The Spitfires begin their 2023/24 Vanarama National League campaign with a trip to the West Midlands to take on Solihull Moors on Saturday 5th August, with a kick-off time of 3:00pm at the ARMCO Arena.
Solihull Moors:
Having suffered defeat in the National League play-off final to Grimsby Town in 2022, a 15th placed finish in 2022-23 was understandably disappointing; however, Solihull will be hoping to improve this season under new management.
Neal Ardley left the club by mutual consent in June and was replaced by former Banbury United boss Andy Whing a few days later.
Richard Stearman and Joss Labadie are two notable summer signings for the club, adding plenty of Football League experience to the squad ahead of the new season.
The Moors have had mixed fortunes during their pre-season, starting off with a 4-1 win away to Nuneaton Borough, before drawing 2-2 with Alfreton Town and losing 3-0 at home to Walsall.
Eastleigh:
The Spitfires narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season, finishing the season in 9th place in the National League.
Despite losing the likes of Vincent Harper, Danny Whitehall and Christian Maghoma throughout the summer, manager Lee Bradbury has strengthened his side throughout the window.
Eastleigh have signed 11 new players to date, including a return to the club for striker Paul McCallum, who will be aiming to help take the club a step further this season.
In pre-season, the Hampshire side claimed draws against both Oxford United and Swindon Town at the Silverlake Stadium and recorded wins over both Fareham Town and Bashley.
The only blips in pre-season were a 2-0 defeat to League One Bristol Rovers, before a youthful Spitfires team were beaten 3-0 by Dorchester Town.
Previous Meetings:
The hosts have enjoyed success in recent meetings between the two clubs, with three wins and two draws in the last five encounters.
Eastleigh were beaten 3-0 on their visit to Solihull last season, with two of the goals coming from the penalty spot.
Alex Reid put Solihull ahead before Josh Kelly and Andrew Dallas each scored from the spot to ensure a comfortable win for the hosts, who played the last 15 minutes with 10 men after James Clarke was sent off.
In the return fixture at the Silverlake Stadium in April, the Spitfires were left frustrated in front of goal in a goalless draw.
22/04/23 | Eastleigh 0-0 Solihull Moors | VNL
22/10/22 | Solihull Moors 3-0 Eastleigh | VNL
19/03/22 | Solihull Moors 5-3 Eastleigh | VNL
14/12/21 | Eastleigh 0-0 Solihull Moors | VNL
29/05/21 | Solihull Moors 2-0 Eastleigh | VNL
Preview by Tom Humphrey
