Wilko: Cup win will help for next season
By Gordon Simpson - 
 |
| Captain Tom Jordan and Gary Elphick pictured with the Trophy |
EASTLEIGH assistant boss Shaun Wilkinson hailed the club's historic achievement after they won their first ever Hampshire FA Senior Cup.
Wilkinson was in charge at St Mary's last night, with manager Ian Baird in Hong Kong for the International Soccer Sevens tournament.
Baird had accepted an invitation to take part in the event, thinking he would have the date free after the Spitfires were knocked out in the second round of the competition.
But their opponents, Aldershot, were subsequently disqualified for fielding an ineligble player, granting Eastleigh a reprieve they took full advantage of.
"I actually played in that Aldershot game - that's why we lost," said a delighted Wilkinson, as he laughed at the incredible turn of events.
"It's funny this game.
"I'm very pleased, it was a good professional performance from the lads and we did really well."
With significant new investment having been ploughed into Eastleigh this season, the Conference South club is expected to achieve big things next year.
And Wilkinson hopes last night's success can be the first of many to come.
"Where this club's heading and what everyone wants to achieve, it's nice to end the season with a win and a trophy - and obviously going for a trophy next year," he said.
"Whatever you win, whatever cup it is and whatever level, it breeds that winning mentality that the squad and the lads need to have obviously going in to a season next year where pressure may be on for us to deliver.
"But with the players we've got and the players we've got coming in we'll take that, because that's where we want to be."
Within minutes of the final whistle, Wilkinson revealed he had been speaking to Baird, who was desperate to know the score.
Picture courtesy of Andy Nunn - Full gallery here:
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