Eastleigh produced a thrilling performance at the Silverlake Stadium, overcoming Rochdale 4-2 in a pulsating National League encounter. The six-goal thriller saw momentum swing back and forth, with moments of individual brilliance ultimately deciding the contest in the Spitfires’ favour, reversing their recent fortunes against Dale.
Rochdale struck first in the 6th minute, capitalising on a lapse in the Eastleigh defence. Kairo Mitchell was the man on hand to finish, giving the visitors an early lead. The goal ignited the match, sparking a period of open, attacking football from both sides. Eastleigh, undeterred by the early setback, continued to press forward and their persistence was rewarded in the 22nd minute. Paul McCallum restored parity for the Spitfires, levelling the scores.
The home side then took the lead in the 35th minute. This time, McCallum turned provider, setting up Ludwig Francillette for a well-taken finish that sent the Silverlake Stadium into raptures. The first half’s frenetic pace and competitive edge were reflected in a flurry of yellow cards before the break.
The second half proved to be just as entertaining. Eastleigh extended their advantage in the 60th minute. Tyrese Shade provided the assist for Chris Maguire, who finished clinically to make it 3-1. Rochdale responded just ten minutes later, Devante Rodney reducing the deficit with a neat finish, assisted by Harvey Gilmour.
The drama continued as Eastleigh were awarded a penalty in the 77th minute. McCallum stepped up confidently to convert the spot-kick, securing his brace and restoring the Spitfires’ two-goal cushion. The final minutes saw both managers make a series of substitutions in an attempt to control the closing stages, but the scoreline remained unchanged.
The victory sees Eastleigh leapfrog Rochdale in the National League table. The Spitfires now sit third with 19 points, while Rochdale drop to fifth with 17, having come into the match boasting victories in their previous two meetings against Eastleigh. This result marks a significant turnaround for the home side.