Get the lowdown on our next opponents: Eastleigh.
The Opposition
A regular fixture in the National League, Eastleigh entered their 11th consecutive campaign in the fifth tier with a second successive 13th place finish last season.
The Spitfires are under new leadership following the dismissal of former Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, with Weston-super-Mare boss Scott Bartlett replacing Davis in the dugout at the Silverlake Stadium.
After replacing Richard Hill in February 2024, Davis guided the Spitfires to safety with a mid-table finish in 2023/24 before signing a new three-year deal, but the club opted to part ways with him after a disappointing start to the campaign.
Since the arrival of Bartlett however, Eastleigh have enjoyed a slight upturn in form, losing just one game against Boreham Wood, and in total picking up nine points from Bartlett’s opening six league games in charge, as well as reaching the FA Cup First Round with victory over Hampton & Richmond Borough, before being defeated by League Two side Walsall.
Part of their success has come in the form of summer recruits Ciaron McGuckin and Harvey Saunders up front, along with top scorer Aaron Blair who has notched six goals following his arrival from Maidstone United.
This has helped to ease the transition following the departure of star man and last season’s top scorer Tyrese Shade, who proved to be a superb recruit from Swindon Town the previous summer, notching 14 goals alongside the reliable Paul McCallum, who followed up his 31-goal haul the previous season with nine strikes last term.
Furthermore, they maintained plenty of consistency within their ranks heading into the current campaign, with Ludwig Francillette developing strong chemistry at the back with Niall Maher to strike up an impressive partnership throughout the campaign, while Angel Waruih played more games than any other outfield player in midfield alongside captain Jake Taylor last term, and was rewarded for his displays with Eastleigh’s Young Player of the Season award.
The likes of Temi Eweka, Nick Townsend, Kieron Evans, Josh Lundstram, Jordan Cousins, Aaron Pierre and Archie Harris have also bolstered the Spitfires’ ranks this season, and they will be looking to push up towards the play-offs under the guidance of their recently-appointed boss.
The Manager
Scott Bartlett
Newly appointed Eastleigh boss Scott Bartlett has enjoyed a positive start to life in Hampshire, losing just one league game so far following his move from Weston-super-Mare.
Prior to his role at Weston, Bartlett held positions at Forest Green Rovers, including Academy Manager and caretaker First-Team Manager, before moving to the Woodspring Stadium in 2019.
During his tenure, he led the club to promotion to the National League South in 2023 after winning the Southern League Premier South title, and he subsequently enjoyed a superb start to the current campaign under Bartlett’s guidance, sitting second in the National League South at the time of his departure, leading the Seagulls to 22 points from their opening nine fixtures.
Since opting to move to Eastleigh, he has gained nine points his opening six league games, as well as reaching the FA Cup First Round with a 2-0 win over Hampton & Richmond Borough.
One to Watch
Temi Eweka
Temi Eweka has become a key part of Eastleigh’s backline this term, having joined from Maidstone United in the summer, and has contributed to the Spitfires being in the top of the half of the division’s defensive records so far.
Eweka’s career began in the academy ranks at Dartford, before he gained valuable senior experience with VCD Athletic, Kingstonian, and Hastings United on loan. His breakthrough came at Bracknell Town, where he played a central role in their 2021/22 Isthmian League South Central title-winning side, making 35 appearances and contributing six goals.
The defender’s performances earned him a move to Maidenhead United in the National League for the 2022/23 season. Loan spells followed at Gloucester City, Dulwich Hamlet, and Slough Town, where Eweka made an impact.
During his initial loan spell with Slough Town, the 25-year-old helped steer the Rebels clear of relegation with a series of assured performances in defence. He was quickly signed on a permanent basis in August 2023 and went on to play 46 matches, score three goals, and help the team secure a top-half finish while reaching the First Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
In May 2024, Eweka made the step up to full-time football with Maidstone United, reuniting with former opposition manager George Elokobi. On his league debut, Eweka scored a dramatic 89th-minute winner and continued to impress with his assured performances.
Recent Form
Eastleigh 0-3 Walsall
Eastleigh 2-1 Morecambe
Eastleigh 1-1 Scunthorpe United
Boreham Wood 2-0 Eastleigh
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0-2 Eastleigh
Last Time Out
Eastleigh’s FA Cup run came to an end following three Walsall goals, despite a valiant effort from the Spitfires with the scoreline not reflective of the match performance from the hosts.
An early goal from Evan Weir gave Walsall the first-half lead despite a mighty effort from the Spitfires as they came close to an equaliser on a number of occasions, with, in a manic opening five minutes, Walsall taking the lead from a corner which was stabbed in at the back post by Weir.
The second period almost mirrored the first in the opening minutes, as a ball played by Weir found Kanu who rifled it past Townsend into the top left corner, leaving the Spitfires with a steep hill to climb, and Walsall all but put an end to the cup tie with 11 minutes to go; the ball was quickly cleared towards Richard Brindley, who completely misjudged the bounce, leaving the Saddlers’ substitute Matt running freely on goal, calmly slotting the ball past Townsend into the bottom left corner.
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Photo Credit: Graham Scrambler Photography // Eastleigh Football Club
