Todd and Essam react to Northampton win

Manager Chris Todd shared his post-match reaction to the 4-1 win over Northampton.

“It was a very positive performance. Regardless of the result, I was happy with the way we played, how we approached the game, the winning mentality,” said Todd.

“All pre-season we’ve been scoring. We’ve got goals throughout the team now. Everyone’s chipping in, whether they’re starting or coming on, it looks very lively.

“Mikael Mandron is a player, without a doubt, and I’m sure he’ll hit the ground running and be a handful for any Conference defender. Wilson’s looking ever so lively. He knows where the net is and keeps scoring goals.

“It’s weird, but it really does feel as if the new players have been here two or three seasons. They get on really well and you could see that in the performance today. That was my half-time talk, I told them you’re looking like a proper team.”

Connor Essam's post-match thoughts: 

"It was a very good afternoon. I don't think anybody expected it to go that well to be honest. It was the last workout before the start of the season so we were expecting a tough game and it was a tough game.

"We were on top of our game and maybe they were a touch off it. I don't think we could have asked for much more apart from maybe keeping a clean sheet.

"It was a very good workout and a good way to go in to the season."

Speaking about his defensive partnership with Ayo Obileye, Essam noted: "It worked out well today we got 60-70 minutes under our belts, we worked well off each other and it gives the gaffer a few options.  We're fit and ready to go for the team he picks next week.

"It's nice to get pre-season out of the way. It's always a bit of a grind, it's hard work. We look forward to next week, the games are going to come thick and fast now. With the squad we've got and the pre-season we've had - I'm very excited for what's to come.

Connor said that he has been "very impressed" with his new team mates as he begins to settle in to life at Eastleigh. "I knew a few of the lads here already. I knew there was quality within the squad, the players he's (manager Chris Todd) brought in have all hit the ground running, so there's a good feeling in the squad.

"We have good players, a good mixture age-wise as well.  I think we've got a good balance and we've got a real good chance this season. If we can keep our players fit to keep us firing and play a bit like we did today then it should be a good season."

Next weekend the league campaign begins with Eastleigh opening the season with a home game against Guiseley. Connor said: "It's always nice to start with a home game and hopefully a home win will set the tone for the rest of the season. We'll all looking forward to it, we'll all looking fit and we are ready to go."