Eastleigh earned a dramatic point when Temi Eweka scored late in added time to tie the match 1-1 with Southend United at their home ground. The hosts had been behind since the first half but managed to recover and prevent the away side from taking a win.
Promise Omochere gave the visitors the lead, scoring his third goal for the club since arriving on a temporary deal from Bristol Rovers. The Southend manager, Kieron Dyer, confirmed his team took the lead in the 24th minute through Omochere. Eastleigh's Nick Townsend was active in goal, saving attempts from Ryan Colclough and Harry Cardwell.
For Southend, goalkeeper Jack Sims, playing his second game from the start, saved a shot from Hady Ghandour and pushed another effort from him over the crossbar. Eastleigh's Josh Lundstram put an early opportunity over, and Jonny Williams hit a shot from distance directly at Sims. The home team also had a claim for a penalty turned down after a header seemed to hit an arm in the box.
Changes made by both teams after sixty minutes did not produce a goal until the dying stages. Deep into added time, Eweka found space to score from close range, causing celebrations among the home fans. The tie means Eastleigh remain in 14th place in the league standings, having taken 15 points from 11 matches, and they have now won only once in their previous five games.
Managed by Richard Hill, the team now focuses on a swift return to action with an important home game against Woking, who sit 18th. Eastleigh will aim to use this determined performance as a foundation to move up the standings with a good outcome.
Background and full detail: not specified in the report
The club has confirmed the starting line-up from the Southend draw. Manager Richard Hill named an unchanged defence, with Nick Townsend in goal behind Tobi Eweka and Tom Dobson-Ventura. The Spitfires, 14th in the National League, now prepare for their next fixture. They host Woking at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday.
