ACADEMY RESULTS 21/09/22: OXFORD CITY 3-2 EDS | CHATHAM TOWN 0-2 2ND YEAR SCHOLARS | 1ST YEAR SCHOLARS 1-4 NORTH LEIGH

Eastleigh’s Elite Development Squad and Scholars kicked off their 2022/23 season with mixed fortunes across the age groups.

Luke Hardy’s new EDS intake travelled to Oxford City in the National Academy League South Division, with plenty of the squad playing their second game in as many days after featuring in the Hampshire Senior Cup the night before.

The young Spitfires fell behind within the opening ten minutes in incredibly unfortunate circumstances, as a clearance rebounded off an Oxford player and flew in off the crossbar.

After a dramatic opening out of nowhere, the game levelled out and Eastleigh found an equaliser on the half hour mark.

Tommy Whitby was tripped in the penalty area and Luka Chalwell stepped up from twelve yards. The midfielder converted to score his side’s first goal of the season.

However, the scores weren’t level for long as the hosts regained the lead with a well-struck finish into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Eastleigh trailed at the break and the margin was extended twenty minutes into the second half from a corner, which wasn’t cleared in time, that saw Oxford take a 3-1 lead.

It was a long way back but the Spitfires pushed for a response which didn’t come until the final minute of time. Kai Mellor scored after being set up by smart play from Evan Harris.

Ultimately, it was too little too late as Oxford City saw the game out to finish 3-2 winners.

Elsewhere, in the National Alliance League, the Second Year Scholars ran out 2-0 winners to kick off their 2022/23 season with three points against Chatham Town.

Unfortunately, the First Year Scholars also suffered defeat as they faced a strong North Leigh side at the Stoneham Lane Football Complex but were beaten 4-1 by the visiting side.