EASTLEIGH boss Kelvin Davis hailed the importance of their narrow 1-0 win over nine-man York City on Saturday.

Luke Croll struck late on to ease the Spitfires' National League relegation worries, lifting them six points clear of the drop zone.

The hosts started brightly and Eastleigh goalkeeper Joe McDonnell had to palm away a Maz Kouhyar effort before Marvin Armstrong hit the bar.

McDonnell came to the rescue once again as half-time approached, tipping Armstrong’s shot over.

Scott Quigley then headed against the woodwork after George Langston had flicked on Paul McCallum’s long throw with the Spitfires pressing.

The visitors received a double boost as time ran down when Zanda Siziba was sent off for a challenge on Solomon Nwabuokei.

Then, Ryan Fallowfield, who had been cautioned for his protests, followed him within minutes for a second bookable offence.

Eastleigh finally forced their way ahead with seven minutes remaining when Croll stabbed home from close range after Quigley had helped on Ben Reeves’ corner.

“This was a really positive day for us," Davis told Eastleigh's media team. "Another clean sheet to add since we have come in which is important.

“This was a game between two teams sitting on the same points at the bottom of the league. We knew it would be a decisive day.

“To come away with a win is very pleasing. We kept our discipline really well. There was some moments where we need to improve.

“But on the whole, we controlled what we could. We knew there would be moments in the game for us to take advantage."

The importance of a clean sheet has paid dividends once more for Eastleigh, one of the division's worst teams.

“We work really hard on our set-plays,” Davis continued. “We have players who have great delivery. The organisation was great. The conditions were windy so we knew that would play a part.

"The conversations we had before the way was about it being a long way to come to York.

"I'm pleased that we turned up and played the way we did. Thankfully, it was one of those moments that gave us the three points.

"Joe (McDonnell) recovered well this week. Well done to the medical team for getting him back on to the pitch. He managed to defend his goal well.”

Eastleigh’s chances of securing three points were boosted when the hosts had two players sent off in four minutes.

Asked for his verdict on the red cards, Davis explained: “You go off the feeling inside the stadium.

“It looked like a straight red. The second one was a second booking. The guy chose to make that challenge."