At the Silverlake Stadium, Eastleigh defeated Southend United 2-1 in a National League match that sprang to life after a tepid first half. Referee Harrison Blair oversaw a second period in which all the goals were scored, leaving Southend to regret missed opportunities to consolidate their place in the playoff positions.
The first half was a cautious affair, with both sides feeling each other out and goalscoring opportunities scarce. Tactical discipline prevailed, and clear chances were at a premium. Both Eastleigh coach Scott Bartlett and his Southend counterpart, Kevin Maher, would have undoubtedly used the interval to galvanise their attacking efforts.
Eastleigh returned after the break with renewed purpose, and their efforts were rewarded just five minutes into the second half when Aaron Blair found the net, assisted by Harvey Saunders.
Southend, however, were not to be denied. In the 76th minute, Andy Dallas scored, with Ben Goodliffe providing the assist. The match was now finely balanced, and the atmosphere intensified as both teams sought a decisive goal.
Just four minutes later, Eastleigh struck again. Jake Taylor capitalised on another assist from Harvey Saunders to restore the Spitfires’ lead. This goal proved to be the winner, as Eastleigh managed to withstand late pressure from the Shrimpers.
In the closing stages, Southend desperately sought an equaliser, but Eastleigh’s defence remained resolute, securing a valuable three points for the home side.
The match also saw Southend’s Ben Goodliffe receive a yellow card in the 72nd minute for a foul. Eastleigh made a substitution in the 77th minute, replacing Angel Waruih with Lloyd Humphries in midfield. Southend made a triple substitution in the 82nd minute, introducing Jack Bridge, Sam Austin, and Tom Hopper for George Wind, Keenan Appiah-Forson, and Josh Walker, respectively. Southend later made a further change, replacing Leon Chambers-Parillon with Oliver Coker in the 85th minute.
The win lifts Eastleigh in the National League table from 16th with 10 points to 14th with 13 points. Southend, who entered the match in 6th position with 18 points, drop to 7th but remain well-placed to challenge for a playoff spot, having accumulated 5 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. Prior to this match, Eastleigh had not won in their last 4 games.