Eastleigh can't do without Shaw

ON the day that Eastleigh supporters wore T shirts and wigs as a tribute to goalkeeper Wayne Shaw, his value to them was clearly demonstrated.

Eastleigh conceded five or more goals for the first time since December 2004, and the common feature of both games was that Shaw started the game, but was unable to complete it, leaving a non-regular goalkeeper between the posts.

This match got off to a lively start, with both Andy Forbes and Rocky Baptiste having shots saved by the respective goalkeepers.

Eastleigh took the lead in the 8th minute, when Jack Smith and Andy Forbes combined to give Dave Town the chance to score against his former club.

However, the loss of Shaw to a foot injury transformed the game. With regular reserve Alan Walker-Harris in action for the Reserves in an important match at Tonbridge, Eastleigh opted not to have a regular goalkeeper on the bench. With only two fit substitutes, Mark Blake, who had cycled to the game, took over between the posts.

Eastleigh had a strong appeal for a penalty following a challenge by Tom Jordan on Martin Thomas, but low shots in quick succession by Poate - who was set up by Baptiste - and Pacquette put the Hawks in the driving seat.

Shortly before half time it was 3-1 when Thomas deflected a Poate corner past Blake with Jordan lurking.

In the second half Blake, trying to redeem his confidence, made one good save from Pacquette, and Chris Collins had a header saved.

Andy Forbes, who had come close a couple of times earlier, then scored with a well taken goal to give Eastleigh a glimmer of hope.

However three goals in the last ten minutes through Baptiste, Tom Jordan and Neil Sharp sealed H&W's emphatic victory.

Team: Shaw (Blake 32), J. Smith, Collins, Marshall, Oliver; S Forbes, Thomas, Hughes, Hodgson; A Forbes, Town. Unused subs: Ashford, A Puckett.

Eighth place finish

So Eastleigh finished the season in eighth place - an excellent effort in their first season, especially as they appear to be developing the right infrastructure off the field.

For the Hawks the deduction of three points for breaching an agreement not to play Tony Taggart against Weymouth proved crucial, denying them fifth place and a play-off spot.

It's Histon, who beat Maidenhead 3-0, who join St Albans, Farnborough and Lewes in the play-offs for the right to accompany Weymouth up into Conference Division 1.

Improvement plans in hand

EASTLEIGH already have plans in place for major improvements at the Sparshatts Stadium.

If a members' vote on May 22 is in favour, the club will become a limited company on June 1, and a long shopping list awaits the six directors-in-waiting.

All the work is needed to bring the ground up to Conference National level for the 2007/8 season and quotes for the work have already been received.

Work will take place to extend the main stand from 350 to 500 seats - £85,000.

Improving the floodlights to a higher 300 lux - £50,000.

Laying concrete and tarmac over existing grass areas - £20,000.

Additional turnstiles - £3000.

Should they win promotion, Eastleigh would need another £120,000 during their first season as a Conference National club to cover both ends behind the goals and install five steps of terracing.

In addition, work is due to start on July 1 this year on a £200,000 all-weather training pitch.

Manager Paul Doswell, one of the six future equity directors, commented: "The ground will definitely be up to Conference standard by this time next year.

"We have planning permission for it all and we're hoping to get a full grant from the Football Foundation which we can match pound for pound.

"The next year is going to be really exciting for Eastleigh FC."