Eastleigh Come from Behind to Win Pre-Season Friendly
Eastleigh came from behind to beat Saints 3-1 in their first pre-season friendly ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. The hosts took the lead through Nick Akoto's deep corner, but Tonda Eckert's side were not losing for long.
What Happened?
Saints levelled through either Scienza or Dobbin, with the Brazilian having an initial header saved onto the post and cleared off the line. Dobbin was there to smash home the rebound anyway. Then Nick Oyekunle arrived to crash home a Tom Fellows cross, putting Saints ahead 15 minutes after going behind.
Why it Matters for Eastleigh
Eastleigh's pre-season form is crucial ahead of the new campaign, and they will be looking to build on this win. The hosts were led by manager Tonda Eckert, who named a strong XI for the first half.
What Comes Next?
Eastleigh will be looking to continue their winning form in their next pre-season friendly. They have a busy schedule ahead of them, with no other fixture in front of the club's home fans until Stoke City on August 22.
Eastleigh's recent form has been impressive, with 2 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 games (WWDDL). They are currently 17th in the National League, with 50 points from 46 games last season. They have scored 57 goals and conceded 80 this season, with a goal difference of -23. They are 58 points behind leaders York in the title race.
The match was played at the Silverlake Stadium, with most fans in attendance draped in red and white. The atmosphere was electric, with chants of "We've got Eckert" and "**** the EFL" ringing out throughout the game.
Eastleigh's players put in a strong performance, with Mads Roerslev starting for his first appearance in eight months and being withdrawn to applause in a pre-planned change. Goalkeeper George Long wowed fans with some elaborate volleyed footwork under pressure.
In the second half, Eastleigh's manager Tonda Eckert named an all-new XI, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis taking the armband and Damion Downs back in action for Saints. Cam Archer and Akachukwu were the liveliest of the attackers, while Ryan Manning had a dangerous free-kick, but little troubled the keeper.
Eastleigh's final goal came late in the second half, with Romeo Akachukwu plundering the third after Downs failed to connect his volley with a Sam Edozie cross. Akachukwu had already tested Nick Townsend with a curling effort after cutting inside from the left before eventually getting his reward late on.
The match was a closely contested one, with both teams creating chances throughout. Eastleigh's win will be a boost to their confidence ahead of the new campaign, and they will be looking to build on this result in their next pre-season friendly.
Eastleigh's next fixture is against Stoke City on August 22, and they will be looking to continue their winning form. They have a busy schedule ahead of them, with several pre-season friendlies lined up.
In related news, Eastleigh are currently 17th in the National League, with 50 points from 46 games last season. They have scored 57 goals and conceded 80 this season, with a goal difference of -23. They are 58 points behind leaders York in the title race. Their recent form has been impressive, with 2 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 games (WWDDL).
