A vital 2-1 victory against Lincoln City at the Sincil Bank Stadium in Eastleigh’s final away game of the normal season puts the Spitfires one point away from securing a Vanarama Conference play-off spot.

After promotion rivals Macclesfield and Forest Green Rovers won their 3pm games, Eastleigh will have to remain patient to make their play-off dream a reality.

But they kept matters in their own hands in this early kick-off, live on BT Sport, making it a trio of victories in front of the television cameras this term.

Jack Midson’s effort that capped a sublime team move gave them a deserved lead on 38 minutes before Ben Tomlinson’s goal on 58 minutes to level the score briefly worried Richard Hill’s side.

However, Craig McAllister’s strike just past the hour settled the issue and leaves the Spitfires needing just a point from next weekend’s match at home to Kidderminster Harriers to fully confirm a play-off berth.

One change was made from the 2-0 win at Halifax in midweek, with Harry Pell coming in to replace benched Craig Stanley.

Meanwhile, Imps skipper Alan Power returned from suspension.

This one had a real end of season feel to it.

For Lincoln the season was over, there was only pride to play for.

The carnival atmosphere coupled with manager Chris Moyses’ programme notes leading off on the summer rather than the more pressing concern of playing the Spitfires, indicated the Imps' mentality.

Of course, for Hill’s men, it was as serious as a game gets with promotion very much on the cards.

That was clear to see as Eastleigh impressed on a pristine pitch in Lincolnshire in the first half and went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

It took little more than 30 seconds for the Spitfires to work newly crowned Imps Player of the Season and goalkeeper Paul Farman, as some decent build-up play resulted in Midson slamming powerfully at goal from just inside the box, with Farman saving spectacularly.

That theme continued as McAllister planted a header narrowly wide of the near-post from a corner, much to the frustration of the striker.

Joe Partington, operating at right-back, was an outstanding option down the right flank for Eastleigh. He pestered the City backline incessantly with decent runs and a number of good crosses.

Lincoln weren’t without their dangers, however, and grew into it.

Will Evans, who impressed against Halifax midweek, was again brilliant as he ushered quick frontman Delano Sam-Yorke effectively – he looked cool as a cucumber at centre back throughout.

Although Eastleigh keeper Ross Flitney did have a couple of dodgy moments in the first period, mainly from weakly struck back passes, the experienced stopper was alert to deal with any danger that did get to him.

He put his life on the line on 17 minutes as he came out to block Tomlinson’s run into the box from Jordan Cranston’s ball over, before immediately getting back on his feet to smother Sam-Yorke’s follow-up shot.

Eastleigh had to be patient for the breakthrough, but when it did come, boy was it a good’un.

Partington picked up the ball on the right and played inside to Reason, who pulled off a back-heel to deliver it back into the path of his onrushing team-mate.

On re-taking control of the ball, Partington passed to Ben Stevens who, with a first time flick, put it on a plate for Midson to prod home for 1-0.

The Imps demonstrated their intentions as they adapted to an attacking 4-3-3 formation after the interval.

And they were soon level as Power’s corner was headed down by Miller in a packed box for Tomlinson to net his 14th goal this season, smashing through the forest of legs on the line on 58 minutes.

The Spitfires, though, weren’t in any mood to muck around as they retook the lead four minutes later.

Goalscorer Midson worked room deep on the right flank to cut-back to McAllister, who cleverly flicked the ball over the diving keeper, Farman, and into the net – 2-1.

Attendance: 2,132

Eastleigh: Flitney, Spence, Constable, Reason, McAllister (Howard 65), Midson (Burton 82), Strevens, Evans, Turley, Partington, Pell (Stanley 45). Subs (not used): Beckwith, Walker.