Eastleigh's unbeaten home record in the National League was emphatically ended by a 3-1 defeat to Woking at Silverlake Stadium on Saturday. The Spitfires took an early lead but conceded three second-half goals to suffer their first home loss of the season, a result that sees them positioned 17th in the current standings.
Aaron Blair gave Eastleigh the perfect start, scoring in the 11th minute after being set up by Micky Dickov. The hosts had a chance to double their lead late in the first half when they were awarded a penalty, but Blair saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by Woking goalkeeper Will Jääskeläinen. That miss proved costly as John Marquis equalised for the visitors from the penalty spot just before half-time, capitalising on a handball decision against Eastleigh defender George Langston.
Woking took complete control after the break. Liam Dulson put them ahead in the 72nd minute, finishing from close range after a cross from the right. Eastleigh pushed for an equaliser, with Southampton loanee Tommy Dobson-Ventura, a recent addition to the squad, denied by a sharp Jääskeläinen save. Dulson then sealed his brace and the three points for Woking with a second goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time, firing home after a swift counter-attack.
Manager reaction
Manager Matt Gray was frustrated by the defensive lapses but remained focused on the season's primary objective. "This won't tarnish us," Gray said. "It’s frustrating to see our record slip today, especially after such a positive opening 20 minutes."
The defeat leaves Eastleigh with 15 points from 12 games, having won four, drawn three and lost five. Their recent form reads LDLWL, with the loss coming just days after a positive 1-1 draw with Southend. Gray's side must now regroup ahead of their next fixtures, beginning with an away trip to face AFC Hornchurch next weekend. The Spitfires will look to bounce back and continue their push towards that 50-point target.
Background and full detail: Yahoo
