On loan from Bournemouth – Joe Partington opens the scoring for Eastleigh (photo by Tony Smith).
Eastleigh have finally got over their home blip with a convincing 3-1 victory against relegation threatened Alfreton Town on Saturday.
The match kicked off a half hour later due to the visitors coach breaking down however it didn’t take long for Eastleigh to take the lead through Bournemouth loanee Joe Partington who found the net with a looping header.
Richard Hill’s men were pinned back moments later as Karl Hawley equalised for the visitors despite the ball being close to be cleared off the line.
Ben Strevens however restored Eastleigh’s lead seven minutes later as Jai Reason went down in the box which left for Strevens to convert his third penalty of the season.
With Alfreton down to ten men through Bradley Wood getting a second yellow, it was plain sailing for the Spitfires and Craig Stanley managed to kill the game off with minutes to go to give Eastleigh those vital three points towards a play-off space.
Hill’s men sit just one point behind Macclesfield who currently occupy that all important last play-off spot and with a win tomorrow night, the Spitfires could leapfrog to fourth.
Eastleigh travel away to West Yorkshire as they take on fellow play-off hopefuls FC Halifax Town at The Shay Stadium.
Previous meeting: Both teams met back in October at the Silverlake Stadium as the Spitfires came out on top on that occasion.
Former Chesterfield striker Scott Boden opened the scoring for Halifax after converting a penalty after just 16 minutes.
Jai Reason however equalised for the Spitfires with a well placed free kick that sent both teams level in the break. Left back Michael Green then put Eastleigh ahead before Stuart Fleetwoon gave the Spitfires a two goal deficit.
Fleetwood then turned provider as the winger set up Ben Strevens for a header as Richard Hill’s men went on to win the match 4-1 in convincing style.
Opposition’s history: Reformed in 2008 as FC Halifax Town after Halifax Town AFC went into administration as The Shayman started life in the Northern League Division One North.
The Yorkshire club then went on to win the competition in 2010 where the club then saw back to back promotions.
During that time Halifax went on a 30 match unbeaten home run before North Ferriby United defeated Halifax 2-0 at home in November 2010.
The Shayman spent two seasons in the Conference North before getting promoted once again after defeating Brackley Town in the 2013 play-off final.
Halifax incredibly made the play-offs once again lasts season as the finished fifth however Cambridge United beat Neil Aspin’s men in the semi final.
Alongside getting promoted, FC Halifax have won teh West Riding County Cup back in 2013 as well as reaching the FA Cup’s first round proper three times. Danny Lowe has made the most appearances for the club with 200 before moving to Guiseley AFC this season.
Opposition’s manager: Neil Aspin has been at Halifax for impressive six years after a four year spell at Harrogate Town.
The former Leeds United and Port Vale defender has won the West Riding County Cup with both Harrogate Town and Halifax Town.
Aspin has only missed one season being manager since the club reformed and has done wonders three promotions for the club.
Opposition’s form: Aspin’s men had a tough fixture away to Lincoln City on Monday as they rescued a point late on.
The hosts took the lead early on however the Shayman with moments left on the clock with top goal scorer Lois Maynard finding the net.
The Shayman currently have earned 11 points from their last eight home fixtures. Halifax travel away to league leaders Barnet today in what could be a close game.
Top goalscorer: Halifax’s top goal scoerer this season is currently Lois Maynard with 12 goals in all competitions. The midfielder has been at the club for two seasons now and is currently playing the highest standard of football in his career.
Did you know? Current Millwall striker Lee Gregory is the club’s all time top goalscorer with 102 goals.
