The Spitfires finish their 2022/23 pre-season with a well-fought win over Hungerford Town

It was a fast start for the Spitfires when some great link-up play between the midfield and attack allowed Trialist B to lay it off for Tristan Abrahams, whose effort was deflected beyond the goalkeeper only two minutes in.

The Spitfires defended resolutely in the 19th minute when a corner dropped in the box and George Langston blocked Adam Liddle’s shot well before getting up in time to make another block.

Oscar Rutherford was causing problems for the visitors and managed to create some space for himself in the 36th minute with some trickery but in the end, the finish lacked power.

The visitors equalised in the 42nd minute when Niko Muir held the ball up in order to wait for support.

Joel Rollinson was there on hand, ready to receive the pass before his curling effort found the bottom right corner.

The second half started quite quiet with neither side finding a clear chance but Hungerford Town was the first to come close in the 54th minute when Adam Liddle was able to get his head on a deep cross but could only direct it comfortably to Joe McDonnell’s grateful grasp.

The hosts restored their lead in the 64th minute when a great ball in from Corey Panter was met by the head of Matt Berry-Hargreaves who could only head it into his own net.

The next chance of the game fell the way of Kaya Tshaka who had only just come on off the bench. He cut inside and almost found the top left corner of the goal but was only just wide.

It was Kaya Tshaka again causing problems for Eastleigh, this time getting his shot off and forcing Mark Scott into a great diving save.

Hungerford upped the pressure as the game came closer to a conclusion but in the end, they couldn’t find that clear-cut chance they needed.

The Spitfires ended their pre-season with a well-fought win over Hungerford Town.

Report by Ricky Hart