Spitfires cruise to victory over high-flying Wings

EASTLEIGH 3-0 WELLING UNITED
SATURDAY 22nd OCTOBER 2011

Blue Square Bet South

Match report by Jamie Montigue

Eastleigh put in a fine display against second-placed Welling United to secure all three points and pick up their fourth league win of the season.

The Spitfires had only scored nine goals in twelve games prior to today's important clash against the Wings, but scored three this afternoon, all excellent strikes; to ease their goal scoring worries and pull off an impressive home victory.

Michael Green came straight into the starting eleven following his arrival on loan from Port Vale, and put in a man of the match winning performance on his return to the Silverlake Stadium. Green's presence at left back freed up Andy Forbes to play at centre half along side Tom Jordan.

Sam Wilson was handed a rare start and worked hard for the team playing his part in the opening goal. The youngster had a couple of chances to score himself in a good display.

Danny Smith dropped to the bench, whilst Andrew White was left out of the sixteen.

After a slow start to the game, Eastleigh broke the deadlock following a run from Wilson at the Welling defence in the 29th minute. Wilson was brought down just outside the box and a free kick in a dangerous position was awarded. Jamie Slabber struck the set piece straight into the wall, but the ball came back for MICHAEL GREEN who fired an exquisite low strike into the bottom corner.

Sam Wilson had the next best chance ten minutes before the break. Ian Herring's long throw was helped on by Andy Forbes and Sam Wilson pounced on the loose ball only to prod his effort just wide of the post.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh 1-0 Welling United

Eastleigh, playing some of the best football they have played this season, started the second half brightly when Wilson linked up well with Montgomery in a neat one-two. The move saw Wilson played through on goal but Jack Parkinson got back to make an important challenge.

In the 57th minute, Welling's Joe Healy was shown a second yellow card for simulation trying to win the visitors a penalty. Eastleigh took full advantage against the ten men of player/manager Jamie Day's side.

Andy Forbes, who had defended excellently throughout the game at the heart of the defence, came off with an injury with 66 played. His replacement Danny Smith went into the centre of midfield and Jamie Brown switched to centre back where he proved to be a more than able replacement playing out of position.

With the score still at 1-0, Welling substitute Luis Cumbers forced a good save out of Gareth Barfoot, meanwhile the introduction of Jordace Holder-Spooner proved to be a masterstroke by manager Ian Baird.

Holder-Spooner was sent on up front and made an instant impact to set up Eastleigh's second goal eleven minutes from time. Herring's pinpoint through ball was sublime and found the run of the former Southampton academy prospect to perfection. Jordace was through on goal and looked to have missed out on a shooting opportunity as he held the ball up, but turned his marker inside out before skillfully playing a lovely back heel into the path of RICHARD GILLESPIE. Gillespie thumped the ball home for his first goal of the season to add the clinical finishing touch to round off a fine team move. It was just reward for the hard work Gillespie has been putting in of late.

Eastleigh would have been forgiven if they had opted to shut up shop at 2-0 with ten minutes remaining, but they were not content with two goals and went on to score another excellent goal to seal the game. GRAEME MONTGOMERY ensured all three points were in the bag with a lovely individual effort as he twisted and turned on the ball before firing home a powerful left-foot shot in the 83rd minute.

The Spitfires were cruising as they finished the game so strongly. Danny Smith was unlucky to see his shot come back off the cross bar prior to Montgomery's goal.

There was almost time for Montgomery to add a fourth goal when he combined with Holder-Spooner to good effect before drilling a shot at Dan Thomas in the Welling goal that had to be tipped over the bar.

A magnificent result for Eastleigh. Three points, three goals and a clean sheet against a strong team - it could be the turning point in our season.

FULL TIME: Eastleigh 3-0 Welling United

Welling - 221011

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