Scott Bartlett’s Eastleigh side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Hartlepool United from two spectacular strikes almost immediately after half-time.

Following a cagey first half, the Pools came out flying with two unstoppable strikes from Cameron John and Nathan Sheron putting themselves 2-0 up just 10 minutes into the second half. Scott Bartlett’s Eastleigh side fought relentlessly to force themselves back into the game but were unable to break through.

Scott Bartlett kept an unchanged starting XI from the side that grinded out a 1-1 draw away to Carlisle United last weekend. Following the loan signing of James Waite from Weston Super Mare, he made his first matchday squad appearance where he hoped to make an impact off the bench. Similarly, it was a home debut for Sam Pearson after he too signed from Weston Super Mare.

Additionally, Aaron Blair returned to the matchday squad after an injury setback that had kept him on the sidelines for seven weeks. Similarly, Archie Harris returned from the international break with Wales under-21s but didn’t feature for the Dragons due to a knock; Harris therefore also returned to the bench following his recovery.

As the rain persisted on kick-off, the Spitfires set the game underway with their first chance being orchestrated by Jake Vokins in the 9th minute. The defender floated the ball towards Kieron Evans just outside of the six-yard box, but he couldn’t generate enough power or accuracy on his header to trouble George Evans as it sailed past the right-hand post.

The game was then momentarily paused on the 15-minute mark as the club physios and medical staff dealt with an incident in the stands.

Once play resumed, Eastleigh dominated possession but struggled to break down the Hartlepool defence, relying on set-pieces that were not fruitful for the Spitfires.

The most dangerous chance of the half came to Hartlepool in the 39th minute with Matty Daly forcing a close-quarters save from Nick Townsend before Alex Reid acrobatically headered the ball into the underside of the bar following a teasing Jay Benn cross.

Finally, the last piece of first-half action saw Eastleigh have a final try at breaking the deadlock with an Evans corner to the far side of the six-yard box, which Pierre met but could only direct it above the bar as he leaned to meet it, sending both sides in level.

Hartlepool United took the lead almost instantly at the start of the second period of play from Cameron John, in the 49th minute, who struck the ball magnificently across the goal from a tight angle which pinged off the far-post out of Townsend’s reach.

Flying on their momentum, the Pools struck again just four minutes later with a strike that outweighed John’s first. Nathan Sheron briefly held the ball outside of the box before fancying his chances and putting it perfectly into the bottom right corner.

Eastleigh almost hit back right away however, with a ball towards McCallum which resulted in a forced save from Evans.

In the 70th minute, Scott Bartlett reinvigorated his attack, substituting on James Waite for his debut and reintroducing Aaron Blair for the first time since the beginning of October due to injury.

This necessity to attack in the remaining half an hour allowed Hartlepool to exploit on the break. In the 80th minute, a ball retrieved from an Eastleigh attack was put forward, leaving Lloyd Humphries alone to defend a three-on-one. John cut inside and it was subsequently squandered as it was deflected wide.

Eastleigh were unable to force their way back into the game in the final 15 minutes with a 2-0 loss the final result against Hartlepool United.

Eastleigh: Townsend, Brindley (Fernandez 71′), Vokins (Blair 71′), Humphries, Eweka, Evans, McCallum (Waite 71′), Saunders, Pierre (Harris 71′), Lundstram, Pearson

Unused Substitutes: McNamara, Wariuh, Whitehead

Yellow Cards: Pierre 63′

Hartlepool United: Evans, Benn, John, Parkes, Kouogun, Campbell (Francis 72′), Sheron, Hunter (Johnson 84′), Miley, Reid (Ferguson 84′), Daly (Brown 72′)

Unused Substitutes: Smith, Topallaj, Aungiers

Goals: John 49′, Sheron 53′

Attendance: 2473 (138 away)

Report by Harvey Gerring