EASTLEIGH manager Kelvin Davis acknowledged that Saturday's fixture against Hartlepool will be tough but is hopeful of a positive home performance to end their poor run.

The Spitfires are winless in their last four games, a run which has seen them lose their last two games, leaving them three points above the relegation zone. 

Saturday's opponents Hartlepool sit 13th in the Vanarama National League, two points above them, having won the reverse fixture 3-1.

Conceding goals has been an issue for Eastleigh this season. They've leaked 11 in their last four games. Only bottom-of-the-table Oxford City (85) have allowed more goals than the Spitfires (80).

“It’s absolutely going to be another difficult one," Davis said looking ahead to a crucial game. "We experienced a difficult game at home last Saturday (4-1 defeat to Rochdale).

“I think Hartlepool will be no different. We will refresh the squad as much as we can and make sure the team are in the best physical shape they can be.

“Hopefully, we can give the players some details on Hartlepool that will give us a positive performance. We love playing at home.

“When you need a win, you want those wins to come at home. If we can produce a performance that is of the level - you want to do that in front of your own fans. We have got a lot of work to do. We know it’s going to be a tough test."