Eastleigh v Chelmsford City - Match Preview

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Match preview by Kieran James

Ian Baird’s Spitfires sent out a youthful side away to third-placed Welling United last Saturday, a team that hasn’t lost at home all season before the match.

The only goal of the game came after forty minutes when Danny Smith finished off a well worked move. Right back Mitchell Nelson whipped in a ball in to the box where Smith tapped into an empty net to secure all three points for The Spitfires. (Highlights of the match can be found here)

Today's opponents fifth-placed Chelmsford City, need a win in the Blue Square Bet South at The Silverlake Stadium. If Chelmsford are to win and Dover and Basingstoke lose, The Clarets would secure a play-off place.

Chelmsford’s opponents last Saturday were Salisbury City. The Clarets took a comfortable lead after only six minutes with former Spitfire Jamie Slabber netted for the home side, just as he did 36 times for The Spitfires.

Ghanaian striker Cliff Akurang then doubled Chelmsford’s advantage just after the break however the last five minutes was a nightmare for the hosts.

Charlie Griffin on loan from Forest Green Rovers got one back for the visitors after a penalty was awarded. Goals from Abdulai Bell-Baggie and Marvin Williams in the last few minutes damaged an almost guaranteed play-off place for Chelmsford.

The last time these two teams played was at The Melbourne Stadium where The Spitfires were defeated. Goals from Greg Morgan, Adam Tann and Aiden Palmer in the first twenty minutes was enough for the home side to secure all three points.

The last time these two teams met at the Silverlake Stadium, The Spitfires secured victory with captain Tom Jordan opening the scoring after the centre back controlled a long goal kick superbly and chipped a delightful effort past keeper James Pullen.

Jamie Slabber, who is currently playing for The Clarets, doubled Eastleigh’s lead with a glancing header, six minutes later David Rainford converted a penalty for the visitors however The Spitfires held on to all three points.

Jamie Slabber will not be playing at The Silverlake Stadium today after an agreement was struck between the two clubs as part of the transfer, however David Rainford will return to The Claret’s squad after an injury. Meanwhile striker Richard Gillespie who is on loan to Bashley will not have his contract renewed for next season.

The Spitfires are due to field another youthful side tomorrow so come on down to The Silverlake Stadium and roar on those Spitfires!

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