Eastleigh open their pre-season campaign at the Silverlake Stadium with a game against League One side Bristol Rovers on Saturday 8th June with kick-off at 1:30pm.
Eastleigh:
The Spitfires will look to start their summer off with a win after a promising season last year, finishing ninth in the National League, just four points off a playoff spot.
After eight brand new singings, manager Lee Bradbury will be hoping his side can build on last season, starting today as the Spitfires host Bristol Rovers.
Latest signing Aidan Barlow made 15 appearances for Doncaster in League Two last season, he arrives alongside Enzio Boldewijn who joined after his departure from Sutton United after making 45 League Two appearances, giving the Spitfires some much needed experience against football league opposition.
The Silverlake Stadium was a formidable place to visit for National League opposition last season, as Eastleigh ended the season with 14 wins and five draws at home, leaving them tied for third in the table for points at home.
However, after pushing all season for a playoff place, Eastleigh ended the season without a win in their last seven games, meaning they just missed out.
Bristol Rovers:
Bristol Rovers were newly promoted to League One last season and finished four places above the relegation zone in 17th.
They come to the Silverlake Stadium looking to reverse their poor form at the end of last season, as they also failed to record a win in their last seven league matches.
Joey Barton’s men have also made some new additions, as they sign the experienced George Friend from Birmingham City. Rovers also brought in attacking midfielder Jevani Brown from Exeter City, after he made 21 goal contributions in 27 games in League One last year.
The Gas picked up eight wins and four draws in 23 games away from home last season and with Eastleigh’s good home form, they’ll have to be mindful of their lower league opposition.
Welsh forward Aaron Collins was key for Barton’s side as he won League One player of the season for 2022/23 as he scored 16 and assisted 11 in the league.
Fixture History:
The last time Eastleigh faced off against Rovers was back in the 2014/15 season, when both teams played in the National League. The Spitfires drew with Rovers 1-1 at home before beating them 2-1 in the reverse fixture, fans will be hoping to see history repeating itself on Saturday.
Preview by Nathan Rawlings
