Eastleigh stars get a well-earned break

By Wendy Gee -

EASTLEIGH boss Ian Baird opted to give his first-teamers a weekend break after two gruelling games in just over 24 hours at the Joma South West Challenge Cup last week.

The Spitfires, who beat Truro City 2-1 last Monday night and only lost by the same scoreline to Leyton Orient the following evening, sent a reserve side to Winchester City on Saturday.

Only Jamie Brown and young first-team fringe players Freddie Toomer, Lewis Robinson, Joe Maxwell and Alex Easton featured against the Sydenhams Wessex side.

"Jamie hasn't played for six months (through injury) so the more games he gets, the better", Baird explained.

"But, with the other lads, there was no point flogging a dead horse.

"We played three games in four days last week (including last Saturday at AFC Totton) and they trained very hard down in Devon."

Eastleigh are expected to send a strong first-team squad down to Bashley tomorrow night, which will almost certainly mean another appearance for Gareth Barfoot in goal.

Baird has made the AFC Totton keeper an offer to join the Spitfires and is waiting to clear it with director of football Dave Malone.

With the big Blue Square Bet South kick-off fast approaching, Eastleigh need cover for regular No. 1 Jason Matthews, who is out for three weeks with groin trouble.

"Gareth did well against Orient. He kicks the ball well and he's played at a decent standard for a long time," said Baird.

"He's a good lad and he wants to win. Hopefully he'll put a bit of pressure on Jason Matthews."

Fleetwood trialist Nathan Thompson, who played in goal in the Totton and Truro games, will not be joining the Silverlake club.

"He's too young and inexperienced and he didn't kick the ball well," Baird explained.