A clear sunny spring day was the setting for the latest encounter at our home ground Imber Court. This week we entertained Eastleigh, who had made the long journey up from the Southampton area.
Although this was a "friendly" it was clear from kick off that this was going to be a competetive hour and a half. Eastleigh taking early possesion and causing lots of problems in the early stages. Their most dangerous player then and throughout was No17, Calum, who looked like a band member from "Busted" but played football better than they sang! With his attacking play and the ball switching from one side of the park to the other we unfortunately lost our shape. This caused them to close in on Nashy, going close several times and we seemed to be undoing some of the good work of recent weeks.
Following some on pitch discussion we were able, to some extent, get the threat under control with a few chances falling our way. Macey drove forward on several occasions creating half chances, Paul H working and battling hard firing two yards wide with a decent header, Lee Dev with some nice touches and Elliott growing in stature every week with a solid defensive display. There was even a penalty shout where Eastleigh's (unusually angry) No5 helped himself to the arm of Jamie H's shirt holding onto it like a dog with a bone under the nose of the first half ref (Stef) who saw no infringement! But more from Stef later!
In the 35th minute we finally cracked with Eastleigh breaking the deadlock, which was followed by a celebration of players piling on top of each other which would have graced a World Cup Final...

Half Time: Beavers 0 Eastleigh 1

A change was made at half time with Stef coming on for Curt, who had done a good job.
Stef played particularly well this week and in my opinion his best performance to date, his crowning glory, almost, was a surging run through the middle beating two defenders with some great skill, lobbing the 'keeper and the ball just missing the crossbar to go over. (Stef I hope I worded that as you told me to...). It certainly was a good move but I feel that side footing it past the 'keeper would have paid better dividends!
By now The Beavers were beginning to stamp some authority on the game with the defence shoring up with Simmo, Gibbo and Michael finding their feet. Chrissy P leading the front line well.
Jamie H made way for Danny who is one also looking for a starting place as he improves week to week.
The turning point in the game came when the ball rebounding around in the penalty area, was controlled by an Eastleigh player with the side of his chest but also what looked like his forearm, a penalty was given in Hamptons favour.
What followed was a little unnecessary. At first there was little complaint until the Eastleigh player lifts up his shirt, finds a ball mark on the side of his chest and goes what some may describe as "ballistic". This rant continued for about two minutes with the player eventually being led away by three of his own men.
The facts being that Eastleigh were asked to provide a ref for the second half but declined. A volunteer was then sought from Hamptons ranks who ref'ed the half and gave what he saw. It is the duty of both teams to play to the whistle and in the spirit of the game, the referee's word is final.
The penalty was eventually taken but following the delay the taker, Lee Dev, was put off his usual crisp shooting and hit his shot too close to the 'keeper who saved to his right.
Adam was now introduced and showed why he had started several games at the start of the season with a good competent display.
Eastleigh really had by now become their own worst enemies showing continued frustration with endless moaning which replaced their previous skillful football. Hampton took advantage of this by repeatedly attacking the goal and one powerful move ending with Paul crashing the ball against the crossbar from eight yards out.
In about the seventy fifth minute Simmo got a touch on the ball and was hit late by an Eastleigh challenge, free kick awarded forty five yards out, que Eastleigh rant II.
Step up Macey who pile drives the free kick into the top corner from just over the half way line.
Lil' Dave makes a welcome appearance, this guy is our talisman and he inspires us with his bravery on the field. Keep it up Dave.
The game draws to an end with a final Eastleigh attack, competently delt with by our man Nashy.
It would be unfair to say that all Eastleigh players had lost their heads, as most did their talking by playing decent football and were good lads.

Full Time: Beavers FC 1 Eastleigh FC 1

POM: Elliott Cole

Line up: Nashy, Elliott, Simmo, Gibbo (Adam 70), Michael P, Macey, Lee Dev, Jamie H (Danny 55), Paul H, Chris P (Dave B 85), Curt (Stef 45).

Subs unused: Dave R, Paul D.