Eastleigh fan Lee is dreaming of another record-breaking FA Cup run for the Spitfires
Last season the Spitfires were the last non-league side standing in England’s most prestigious cup competition.
This time round, Eastleigh are at it again taking their first big scalp of this season’s FA Cup campaign with a stunning 3-1 victory away at League One side Swindon Town.
There is a gap of two leagues between the two clubs, but it was Ronnie Moore’s side who caused an upset on another memorable night for Eastleigh.
Eleven coach load of supporters travelled up the A34 to back their side in their hundreds. The 788 fans were rewarded with a fine performance and a result that sent the Hampshire side through to the second round of the competition.
Eastleigh season ticket holder Lee Stevens is dreaming of going one step further than the 2015/2016 season’s feat of reaching the third round.
Lee has been supporting the club for more than ten years. He follows his team home and away religiously across the country and has clocked up many miles travelling to watch his team.
"I would say that I'm a very dedicated Eastleigh fan. I watch them home and away. I love visiting new grounds, towns and cities watching Eastleigh FC. Since we got into the highest level of non-league football we have had some good memories so far.”
Lee says that Eastleigh’s famous cup run from last season, where Eastleigh eventually lost to then-Championship side Bolton Wanderers “put Eastleigh on the map..”
He explained: “It's the furthest stage that Eastleigh have ever reached getting to the third round of the FA cup and we were the last non-league side in the competition.
"We made ourselves and non-league football proud.”
Lee fondly remembers that evening where Eastleigh took 686 fans to Bolton.
"Our FA Cup run, I believe put Eastleigh FC on the map. Bolton Wanderers’ stadium was amazing to watch our team play there. The facilities were the best I’ve seen as a fan. I can only dream of getting further than the third round again."
Speaking to me before Eastleigh’s win at Swindon in the replay, Lee told me that despite it being a “tough ask”, he was confident that his team could secure a victory having drawn 1-1 at the Silverlake Stadium last week.
“We drew 1-1 in the first game at our place live on the BBC. They are two leagues above us and it will be a tough task. We will be taking a massive away following on a Tuesday night to their place. Over 700 Eastleigh fans. I believe we can get a win with our fans behind us.”
And win they did! First-half goals from Jai Reason and Andy Drury saw the Spitfires hold a two-goal lead at half time. After the break, Mikael Mandron added a third from the penalty spot much to the delight of Lee and all of the travelling Eastleigh fans.
Nathan Delfouneso grabbed a late goal for Swindon but it was a mere consolation for the League One side.
The morning after Eastleigh secured a famous win at Swindon backed by their largest ever away following, Lee was back in at work having managed just 2 hours sleep!
“What a result! Was it worth it? Yes it was!”
Lee said it was simply an “amazing evening” having taken just short of 800 fans to Swindon - “not bad for a non-league side.”
Lee believes that the club will go on to secure a play-off spot come the end of the season.
"I believe Eastleigh FC will get a play-off spot this season. In pre-season I said we could win the league. As the season has gone on we are currently sitting in 8th place. This year the league is a lot stronger with a lot of teams bringing in stronger and better players. Anyone in the top eight could win the league. I believe we can get into the play-offs."
Lee has seen a lot of growth at Eastleigh in his time supporting the club and notes the considerable amount of progress on and off the pitch that Eastleigh have taken under the leadership of ambitious chairman Stewart Donald.
"Our chairman is very ambitious and when he came on board he wanted League football within five years. The crowds at Eastleigh have increased on match days, the fanbase has also grown. The facilities have got better with the new stands built and now we are building a new clubhouse and executive suite.
"He (Stewart Donald) has made adult season tickets the cheapest in the country. He tries to make it affordable for the community of Eastleigh. I watched a game when we were in the Conference South against Maidenhead and we had a home crowd of just over 300. On Saturday (November 12th) against York City we had a home crowd of 2,300 which is a massive achievement.
"Four seasons ago we had just 36 season ticket holders, we now have 1200. So the fan base has definitely grown. Facilities have got better and the players brought in have been excellent with league experience."
Looking to the future, Lee feels that the club will go on to play in the Football League and maybe, just maybe, as high up as the Championship.
"I believe we will get League football either this season or next season. I also believe we could potentially go as far as the Championship.
“For Eastleigh to get into League 2 would be an amazing achievement.
“14 years ago they were playing in the Wessex League. I actually played against them when they won the Wessex league for a team called BAT.
“For me playing at the Silverlake against Eastleigh reserves and youth teams those years ago, I have seen a hell of a transformation in the stadium and facilities."
Only the future can tell us just how far the club can go, but one thing is for sure – Lee Stevens will be there following the club every step of the way to find out.
More quotes from my interview with Lee here -
http://eastleighfc.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/fans-view-interview-with-season-ticket.html
http://eastleighfc.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/fans-view-interview-with-season-ticket.html
Comments
Post a Comment