and Gillespie forced a corner, from which came the equalising goal.

With 52 minutes on the clock, ANDY FORBES completed an excellent come back performance with the goal he deserved as his spin shot from the edge of the area found it’s way into the back of the net with the help of a deflection. The shot was already on target however and there was to be no taking the goal away from him as his team mates crowded round the striker in celebration.

Forbes’ job for the night was complete as Baird took the opportunity to rest his star man in order to prevent Andy from doing too much too soon. Brett Williams entered the fray as his replacement and immediately shook up the Vosper back line with pace and skill.

Steve Clark, Ian Oliver and Michael Green all came on in place of Preston, Challis and Martin soon after. Adam 'Taz' Roberts, Kwasi Frempong and Sam Doswell were also given run outs later in the game.

Eastleigh found themselves on the right end of a dubious back pass decision given against the home side, from which Tony Taggart stepped over the ball from 8 yards out but was unable to find a way through the entire VT side who formed a wall right across the goal line.

A left foot cross from Warren Goodhind picked out Tom Jordan at the back post on the hour mark though the towering defender’s downward header was well saved by Lee Webber.

Ashford’s low drive in the 66^th minute forced a save out of Matthews before two minutes later Williams was rampant for the Spitfires and turned his marker inside out ,beating his man for pace and sending a dangerous ball across the six yard box where Kevin Brewster turned the ball against his own post.

Eastleigh were at their very best as they took a deserved lead through the highly impressive MICHAEL GREEN. Taggart’s excellent run down the right saw the ball worked back to Gillespie whose low cross was turned in by Green at the far post.

The former Christchurch left-sided defender (centre half or full back), demonstrated his phenomenal versatility as he took up a position on the left of midfield and looked extremely confident. It would appear he has a lot to offer after an impressive display against Southampton at the weekend where he showed great strength and tackling.

Tonight he came on and showed great competence with the ball at his feet, running at defenders and crossing and even popped up with the goal that ultimately won Eastleigh the game in this friendly. He has certainly done his chances of earning himself a contract at the club no harm at all in my eyes and will be one to watch as the pre-season continues.

Both Williams and Sam Doswell headed wide from Oliver and Smith crosses respectively within the space of two minutes, Green then forced another save out of Webber as Eastleigh continued to press.

Seven minutes from time Kevin Gibbens nodded wide from a deep free kick for the hosts before Williams again tortured the VT defence with a brilliant turn and teeing the ball up for Green, whose side foot effort was blocked.

All in all a good run out for Eastleigh with many positives to come out of the game.

FULL TIME – VT FC 1-2 Eastleigh

Match pictures by Jamie Montigue

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Eastleigh 1-1 Southampton

EASTLEIGH v SOUTHAMPTON

SATURDAY 4th JULY 2009
Pre-Season Friendly

Report by Jamie Montigue

As Southampton Football Club’s future remains in the balance with takeover talks hopefully coming to a welcome conclusion early next week, Mark Wotte brought a 22-man squad to the Silverlake Stadium to face former Saint, Ian Baird’s Eastleigh.

It has been a torrid few months for the St. Mary’s club since relegation from the Championship. Going into administration brought further bad news, that of a ten point deduction heading into League One this coming season. Takeover talks have been a frustrating experience for the fans with no deal yet being agreed, however it is thought a deal could be wrapped up imminently.

Here at Eastleigh, the club as a whole were thrilled the friendly went ahead, a pre-season fixture that has been a regular event/tradition in years past, and would like to wish the Saints all the very best as they look to rebuild and get back to happier days.

On the pitch, today’s game in the sunshine was the first warm up game ahead of the coming campaign for both sides. Southampton were able to concentrate on playing their football and show the fans just how much the club means to them, put the troubled times behind them and look forward to a brighter future at the club.

The hosts, who enjoyed their most successful season in the Blue Square South with a third place league finish and narrowly missing out on promotion to the Conference Premier in the 2008/9 season, had a number of new signings on display as well as a handful of trialists.

Amongst the summer recruits on show for Eastleigh were two familiar faces, Danny Smith and Ian Oliver who re-joined the club from Bognor Regis and Farnborough respectively, whilst Brett Poate (former Southampton academy and Havant & Waterlooville left-sided player) and ex-Bashley goal-getter Richard Gillespie started the game this afternoon as well.

Sporting a new away kit sponsored by HP Contracts of yellow shirts, blue shorts and yellow socks, Eastleigh opened the game well and looked more than capable of holding their own as they exerted the early pressure.

Southampton’s Matthew Paterson had the first shot of the game after a through ball from Lloyd James down the right channel, but the young striker’s attempt was comfortably wide of goal.

In the sixth minute, Poate did extremely well to put a cross in from an acute angle to find Gillespie at the back post who couldn’t quite keep his header down as Bartosz Bialkowski safely gathered in mid-air.

Further impressive approach play from the Spitfires just two minutes later saw the incredibly lively and creative Tony Taggart float a delightful cross to the far side as he cut in from the right wing. Poate arrived late in the penalty area to meet the delivery and was unlucky to see his header just wide of goal.

Eastleigh came close yet again as Oscar Gobern conceded a foul on Taggart by the nearside corner flag, from which a free kick was rewarded. Poate was looking increasingly dangerous from set pieces and this one was met by trialist Marcus Richardson who was just an inch away from opening the scoring with a powerful header.

Gobern only half-cleared another lethal Poate delivery, this time from the left hand side, Taggart latched on to the loose ball from 30-yards-out and picked it up sweetly on the volley. Eastleigh’s top goalscorer from last season watched as his drilled effort saw Bialkowski struggling to get across to it as the ball whistled an inch wide of the post.

The Eastleigh attacks kept coming and it looked as though they had broken the deadlock with 13 minutes on the clock. The centre backs moved forward for a corner to join the attack and their excellent movement allowed Richardson to get to the ball ahead of the keeper and head home from close range, though referee Pete Lavelle spotted an infringement to rule the ‘goal’ out.

On the counter attack Jake Thomson forced a corner off Ian Oliver. Lee Holmes delivery was met by Gobern who struggled to keep his header down.

Taggart’s invention and trickery for Eastleigh was pleasing to the eye for the hosts, meanwhile combative Southampton midfielder Simon Gillett was breaking up the play and pulling the strings in the midfield for the visitors.

In the 19^th minute, Gillett looked to find Paterson with a reverse pass, cleverly disguising the through ball in behind the Eastleigh back line with the outside of his right boot and was very unfortunate that his team mate wasn’t quite on the same wavelength and didn’t read into the invention.

Poate came close four minutes later from a free kick around 25 yards from goal. It was in the left footer’s territory and the ex-Hawk struck it sweetly with the curling attempt that dipped so close to finding the top right hand corner of goal with the keeper beaten.

Midway through the half the physical presence of Eastleigh trialist Marcus Richardson shone through once more, as the sheer size and strength of the forward posed Southampton a number of problems throughout the afternoon. The former Farnborough man powered his way up the field, running half the length of the pitch before feeding the ball back to Taggart. Adeniyi took over from here and slipped in a neat pass for Poate who challenged for the 50:50 ball with Bialkowski but neither could get anything on it as Eastleigh’s excellent move came to an end.

Aaron Martin nodded over the bar from a Poate cross in the 38^th minute, before the Spitfires were denied by the woodwork just a minute before the break.

Poate let fly with a stunning drive from distance which looked to be heading for the top corner only to be met by an equally fine save. Bialkowski diving to his right, somehow managed to palm the ball on to the frame of his goal and out for a corner kick as the first half came to a close with the score goalless but Eastleigh looking the more likely to make something happen.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-0 Southampton

Mark Wotte and Michael Svensson fielded virtually an entire different side in the second half with the exception of striker Matt Paterson who continued to lead the line.

This second eleven was pretty much the Southampton reserves/academy side with many of those who came on at the break under the age of 18.

Eastleigh made three changes with Warren Goodhind, Bournemouth trialist winger Carl Preston, and Trevor Challis all coming on in place of Ian Oliver, Brett Poate, Steve Clark who made way.

Immediately you could sense that the fresh legs of the Saints youngsters breathed fresh life into the visitors attempt to take control of the game.

Tom Dunford raced through two minutes into the half but Matthews spread himself to narrow the angle at the edge of his box and smother the ball at the winger’s feet.

Dunford then played the ball into Paterson who spun well and hit a decent shot on the turn from the edge of the box that flew wide of the mark.

Five minutes shy of the hour, Richard Gillespie was kept out by Tommy Forecast with a left foot snapshot from close range. The effort was initially blocked by the keeper but spun backwards towards goal and had to be clawed away to prevent Eastleigh taking the lead.

That accolade went to the visitors when Callum McNish’s perfectly weighted pass to the left of goal picked out the run of MATT PATERSON to perfection who showed great composure to slip the ball past Jason Matthews and into the net in the 60^th minute.

Two minutes later there were shouts for handball against Aaron Martin as the goalscorer Paterson slammed a shot into the body of the Eastleigh centre back, though the referee was uninterested in the claims and play continued.

Adam Roberts made a welcome return to the club, presumably as a trialist looking to earn a contract with Eastleigh during pre-season, following a spell at VTFC as he entered the fray for the impressive Richardson in the 64^th minute.

Were it not for a top-drawer double save from Forecast, Eastleigh would have been back in the game less than ten minutes after conceding. A mazy run from Taggart saw the winger cut inside and pull the trigger with his left foot, Forecast got down well to block the powerful strike but Gillespie was quickest to react as he pounced on the rebound and got a shot away. Showing the reactions of a cat, Forecast was back up and in position to rebuff the Eastleigh forward by getting a good solid hand to the ball to deny an otherwise certain goal and keep his side in front.

Jason Sangha, who has been with the Eastleigh reserves and Under 18’s in previous years has returned from a season long loan at Yeovil and came on in the 71^st minute along with another trialist, left-sided centre half Michael Green previously of Christchurch, to replace the central defensive partnership of Martin and Jordan.

At the same point, Saints made a change with Jamie White replacing Matt Paterson.

Eastleigh continued their search of an equaliser with Richard Gillespie creating a chance out of nothing with a fine piece of individual brilliance. Turning Oliver Lancashire with sheer athleticism, the player dubbed as ‘Mr Goals’ for his record at Bashley, sprinted down the right flank and let fly with the shot that needed just that little bit of luck to beat the keeper.

Chris Mason and trialist Kwasi Frempong were the final Eastleigh substitutions as Gillespie and Danny Smith made way.

With nine minutes remaining, a long ball forward from the back saw Jason Matthews come a long way out of goal only to be pipped to the ball by White who got there first beating the Eastleigh keeper for pace and lofting the ball over his header first time but dragging the shot wide of the mark.

The last of the action saw Eastleigh draw level with a minute remaining with TONY TAGGART testing the keeper with a left foot pile driver from 20 yards that proved too hot to handle as Forecast let the ball slip through his grasp and the ball trickle through over the line and into the bottom corner of goal.

FULL TIME – Eastleigh 1-1 Southampton

Match pictures by Jozef Montigue

Check out the gallery here:

Saints - Preview

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~1712659,00.html

Saints will be kicking off their pre-season programme of friendlies this weekend with the short trip to Eastleigh's Silverlake Stadium…

Fans will be able to buy tickets on the day (Saturday) with a range of reduced prices also available for students, Seniors and kids, with FREE entrance for the under 12's (See below for full ticket details). Kick off will be at 15:00.

Last year's contest saw a young Saints side held to a 3-3 draw, with goals from Nathan Dyer, Jamie White and Matt Paterson being ultimately cancelled out by a late Eastleigh equaliser.

Mark Wotte has named a 22-man squad with a mixture of youth and experience, with Polish striker Grzegorz Rasiak amongst the most established. This year's encounter also looks set to be a classic game of two halves, with Mark Wotte intending to give his entire squad a run out with wholesale changes at half-time.

TEAM NEWS: Striker Jamie White is back in training and said to be progressing well following the fractured fibula and dislocated ankle he suffered in a Reserves match in January.

However, he is only expected to play a small part this weekend after stepping out of training with a tight quad. Defender Jospeh Mills misses out altogether due to a minor hamstring problem.

Anthony Pulis and Wayne Thomas are both back in full training following their own injuries problems last season, whilst youngster Kayne McLaggon is still sidelined by a ruptured Achilles.

Other out of contract players, including Bradley Wright-Phillips and Jason Euell, will also not be involved for insurance reasons.

SAINTS SQUAD: (from) Bartosz Bialkowski, Tommy Forecast, Sam Argent, Lloyd James, Paul Wotton, Wayne Thomas, Jack Saville, Olly Lancashire, Ben Reeves, Chris Perry, Jack Boyle, Ryan Doble, Tom Dunford, Simon Gillett, Oscar Gobern, Lee Holmes, Anthony Pulis, Jake Thomson, Callum McNish, Matthew Paterson, Grzegorz Rasiak, Jamie White

Tickets will be priced as follows:

Adults - £10
Seniors/Students (with i.d) - £6
12-15 year-olds - £3
Under-12's - Free

2009/10 - Fixtures Released

Eastleigh begin the upcoming 2009/10 Blue Square South season with a home game entertaining Braintree Town at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday 8th August.

Back in the Conference South following relegation from the Blue Square Premier and former league champions (of the Blue Square South) Weymouth, will be the first side to host Ian Baird's Spitfires on Tuesday 11th.

Pictured below is a snapshot of the first month of league fixtures for Eastleigh. Follow this link to view how the campaign will pan out for Eastleigh this year following today's fixture release.

Errea South West Cup '09 - Flyer

Setanta Administration - Conference Saddened

The Board and staff of the Football Conference are deeply saddened by the news that Setanta have gone into administration. Although the financial implications of this action will have an enormous impact on the competition, our clubs, partners and supporters, we must not forget the contribution made by them to us over the last 2 years. Setanta pioneered many new initiatives during their association, some of which are now copied by other broadcasters.

The Conference Board did everything in its power to support Setanta in its time of financial crisis and we wish the very best to all those we have met along the way, who have become friends. We sincerely hope those dedicated staff, who have become part of the Football Conference family over the last 2 seasons, will continue to operate and work at the highest level in sports broadcasting and that their future remains positive.

To all our member clubs may we thank you for supporting Setanta and be assured that your Board together with all staff will be working hard to find another broadcast partner to further build on the ground work laid down by them in supporting our competition, which is at the very heart of English football.