Eastleigh FC

Tonight's game against Farnborough has been called off just five minutes before kick off. The match referee made a late call deeming the pitch to be waterlogged and "boggy" in certain areas. The decision to postpone the fixture was completely out of the club's control. Eastleigh's Director of Football Dave Malone posted the following message to explain what happened: "The Official position is clear and concise. "No pitch inspection was necessary during the day as the pitch was in far better condition than in either of our past two games. "The Officials arrived soon after 6pm, and gave no indication that they were unhappy with the pitch. "There was no significant rain between 6pm and 7.40pm. "Our opponents did not consider the pitch fit. "The Referee called the game off at 7.40pm. "Incredible!"

The postponed trip to Maidenhead United has been rearranged for Tuesday 12th April following Saturday's waterlogged pitch at York Road.

By Wendy Gee - Eastleigh bring in former Salisbury midfielder Ian ... EASTLEIGH have opted for experience over youth in their choice of a second loan player to join AFC Wimbledon marksman Mark Nwokeji. The Spitfires initially announced they had signed 18-year-old midfielder/defender Peter Gregory for a month from Portsmouth. But Conference rules state that clubs can only take two short-term loan players at any one time and Eastleigh have instead decided to go for 27-year-old former Swindon Town and Salisbury City midfielder Ian Herring from Forest Green Rovers. Known as 'Spud', Herring (pictured left), came through the youth ranks at Swindon and played first-team football for Chippenham Town and Salisbury before moving to Northwich Victoria in 2009. He signed for Blue Square Premier outfit Forest Green in June last year. Both Herring and Nwokeji were signed on by Eastleigh in time for Saturday's game at Maidenhead United which was postponed mid-morning due to a wat...

03 March Fixture List - Revision 1

By Kieran James Eastleigh play Farnborough Town on Monday night in a Hampshire derby, home at the Silverlake Stadium. The last time these two teams met was the first game of 2011 for The Spitfires, Eastleigh were behind within six minutes of the game but Eastleigh never gave up and had the determination to claim all three points. Goals by Tom Jordan in the 15th minute and Tony Taggart with the winning goal in the 77th minute saw the Spitfires claim victory. Gareth Barfoot had another fantastic game in goal saving an almost unstoppable shot to secure Eastleigh all three points on that occasion. The Yellows are a newly promoted team in the Blue Square Bet South having won by five points with 95 points in the Southern Premier League last season. Farnborough FC was originally called Farnborough Town FC when they were in Eastleigh's league until 2007 when they reformed in the 2007/2008 season, two leagues below the Blue Square Bet South. This game is a re...

After much deliberation and after consultation with the Manager, Chairman and Bromley FC - we have agreed to change the date of the above game. Eastleigh v Bromley will now be on TUESDAY 8th MARCH (ko 7.45pm) Before we attract adverse comment, this change is for two main reasons: (1) To allow our players more recovery time from the game v Chelmsford on Saturday. (2) To allow us more time to pay attention to the pitch, which has taken a "battering" from the elements in recent weeks. We DO realise that Southampton are at home that same night - but we have decided that we must give our team all possible assistance, despite this obvious adversity. Our apologies to any of our supporters for any inconvenience this might cause - but we are sure you will understand our motives.

Eastleigh first team (away v Maidenhead) and reserves (home v Three Bridges) - both games have been postponed today.

By Kieran James Eastleigh will look to bounce back after two consecutive Blue Square Bet South home losses. After two disappointing 0-2 defeats to both Braintree Town and Dover Athletic, The Spitfires will look to win against 20th-placed Maidenhead United as they play the Magpies away this afternoon at York Road. York Road, the home ground of Maidenhead United is acknowledged by the FA to be the oldest continuously-used senior association football ground in the world, having been home to the club since 1871. In the last twenty games, the Magpies have failed to score seven times whereas the Spitfires have failed to score twice in their last twenty games (both coming in their last two matches). Out of those twenty matches, Maidenhead have kept three clean sheets and Eastleigh have kept four. In the last five games, The Magpies and have lost four and drew one whereas the Spitfires have won only one game, lost three and drew one. The last time Eastleigh played Maidenhead Uni...

Eastleigh FC are now delighted to confirm the loan signings of two players: (1) Mark Nwokeji - We have agreed an initial one month loan with AFC Wimbledon for this experienced forward. (2) Ian Herring - Similarly, we have agreed a loan deal with Forest Green Rovers for this midfielder: These players will offer the club a wealth of experience and ability, and hopefully will aid us in our quest to reach the play-offs. Both players have been signed in time to be eligible to play in tomorrow's game at Maidenhead United. The club had also attempted to sign Portsmouth FC youngster - Peter Gregory. Regretfully, FA rules prevented this transfer from going through as you may only have two loan players at any one time.

By Wendy Gee - EASTLEIGH have replaced one loan striker with another ahead of tomorrow's Blue Square Bet South trip to Maidenhead United. Justin Bennett has returned to Gosport Borough after completing a month with the Silverlake Stadium club. Taking his place is the experienced AFC Wimbledon frontman Mark Nwokeji who, as a former England schoolboy 200 metres champion, is guaranteed to add a bit of pace to the side. Born in Stockport, 29-year-old Nwokeji began his career playing youth football with Charlton and Colchester. He rose to non-League prominence with Staines Town where his 46 goals in 75 appearances caught the attention of Dagenham & Redbridge, who signed him in 2008. A cruciate ligament injury sidelined him for nine months after which he went on loan to Luton Town. Wimbledon signed him in June last year, but Nwokeji has been kept out by the form of Danny Kedwell whose goals have helped fire the Dons to the top of the Blue Square Bet Premier. "We need t...

Eastleigh FC are hopeful that tomorrow (Friday), the club will confirm the arrival of two loan signings. (1) An experienced forward from a Conference National Club (2) A 1st year professional, from a Championship Club - who has played first team football. Position - Full Back/Midfielder. Sorry that we can not be more specific, but (as always) we can only confirm these signings once all relevant paper work has been completed. Update on Friday.

Eastleigh's Director of Football Dave Malone has reported that Justin Bennett's stay at the Silverlake Stadium has come to an end. The statement in full read as follows: "The loan spell of Justin Bennett has now ended, and the player has returned to Gosport Borough. "We did have an option to extend the loan period, but mainly in view of the lack of opportunity to play full games, it was agreed between the player and the two clubs that a return to Gosport would be the best option. "We would like to thank Justin, who is a pleasure to work with, for his efforts over the past four weeks and wish him every success for the future. "The Club is now seeking to recruit one or two new faces to add to the squad, news of which we hope to report in the next day or two."

EASTLEIGH v DOVER ATHLETIC MONDAY 21st FEBRUARY 2011 Blue Square Bet South Report by Jamie Montigue Eastleigh went down by two goals to nil at the Silverlake Stadium for the second game running, following on from Saturday’s defeat to league leaders Braintree Town just two days before. Tonight’s loss at the hands of Dover Athletic saw the Spitfires fail to score in consecutive games for the first time this season. The Spitfires were still without key players including Richard Gillespie, Luke Byles and Warren Goodhind who all missed out through injury; and suffered two more casualties over the course of this evening’s game with Anthony Riviere and Danny Smith having to be withdrawn. Ian Baird made just one change to his starting line-up with Shaun McAuley taking a place on the substitute’s bench allowing for Ross Bottomley to start at right back. Gareth Barfoot retained his place in goal as his suspension for being sent off at the weekend had not begun. With two gam...

Eastleigh v Dover Athletic Monday 21st February 2011 - 7:45pm kick off Match preview by Kieran James The Spitfires will try to bounce back from their recent 0-2 defeat against first-placed Braintree in the Blue Square Bet South; when they play Dover Athletic home at the Silverlake Stadium on Monday night. The game is re-scheduled from 18/12/10 where the game got called off due to a frozen pitch. Dave Malone put on the fans forum the day before: "After a pitch inspection this afternoon, the game against Dover Athletic has been postponed. Several parts of the pitch are already frozen, and with sub zero temperatures forecast a sensible early decision has been made. This will avoid any unnecessary travel and/ or risk of injury to both players and supporters." Lets hope the game will go ahead this time around as Dover Athletic fans have travelled to two away games in a row having been let down by the bad weather prior to this match. Dover have lost their last three leag...

March Fixture List

EASTLEIGH v BRAINTREE TOWN SATURDAY 19th FEBRUARY 2011 Blue Square Bet South Report by Jamie Montigue Eastleigh had the difficult task of trying to tame league leaders Braintree Town as the two form sides in the division went head-to-head. It was great credit to a number of volunteers that the game even went ahead; because of all the rain we have had this week. From 9am, Tony Shiner, Steve Brookwell, Stuart Solly and Chairman Paul Murray were all hard at work on the pitch and should be thanked for their efforts in getting the game on. Coming into today’s top of the table clash, Eastleigh and Braintree’s last six Blue Square Bet South fixtures saw both sides take 13 points out of a possible 18 - with four wins, a draw and just one defeat apiece. Ian Baird made only one change to the side that beat St. Albans 4-2 on Monday night. Gareth Barfoot returned from injury to replace Jason Matthews in goal for the Spitfires. It proved to be an unfortunate return to action for the goalkeeper a...

By Wendy Gee - EASTLEIGH boss Ian Baird looks like drawing a blank in his quest for a new signing ahead of tomorrow's visit of Blue Square Bet South leaders Braintree Town. Unlike The Iron manager Rod Stringer, who has brought in central defender Ollie Thorne from Kidderminster and striker Stefan Payne from Gillingham on loan, Baird has had no joy trying to strengthen his squad in preparation for the promotion run-in. "I'm trying to bring in another body but we couldn't afford the player I wanted," he said. "Clubs like Braintree and Chelmsford are strengthening because they don't want to fall by the wayside and, although Bromley have said Warren McBean can go, they've brought another three players in. "We've got a lot of games in a short space of time and, with other sides all bolstering their squads, I'm concerned we haven't got anyone in, but it's not easy. "If you can afford it, you go for a player who can replace...

EASTLEIGH v ST. ALBANS CITY MONDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2011 Blue Square Bet South Report by Jamie Montigue EASTLEIGH: Matthews, Smith, Poate, Riviere, Jordan (c), Holland, Adeniyi, McAuley (Gillespie 76), Slabber (Bennett 82), Taggart, Graham. Subs (unused): Sharp, Barfoot, Osman. Goals: McAuley (18), Poate (54), Slabber (55, 65 pen). Eastleigh secured back to back wins and climbed to fifth in the in Blue Square Bet South league table, following an impressive home victory this evening. The Spitfires now occupy one of the playoff positions, and this is where they will want to be, come the end of the season - just as they did two years ago (2008/2009). There is still a long way to go in this campaign with 17 games and 51 points to play for. Ian Baird’s side must navigate some very tricky games against teams also in the mix for promotion and playoff contention in the coming weeks; these games include leaders Braintree (Saturday 19th Feb), Dover (Monday 21st Feb), Farnborough (Monday 28th Feb...

By Wendy Gee - EX-SAINT Luke Byles believes Eastleigh will have to play much better than they did at Basingstoke Town on Saturday to maintain their push for the Blue Square Bet South play-offs. Although the Spitfires got back to winning ways with a 2-1 revenge attack on Frank Gray’s side following October’s defeat at the Silverlake, their second-half performance was unconvincing after Jamie Slabber and Anthony Riviere had given them a 2-0 interval lead. Matt Warner halved the deficit on the hour and, with frontman Delano Sam-Yorke particularly lively, Stoke can consider themselves unlucky not to have salvaged a point. Left-back Byles admitted: “It wasn’t a very good game for spectators and it wasn’t the sort of match you enjoy much as a player either. “The pitch was bobbly, it was windy out there and we didn’t deal particularly well with them turning us around in the second half. “At this stage of the season you don’t really care how you play as long as you get the win, bu...

BASINGSTOKE TOWN v EASTLEIGH SATURDAY 12th FEBRUARY 2011 Blue Square Bet South Report by Ray Murphy Eastleigh gained another valuable three points for their search of a place in the top five of the Division, taking the points from not one of the better games of the season and with the home side bemoaning their luck throughout. Warren Goodhind was missing through a hamstring injury, which saw Danny Smith drop to full back and Pete Adeniyi come into the midfield thus being the side that had finished at Ebbsfleet United in midweek. Gareth Barfoot was declared fit to take a place on the bench. Basingstoke themselves were the subject of a heavy 0-4 midweek away defeat at Chelmsford City though they has scored an excellent victory at home to Dover Athletic the previous weekend. Both sides struggled to cope with the conditions - the first chance fell to Matt Warner on four minutes courtesy of a free kick that went just wide. Jamie Slabber headed a Tony Taggart corner just over seven minu...

'The next month is very important - but Basingstoke will be just as difficult as the teams at the top' By Wendy Gee - EASTLEIGH manager Ian Baird views tomorrow's trip to tenth-placed Basingstoke as more than just a prelude to 'bigger' challenges ahead. With just 11 weeks of the season remaining, the seventh-placed Spitfires still have 19 league games to play in their quest for promotion from the Blue Square Bet South. Their six remaining February games include tough assignments at home to leaders Braintree next Saturday (February 19) and second-placed Farnborough on Monday, February 28. But having seen his side humbled 1-0 by Basingstoke at the Silverlake in October, Baird knows better than to take tomorrow's game lightly. "The next month is very important because we're playing a lot of sides in and around us," he said. "But I see Basingstoke as being just as difficult as Braintree, Dover, Farnborough, Chelmsford and Bromley. "...

Ebbsfleet United v. Eastleigh (8.2.11) from MyFootballClub on Vimeo .

EASTLEIGH flushed Saturday’s FA Trophy disappointment out of their systems with a pleasing 2-2 draw at fourth-placed Ebbsfleet United in the Blue Square Bet South last night. Leading by an 11th-minute Jamie Slabber goal, the Spitfires then fell 2-1 down, but Anthony Riviere equalised early in the second half. “It was a hard fought match. We had the better chances and, once again, I’m disappointed with the goals we conceded,” said manager Ian Baird. “But, saying that, Ebbsfleet are the best side we’ve played this season. “It’s a hard place to come on a Tuesday night and I’d have taken a point before the game.”

EBBSFLEET UNITED v EASTLEIGH TUESDAY 8th FEBRUARY 2011 Blue Square Bet South Report by Ray Murphy  Over 250 Chasetown fans made the long trip to the Silverlake Stadium to see their side put in a strong performance. Eastleigh meanwhile missed out on the opportunity to reach the Quarter Finals and £7,000 prize money. A pulsating Blue Square Bet South fixture ended with both sides taking a point from a fixture that kept the 695 attendance kept firmly into their spots right until the final whistle. The home side made three changes from their side that had been beaten at home by Farnborough 0-3 three days earlier, though goalkeeper Preston Richards who made the history books in that match by being the fastest ever player to be sent off for a goalkeeper (after only nine seconds) returned to his place between the posts. Eastleigh welcomed Anthony Riviere back into the midfield, Luke Byles returned to the starting line up whilst Pete Adeniyi and Ross Bottomley found themselves o...

By Wendy Gee - Eastleigh aren’t the first higher grade team to have lost to cup sensations Chasetown in the FA Trophy this season. And on the evidence of Saturday’s 3-1 giant-killing at the Silverlake Stadium, they may not be the last. But that will come as scant consolation for frustrated Spitfires boss Ian Baird who believes his side squandered a golden opportunity to reach the quarter-finals of non-league’s premier cup competition for the first time in their history. Conference National duo Kettering and Grimsby had already been outwitted by the Scholars of Staffordshire, but Eastleigh failed to heed the warning signs. It was only after falling a goal behind on 31 minutes that they started playing anything like the side that had won six out of their previous seven Blue Square Bet South games. Though they deservedly clawed their way back on terms through Jamie Slabber after the break, they had not reckoned on the brilliance of visiting keeper Ryan Price or Chasetown’s ab...

February Fixture List - Revision 1

EASTLEIGH v CHASETOWN SATURDAY 5th FEBRUARY 2011 FA Trophy 3rd Round Report by Jamie Montigue Chasetown caused another FA Trophy upset as their incredible run in the competition continued at the expense of Eastleigh. The Scholars, who play a tier below their Blue Square Bet South opponents, dumped Ian Baird’s Spitfires out of the cup; much to the delight of their terrific away support. Over 250 Chasetown fans made the long trip to the Silverlake Stadium to see their side put in a strong performance. Eastleigh meanwhile missed out on the opportunity to reach the Quarter Finals and £7,000 prize money. The third round proper is the furthest Eastleigh have progressed in the FA Trophy but after today’s result, the Spitfires can now concentrate on their promotion push in the league. Eastleigh won an early corner inside the first minute, from which the first effort of the game saw Tony Taggart blaze a shot high and wide of goal as the ball came back out to him. The opening exchanges in the...