Danny Whitehall’s fifth pre-season goal in four games was the difference as Eastleigh were 1-0 winners over their League Two opponents at the Silverlake Stadium.

The Spitfires started brightly once again in pre-season, and had the first opportunity of the game after just two minutes in. An early header from Tristan Abrahams just dropped onto the roof of the net.

Swindon Town also had an early sighter as Ben Gladwin tried his luck from range in the seventh minute, striking the crossbar rattle with a fierce drive.

The opening goal soon followed though, as Danny Whitehall found the net for the fifth time in four pre-season games.

With a budding strike partnership seemingly already forming, Abrahams raced down the left hand side and cut the ball back for Whitehall, who opened the scoring with a clever touch.

Aaron Martin came close from a corner soon after, straining his neck to head the ball towards goal but it just flashed over.

On the half hour mark, following a much-needed drinks break in the sweltering heat, Charlie Carter embarked on his first foray forwards.

The number seven drove towards the penalty area and produced an inventive flick to tee up Abrahams, whose volley on the turn was saved.

Joe McDonnell was called into action with a fine stop to deny Welsh-international Jonny Williams’ low shot from the edge of the area to ensure that the first half ended with Lee Bradbury’s side one goal to the good.

Swindon’s Gladwin had another effort from range early into the second period, this time flashing a shot just wide from distance.

Despite minimal clear cut opportunities in the second half, Eastleigh continued to enjoy large spells of possession against their higher-league opposition.

Ryan Hill, introduced in the second half, did well to win the ball in The Robins’ half and drove to the byline, but saw his cross-cum-shot gathered by the goalkeeper.

With both sides almost fully rotated after a series of substitutions, the visitors probed in search of an equaliser but came to no avail.

The Spitfires defended as confidently as they attacked throughout the game, and were rewarded with their third pre-season victory in four games.

Starting XI: McDonnell, Camp, Maghoma, Martin, Langston, Kelly, Trialist A, Carter, Hesketh, Abrahams, Whitehall

Subs: Flitney, Willson, Bragg, Harper, Cissè, Yang, Hill, Simpson, Trialist B, Trialist C, Trialist D, Trialist E

Report by Tom Mulholland