The Spitfires were held to a point in Tyneside after Ryan Hill’s first goal of the season was cancelled out by a curling effort from Dan Jarvis at the Gateshead International Stadium.

There was a late, enforced change prior to kick-off with John Oyenuga picking up an injury in the warm-up meaning Oscar Rutherford started.

The first chance of the game fell the way of the hosts in the fourth minute with Adam Campbell shot from distance but in the end, was a comfortable catch for Joe McDonnell.

Three minutes later, a Corey Panter corner found its way to the back post where Charlie Carter’s header was blocked and eventually poked away from goal despite many attempts just in front of the goal line.

In the 11th minute, a dangerous cross from Charlie Carter was met by the head of Danny Whitehall but the number nine was unable to keep it down.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when a headed knockdown from Danny Whitehall set up Ryan Hill perfectly to smash into the roof of the net from close range.

On the half hour mark, Gateshead had a big chance as the ball was played into the near post but the shot from Carl Magnay was met by a block from George Langston to see it go out for a corner.

Dan Ward struck a volley goalbound in the 33rd minute but Joe McDonnell took the sting out of it before claiming it fully.

Corey Panter was forced off through injury and was replaced by Jake Hesketh five minutes later.

There was a break in play three minutes before the 45 were up after one of the linesmen had to be replaced after picking up an injury.

Eastleigh had a big chance to double their lead in stoppage time when Tristan Abrahams was played through on goal but Dan Langley came out quickly to close him down and block his attempt.

The first 30 minutes of the second half provided hardly any moments of note other than yellow cards for Danny Whitehall and Tristan Abrahams.

In the 75th minute, that changed when substitute, Dan Jarvis, scored within ten minutes of coming on after curling his effort into the top corner to equalise for the hosts.

There wasn’t much action following the equaliser except a booking for Ryan Hill for late challenge.

The game ended level and the Spitfires headed back to Hampshire with a point on the road.

Eastleigh: McDonnell, Langston, Martin, Panter (38′), Kelly, Rutherford, McKiernan, Carter, Hill, Whitehall (70′), Abrahams (83′)

Subs: Flitney, Atangana (70′), Cisse, Hesketh (38′), Ebanks (83′)

Goal(s): Hill (20′)

Attendance: 1162 (40 away)

Report by Ricky Hart