Eastleigh end the year unbeaten at home in the Conference

The Spitfires fell behind twice to the Cards, who proved to be quick and incisive on the break, through Dean Morgan’s early opener and Theo Lewis’s effort just past the half hour.

The home side grew into the game after a slow start and levelled through a heavily deflected Will Evans effort, and then through the ever reliable Craig McAllister with two minutes left in the first half.

The second 45 was far less open as the horribly wet Boxing Day conditions hampered ball movement on a heavy pitch. Eastleigh will be pleased with the point after surviving a couple of late chances for the away team.

Manager Richard Hill made one change, with Dean Beckwith coming in for Michael Green, who dropped to bench after struggling with a persistent ankle injury that saw him limp out of the 4-3 win against AFC Telford.

With just eight minutes gone, the Cards broke the deadlock. The ever dangerous Jack Marriott closed down Jai Reason, who was attempting to clear just outside the Eastleigh box.

The Woking forward blocked the ball and it pinged erratically between Paul Reid and Beckwith. Morgan burst through and entered the box.

His first shot was parried away impressively by Flitney but the second, as the experienced stopper chased, was curled low through two defenders and into the net 1-0.

The visitor’s continued to pile on the pressure, Morgan and Marriott proving difficult to deal with as the former shot twice at goal and the latter was disruptive with his pace.

But Eastleigh were working hard to pull themselves out of their sluggish start. James Constable pounced on a Craig Stanley ball into the box, but Woking stopper Ross Worner saved well.

Jack Midson headed narrowly over from a Reason corner and then, on 22 minutes, the Spitfires levelled. Evans used his pace and strength to jink to the edge of the area.

The versatile defender drilled at goal and the energy on the shot, as it took a deflection off Theo Lewis, carried the ball over, out of the reach of Worner and into the net.

After a hectic 25 minutes, a quiet spell ensued – until just past half hour that is. Garry Hill’s side, who were fast on the break, retook the lead.

Chris Arthur darted down the left flank, out-pacing Stanley. The on-loan Wimbledon man delivered a enticing low cross for Lewis, who – with great technique – slotted home past Flitney just outside the six yard box.

But, again, the Spitfires came back. Constable was slotted through on goal by Evans on the brink of half time, the ex-Oxford man controlled and shot hard at Worner.

It was well saved but it came loose and the onrushing McAllister tapped in.

In first half injury time, Ben Strevens should have scored, but spooned over in the box and a wicked long range free kick by Gez Sole fizzed past Flitney’s post to conclude a breathless and entertaining first half.

After the interval it was far less open. Although Marriott slammed a shot wide from inside the box and a Reason shot was deflect towards goal but Worner smothered well.

Green was then introduced just past the hour-mark, which came after some Woking pressure in which they worked the ball into the box but eventually blasted a shot well over.

The balance of second half shifted between the two sides but with 25 minutes left there was little indication who would grab the precious haul of points.

With 20 minutes remaining, goal-scorer Morgan twisted and turned inside the Eastleigh box, his shot was inches away. Reason then fired over from 25 yards after working space.

Goal-mouth action remained scarce as Eastleigh manager, Hill, threw his last dice as Jamie Collins was introduced for Midson.

But Woking ended the game on top, although couldn't find a third.

Att:1752

Eastleigh: Ross Flitney, Dan Spence (Michael Green 62), Dean Beckwith (c), Craig Stanley, James Constable, Jai Reason, Craig McAllister (Stuart Fleetwood 45), Jack Midson (Jamie Collins 79), Ben Strevens, Will Evans, Paul Reid. Subs not used: Yemi Odubade, Lewis Noice.