Baird hasn't given up on play-off hopes

By Wendy Gee - 

THE fainter Eastleigh’s chances get of gate-crashing the Blue Square Bet South play-off places, the more certain Ian Baird becomes of what needs to be done to put it right next season.

By the manager’s own admission, the Spitfires were lucky to escape with a point from a 0-0 draw at sixth-to-bottom Bromley – the home side missing a penalty three minutes from time.

“We didn’t play well attacking-wise in bumpy, difficult conditions and it wasn’t pleasing on the eye, that’s for sure,” said Baird.

 

"They missed a penalty and also had two penalty claims turned down which, on a different day, might have been given.

 

"I've got to say we were fortunate, but in my tenure at Eastleigh we haven't had a lot of luck, so perhaps we were owed some.

"Much as we were poor in attack, I was really pleased with how we played defensively.

"We showed good character. You've got to deal with the facts and they are that Bromley had won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.

 

"Like all clubs they have strengthened, bringing in players like (former Eastleigh midfielder) Ali Fuseini and Albert Jarett.

 

"We knew we'd be up against it."

 

"On Saturday we didn't look like scoring" said Baird. "And the next question will be: 'Is it a concern?' and my answer is 'no' because I know we will start scoring again.

 

"It's proven - we're one of the top scorers in the league.

 

"The way I look at it is that every game makes it clearer what I need to do." 

 

Asked if he had given up on the play-offs, he said: “You can’t say that. We’re 12 points away and we’ve got to try and win every game we possibly can.

“The teams up there have got to play each other but, realistically, there would have to be a major hiccup for them not to get into the play-offs.” 

 

Eastleigh still have one chance of silverware in the Hampshire FA Senior Cup and visit Sydenhams Premier leaders Winchester City in the semi-final on Wednesday (7.45pm).