RICHARD Hill says that as far he is concerned “top spot has gone” in the Vanarama Conference.

After a 17-day break, Hill’s Eastleigh return to action at home to Grimsby Town tonight (7.45pm) knowing that if they win their four games in hand over league leaders Barnet, they could move to within six points of Martin Allen’s pacemakers.

But although the Spitfires successfully reeled in runaway leaders Bromley to take the Conference South title last season, Hill sees no prospect of repeating that feat among non-League’s elite.

“As far as I’m concerned Barnet have won the league and, if they don’t, Bristol Rovers will win it. For me, top spot’s gone,” he said.

“We’re now in a position, along with eight to ten other teams, where we’re chasing probably three play-off positions.

“For us to be in with a chance (of the title) we would have to win every game. That was ok last season, but it’s a big ask in this league.

“I said at the start of the season that we’d go into this league to compete and, up to now, we are. Whether we’re still competing in the last six or seven games, who knows, but at the moment we’re doing alright.

“People go on about what we’ve got and not got and what we can spend and can’t spend, but that’s rubbish – you only need to look at the top-six to see that.

“You’ve got Barnet, Macclesfield, Bristol Rovers, Grimsby, Kidderminster ... and Eastleigh.

“Like I say to the players: ‘don’t be grateful, don’t be happy, be mindful. We’re sat sixth in the table and the five above us are all ex-Football League clubs.’ ”

While Hill would be “very surprised” if he did any more business during the January transfer window, fourth-placed Grimsby have unveiled two signings.

The Mariners have bolstered their attack with Fleet-born former Newport County winger/striker Christian Jolley, who may well make his debut tonight, while 31-year-old ex-Nottingham Forest and Northampton man Gregor Robertson provides defensive cover.

Eastleigh have been without a game since the 4-0 win over Lincoln on January 10. Their visit to Halifax was frozen off and they were out of action again on Saturday while scheduled league visitors Wrexham hosted Gateshead in the FA Trophy.

“It’s circumstances,” shrugged Hill. “I was at the Halifax pitch inspection and I knew as soon as I stuck my head out of the window that morning that no way was it going to be played.

“What happened last Saturday was also out of our control. With the saga of the Gateshead-Grimsby Trophy replay we didn’t know if we’d be playing Wrexham or not and we couldn’t arrange another game. But I’m sure it was far worse for them. All we had to do was prepare to play at our place, whereas Wrexham didn’t know if they’d be home in the Trophy or away in the league. These things happen in football.”

Hill should have a full squad at his disposal this evening bar skipper Dean Beckwith, who remains in pain with a shoulder problem, and fellow defender Jamie Turley, still working his way back from a broken arm.

The Mariners are almost certainly without midfielder Scott Brown (knee) who missed Saturday’s 2-0 win at Nuneaton.