The young Spitfires are out of the FA Youth Cup following a heart breaking defeat to Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium.

They went a goal down just before half-time before Joe Ryan equalised around the hour mark.

Two late goals dealt a killer blow to them and saw them go out of the competition after a run that they can be proud of.

The first chance of the game came in the 11th minute for the young Spitfires when Kyran Samadi curled a shot towards the top right corner from the edge of the box, his effort was matched well by the diving Gillingham ‘keeper.

Yuvraj Landa then had a go from range four minutes later but dragged his shot wide.

The home sides first chance came in the 21st minute when an attacker aimed a shot towards goal from the edge of the box but his effort was matched well by Oliver Harrison.

Gillingham opened the scoring in the 38th minute when an attacker shot from range and found the top left corner.

Sam Godfroy came inches away from equalising in injury time when he hit a free kick towards goal from 25-yards out, his effort struck the top of the crossbar as the young Spitfires went into half-time a goal down.

Samadi smacked an effort towards goal early on in the second-half but his effort was blocked by the Gillingham defence.

Joe Ryan levelled it in the 61st minute. He got in behind the Gillingham defence after a ball was played over the top to him, his first shot was saved but was also pushed straight into his path and he fired home the rebound.

The young Spitfires nearly took the lead in the 66th minute, they forced the Gillingham ‘keeper into making a double save before the ball was cleared to safety.

The hosts scored two goals in quick succession to take the lead going into the final 10 minutes.

It was clear to everyone just how gutted the young Spitfires were when the full-time whistle went but despite the loss they can hold their heads high following their historic run in the tournament.

Report by Matthew Gibbs

Eastleigh: Harrison (GK), Godfroy, Gorman, Pickles, Colvin (C), Aitken, Landa, Femi, Ryan, Samadi, Brackley

Subs: Bartram (GK), Bristow, Duell-Merritt, Ford, Pothas, Aldridge, Britton