The Whites were held to a 1 – 1 draw earlier in the week after a trip to Eastleigh saw them rue missed chances in an exciting match.

After an excellent result last weekend against Woking at the Ray Mac, the Whites travelled to Eastleigh hoping to take 3 points from their local rivals – their performance against Woking showing indications that the changes made to the squad by Darrell Clarke are beginning to have an impact.

Whites keeper Puddy had an interesting start to the game, throwing himself into action to prevent an early Eastleigh attack from finding the net. Despite a bright start from the home team, the Whites pushed forward and began to heap pressure onto the home side, with chances for a number of players failing to find the back of the net, including a trademark long-range shot from Ben Adelsbury.

Forward Robbie Matthews ruthlessly capitalised on a defensive error by the Eastleigh defence, and put the Whites ahead.

Despite some increased impetus from Eastleigh, the first half ended with plenty more chances for the Whites, Losasso failing to find the target from several efforts including a free-kick that whistled over the crossbar.

Eastleigh ramped up the pressure in the second half, with Puddy having to work hard to collect a number of shots and crosses being fired across goal. Chris Giles was unlucky to have a goal disallowed at the other end of the pitch – 2 nil would have seen the Whites surely clinch the 3 points as they continued to attack the Eastleigh defence, who scrambled to clear shots off the line.

However, late Eastleigh substitute Graeme Montgomery fired in a superb effort from long-range, that saw Eastleigh equalise with just minutes remaining.

As against Thurrock recently, a late goal saw the Whites drop 2 points in a match that could easily have seen them claim 3 points – however, the sheer number of chances created and the passing and movement of the team are encouraging signs.

With some games in hand remaining against near rivals in the table, the Whites will need to ensure they convert as many chances and possible and climb the table.

Eastleigh 1 – 1 Whites