Eastleigh secured a vital three points in what is a huge step in the right direction, as they beat playoff-chasing Southend United by two goals to one.

Jason Bristow took charge of the Spitfires’ Wednesday night clash against Southend. Josh Lundstram returned to the starting XI for the first time since he came off injured against Forest Green. Paul McCallum also returned to start, meaning Zavier Massiah-Edwards dropped to the bench. Unfortunately, Jordan Cousins missed out due to injury, as Angel Waruih took his spot.

The Spitfires defended well and kept a strong shape during the opening stages of the first half, and kept Southend quiet for most periods of the half.

The first chance of the half fell to the visitors when Leon Parillon delivered a cross towards the back post, which found the head of Keenan Appiah-Forson, and he saw his header loop off the top of the crossbar.

Eastleigh’s first chance of the game fell to Paul McCallum just after 15 minutes. He combined well with Josh Lundstram and struck a low shot wide of the target.

Just past the twenty-minute mark, Southend’s Cav Miley was found after pinballing in the Spitfire area; however, his shot was blocked after it looked to be heading goalwards.

Tricky winger Aaron Blair grew into the game as the half went on, and five minutes before the break, he shifted the ball onto the left and found himself in space. Blair struck a left-footed curling strike, which was caught comfortably by the Southend goalkeeper.

Eastleigh carried on their strong end to the first half, and Angel Wariuh somehow managed to wriggle away from three Southend players. Wariuh played the ball wide to Archie Harris, who then laid it off to Richard Brindley, whose first-time effort was blocked out for a corner.

Two minutes into stoppage time, Eastleigh so nearly found the breakthrough. Blair found space and had his goal-bound shot cleared as it flew towards the goal. The ball was recycled back in. Skipper Jake Taylor flicked to Saunders, who forced an excellent save from Andeng Ndi from close range.

The second half started perfectly for the hosts as they took the lead. Harvey Saunders picked up possession just inside the Eastleigh half and ran towards Southend’s goal. Saunders then perfectly timed his pass to find Blair to his right. Blair then struck a fierce shot into the near post which saw the Silverlake erupt!

Nick Townsend made a smart save at his near post to deny Southend as the visitors attempted to pile the pressure on in the hope of finding a response.

The visitors found said response in the 76th minute when a corner was not cleared by the Eastleigh defence, and Andy Dallas smashed a strike into the roof of the net.

Eastleigh regained the lead just five minutes after they were pegged back. A ball flew into the area, and Saunders challenged the Eastleigh keeper in the air. He then unselfishly laid the ball off to skipper Taylor, and he rifled the ball into the net.

Eastleigh then defended strongly to see out what could be a vital three points, and a huge step in the right direction.

Eastleigh: Townsend (GK), Brindley, Eweka, Taylor (C), McCallum, Blair, Saunders, Pierre, Lundstram, Waruih (Humphries 77′), Harris