Paul McCallum struck the winner as the Spitfires continued their strong start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Tamworth at the Silverlake Stadium.

The win means Eastleigh stay second in the National League, a point behind early leaders Gateshead.

The Spitfires almost got off to the perfect start when McCallum’s long throw caused havoc in the Tamworth box, before Chris Maguire’s effort was well kept out by Jasbir Singh.

McCallum, fresh from signing his two-year contract extension this week, opened the scoring in the sixth minute as Maguire’s short free kick was fired goalwards by Tyrese Shade, with the striker poking the ball in from close range.

It was the fifth goal of the season for the 31-year-old, who had started off the campaign in much the same way he performed last season.

Tamworth almost hit back straight away through Benjamin Acquaye, but his low strike from the edge of the area was saved brilliantly by Joe McDonnell.

Eastleigh were thankful to McDonnell again in the 15th minute when Nathan Tshikuna fed Tom McGlinchey. His effort, though, was parried wide of the far post.

McCallum went close to doubling our lead soon after but his header was deflected over the bar, following Maguire’s excellent cross into the middle.

After the early flurry of chances for both sides, the game settled down until just before half time, when McCallum was unable to direct his diving header on target.

The visitors had the first opportunity of the second half as Jordan Cullinane-Liburd’s cross was headed harmlessly over the bar by Munashe Sundrie.

As the away side pushed for an equaliser, gaps were beginning to appear in their defence with Shade looking to take advantage. He pounced on a mistake from a Tamworth defender but he unfortunately misplaced his pass with Maguire well positioned on the edge of the box.

Within moments of coming off the bench, Tamworth’s Tom Tonks delivered a long throw into the box that McDonnell initially struggled to deal with – before the ball was cleared away from danger.

The visitors almost snatched a late equaliser through Daniel Creaney but his header went just over the bar.

The victory means it’s now five wins from the opening seven games of the season and we now move on to a trip to Southend United on Tuesday.

Eastleigh: McDonnell (GK), Brindley, Vokins (Panter 90′), Humphries, Francillette, Maguire (Boutin 74′), Taylor (C), McCallum, Shade, Waruih (Fernandez 85), Maher

Unused subs: Scott (GK), Hodson, Semenyo, Dotse

Goals: McCallum (6′)

Yellow cards: Maher (31′), Francillette (45′)

Tamworth: Singh (GK), Milnes (C) (Lissimore 71′), Fairlamb, Wreh, Morrison (Tonks 81), Acquaye, Cullinane-Liburd (Enoru 90′), McGlinchey, Tshikuna (Creaney 79′), Hollis, Sundrie

Unused subs: Phillips (GK), Digie, Williams

Yellow cards: Morrison (26′), Acquaye (41′), Milnes (51′), Lissimore (74′)

Referee: Ryan Atkin

Attendance: 2,158 (74 away)

Report by Tom Wallace