Eastleigh v Maidenhead United - Match preview

Match preview by Kieran James

Ian Baird’s Spitfires were harshly denied all three points last Saturday at the Silverlake Stadium at home to Chelmsford City.

Eastleigh enjoyed much of the possession and it paid off with just seven minutes of the game remaining. Daryl McMahon sent a pinpoint cross into the box for the oncoming Andy Forbes  to head the Spitfires into a 1-0 lead.

With time on the clock running out, Michael Green who had an otherwise impressive game, tripped Ricky Modeste in the penalty box and referee Neil Hair awarded a penalty. Captain David Rainford, back from suspension, stepped up sending Jack Dovey the wrong way to earn The Clarets a share of the points.

Eastleigh now play relegation threatened Maidenhead United away at York Road (3pm kick off) where the FA have acknowledged that it is the oldest continuously used senior football ground in the world by the same club.

If the Spitfires were to win today they would send The Magpies down however they are no push overs as shown at Dover last Saturday that they can bounce back.

Barry Cogan and Michael Corcoran put Dover in front after just 36 minutes played. Goals from Davante McKain and Daniel Brown shortly equalised for The Magpies which was enough to earn themselves a point.

The last time these two teams played was at The Silverlake Stadium where The Spitfires claimed all three points in comfortable style.

Jamie Slabber (now at Chelmsford City) opened the scoring for the hosts with a well controlled goal which fell to him nicely after captain Tom Jordan nodded on a free kick.

Graeme Montgomery (now at Boreham Wood) finished off a fantastic Eastleigh move to make it 2-0, the winger was left unmarked to tap in at the back post after Ian Herring whipped in a pinpoint cross.

Ten minutes before the break, Slabber found himself on the score sheet again. Chris Flood rattled the woodwork with his header only for the ball to fall to Slabber to fire home his second of the game.

Daniel Brown scored for the visitors after eight minutes past the break his 30 yard shot was too powerful and precise for Jack Dovey to save, Chris Flood however had the last word on the game with a well taken goal with just seconds to go.

The last time these two teams played at York Road, The Spitfires were denied a play-off spot with few games to go.

Former Spitfire Will Hendry scored the only of the game with a well taken header which saw Eastleigh miss an opportunity in the league last season.

Come on you Spitfires!

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