The Spitfires are back in Vanarama National League action, as we face Hartlepool United at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday 8th March, with a kick-off time of 3pm.

Eastleigh:

The Spitfires come into this one off the back of a win during the week. Goals from Niall Maher and Jake Taylor helped the Spitfires on their way to securing the three points against Ebbsfleet United. A solid display on the defensive end earned the Spitfires a clean sheet under the lights.

Eastleigh have won in four out of their last six games, and will be hoping to continue that hot streak this afternoon. Along with this, Jake Taylor made it four goals in his last seven games, following his strike against Ebbsfleet United.

The Spitfires remained in eighth place in the Vanarama National League table following their win in the week, keeping them in a good position to pounce on a play-off place.

Hartlepool United:

This afternoon’s visitors are currently going through a rough patch of form. With one win in their last 11 games, and having lost their last four, they will be coming into this afternoon’s game hoping to turn things around.

In their last outing, they travelled to Lancashire and faced AFC Fylde. A hectic start to the game saw them take the lead in the fourth minute, before falling behind in the 19th. No more goals were scored over the remaining 70 minutes or so, meaning Hartlepool’s losing streak would continue.

Their slump in form has seen them fall to 14th place in the Vanarama National League table, and with teams below them in the table having games in hand, they will be in the mood to earn some points today at the Silverlake Stadium.

Hartlepool United’s last five results:

04/03/25 | AFC Fylde 2-1 Hartlepool United | VNL

01/03/25 | Hartlepool United 0-1 York City | VNL

22/02/25 | Aldershot Town 3-2 Hartlepool United | VNL

18/02/25 | Hartlepool United 1-2 Altrincham | VNL

15/02/25 | Hartlepool United 0-0 Maidenhead United | VNL

Previous meetings:

The last time the two sides met, a tightly contested game was played out up in the north east. Hartlepool were put onto the back foot early, after going down to ten men. Following this, neither side was able to come too close to scoring during the game, meaning it would end goalless.

16/11/24 | Hartlepool United 0-0 Eastleigh | VNL

23/03/24 | Eastleigh 1-1 Hartlepool United | VNL

07/10/23 | Hartlepool United 3-1 Eastleigh | VNL

13/03/21 | Hartlepool United 0-0 Eastleigh | VNL

16/02/21 | Eastleigh 2-1 Hartlepool United | VNL

Preview by Matthew Gibbs