Eastleigh's players will not be going hungry this week after all.

The threat of having their money docked worked wonders for the Ten Acres crew who won their stripes and their pride back with a terrific 2-1 victory at Folkestone Invicta.

Manager Paul Doswell had been so appalled by the previous week's FA Cup exit at Kent Leaguers VCD Athletic, that a repeat result on Saturday would have left his star-studded side with empty wage packets.

But, thankfully, he had no need to carry out his ultimatum as Eastleigh came away worthy victors having raced into a two-goal lead inside the first ten minutes.

Doswell said: "I made a pact with them that if we won at Folkestone all would be forgiven and they soon reminded me after the game how much money they were owed!"

Doswell's personal bonus was welcoming back five of his first-team lynchpins from injury. Christer Warren, Danny Woods, David Hughes and Paul Sales all started and Robbie Matthews went on as a substitute.

"They all came through problem-free, which is fantastic," smiled Doswell. "We've almost got our full squad together again now."

It was from Warren's eighth-minute corner that Lee Bright put Eastleigh ahead and, two minutes later, they were celebrating again when Warren's quickly-taken free-kick was volleyed home by Hughes.

James Miller brought Folkestone back into it with a quality strike across keeper Colin Matthews on the half-hour, then Eastleigh missed two glorious second-half chances through Matthews and Ryan Ashford before having to defend late on when keeper Matthews made an important save from Allan Tait.

Ex-Saint Kevin Gibbens retained his place in the Eastleigh midfield despite being taken off contract this week and told to improve his fitness. "Kevin was as a good as anyone. It was a master stroke by me!" smiled Doswell.