The Spitfires are back in Vanarama National League action, as we travel to Essex to face Braintree Town at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium on Saturday 1st March, with a kick-off time of 3pm.

Braintree Town:

This afternoon’s hosts did not have a midweek game, and were last in action as they travelled to Greater London to face Sutton United.

After they conceded in the 54th minute, John Akinde quickly went on to level the scoring three minutes later. His goal helped his side to go on and earn a point on their travels.

Their last win came against high-flying Forest Green Rovers. Early goals from Tyrell Lisbie and Tom Blackwell would help Braintree on their way to securing an impressive win.

Braintree are currently sat just outside of the relegation zone, and have a two point cushion over Maidenhead United which they will be looking to extend as they take on the Spitfires.

Braintree Town’s last five results:

22/02/25 | Sutton United 1-1 Braintree Town | VNL

19/02/25 | Braintree Town 1-2 Wealdstone | VNL

15/02/25 | Braintree Town 2-0 Forest Green Rovers | VNL

08/02/25 | Altrincham 3-1 Braintree Town | VNL

01/02/25 | Braintree Town 1-1 Hartlepool United | VNL

Eastleigh:

The Spitfires are coming into this one on a solid run of form. They are unbeaten in their last four league games.

Last time out on the road, thee Spitfires travelled to Lincolnshire to face Boston United. Jake Taylor and Tyrese Shade had the Spitfires in control of the game going into the dying moments. Boston would go on to pull a goal back in the 90th minute, but were unable to find another, meaning the Spitfires would travel back to Hampshire with three points.

The recent run of form that the Spitfires have been on had boosted them up to being just one place outside of the play-off spots. A win would see the Spitfires potentially go just a point away from breaking into the top seven.

Previous meetings:

The two sides last met back in November, at the Silverlake Stadium. Tyrese Shade opened the scoring in the 25th minute, but would see the visiting side go on to net two second-half goals, helping them to earn all three points.

09/11/25 | Eastleigh 1-2 Braintree Town | VNL

14/01/23 | Eastleigh 1-0 Braintree Town | Isuzu FA Trophy

16/02/19 | Eastleigh 2-1 Braintree Town | VNL

06/10/18 | Braintree Town 1-2 Eastleigh | VNL

14/02/17 | Eastleigh 0-2 Braintree Town | VNL

Preview by Matthew Gibbs