A closely contested match at the Silverlake Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw between Eastleigh and Wealdstone. Eastleigh, looking to build on their previous home draw against Boston United, started strongly, their early pressure culminating in a 7th-minute goal. Noa Boutin finished clinically, giving the Spitfires a deserved lead and igniting the home support. Eastleigh continued to press forward after the goal, fashioning several promising attacks, but Wealdstone gradually gained a foothold, their midfield starting to exert more control as the half progressed. Despite this shift in momentum, Eastleigh held their 1-0 advantage going into the break.
The second half saw a series of tactical substitutions. On the hour mark, Eastleigh manager Kelvin Davis introduced Dominic Gape for Jake Taylor, a like-for-like change in midfield aimed at consolidating their central presence. Wealdstone responded soon after, bringing on Josh Grant for Kallum Cesay, a move that seemingly sought to add more defensive solidity. The visitors’ growing influence eventually paid off in the 65th minute. A well-constructed move resulted in Sam Ashford netting the equaliser, assisted by Jayden Mundle-Smith. Ashford’s goal breathed new life into Wealdstone, and the match became a more open, end-to-end affair.
Both managers then made further changes in search of a winner. Eastleigh replaced Jake Vokins with Connor Underhill and Tyrese Shade with Joe Ryan, while Wealdstone introduced Elliot Thorpe for Enzio Boldewijn. Despite the attacking intent on display from both sides, neither could find the decisive breakthrough. A late yellow card for Wealdstone’s Adrian Mariappa for a foul added a final note of drama, but the score remained level. The final whistle confirmed the 1-1 draw. The point earned moves Eastleigh to 25 points and 12th place in the National League, while Wealdstone sit 19th on 19 points. The draw extends a fairly even run of recent results between the two sides, with two wins each and two draws in their last four encounters.