Eastleigh manager Matt Gray has demanded more goals from his entire squad ahead of Friday night's National League trip to Hartlepool United. The Spitfires sit 8th in the table with six points from three matches, a position Gray wants to improve by spreading the scoring burden.
According to a report in the Hartlepool Mail this week, Gray highlighted the need for contributions beyond last season's top scorer Aaron Blair. Blair netted his first of the campaign in Saturday's 3-2 home win over Scunthorpe United, adding to his 17 goals from 40 league appearances last term. Harry Sidwell and Josh Lundstrom were also on target in that victory, which followed a 1-0 away defeat to newly-promoted Kidderminster Harriers and an opening day win against Gateshead.
Why does Matt Gray want more goals?
Gray's call for more goals is a strategic push for greater attacking variety. "You still want the amount of goals that he’s got - but you want the rest of the team backing him up in behind," the manager said of Blair. He specifically identified set-pieces and first contact in the opposition penalty area as areas for improvement. This focus comes despite a positive mood around the squad after the dramatic win against Scunthorpe, a match where Gray praised the supporters. "The fans were great, the fans were superb and it was good to go and clap them," he noted.
The team's current statistics underline his point. Eastleigh have scored five goals and conceded four across their three fixtures, giving them a +1 goal difference. They are three points behind early leaders Southend United. You can track the evolving standings as the season progresses.
What is Eastleigh's current form?
Eastleigh's form reads WLW from their opening trio of games. They have taken maximum points from their two home fixtures at the Silverlake Stadium, defeating Gateshead and Scunthorpe United in the last fortnight. Their sole setback was the narrow loss at Kidderminster. This start has them positioned solidly in the top half of the National League table. The full run of upcoming matches is available on our fixtures page.
What next for Eastleigh?
The immediate challenge is a Friday night encounter at Victoria Park against a Hartlepool United side managed by Lee Clark. Pools are themselves looking to respond after a defeat at Sutton United last time out. For Gray's Eastleigh, the objective is clear: build on a decent start and find goals from multiple sources to climb the table. The manager will be looking to his entire squad to step up and provide the attacking threat he believes is necessary for sustained success this season.
