EASTLEIGH hope to impress the next generation of Spitfires supporters as they bid to maintain their unbeaten start to the season at home to Macclesfield Town on Saturday (3pm).

The offer of free entry to local youth teams is expected to attract many youngsters who have never experienced Vanarama National League football before, writes Wendy Gee.

And, according to manager Richard Hill, it should also be a source of comfort for existing Spitfires fans who may be worried about chairman Stewart Donald’s long-term commitment to the club after he recently bought a ten per cent stake in Oxford United.

Last year Eastleigh’s first 'community fixture' drew a record crowd of 4,126 to the Silverlake for a 4-0 televised win over Macclesfield and Hill said: “It’s great we’re doing it again.

“It shows the intent of Stewart and the club to create a family atmosphere.

“There aren’t many clubs now where football is affordable, but it is at Eastleigh.

“Stew is trying to boost the fan base by bringing in tomorrow’s supporters today.

“That should be a source of reassurance to our fans because why would Stew go to all that bother if he didn’t have any longevity at the club himself?”

Hill has also allayed fans’ fears that star striker James Constable could be leaving Stoneham Lane before the transfer window closes.

There has been rumoured interest from Northampton Town for the in-form hitman who has started the season with four goals in as many games.

The Cobblers are managed by Constable’s old Oxford United boss Chris Wilder, but Hill stated firmly: “There’s no truth in the rumour – and that’s all it is. We have no need to sell James Constable.”

Eastleigh themselves are unlikely to dip back into the transfer market this month unless another player of ex-Saint Dan Harding’s stature becomes available.

“I wouldn’t have thought we’d sign anyone before the deadline unless someone comes out of nowhere, a Dan Harding-esque type of player who Stewart and I believe is special,” he said.

Defender Michael Green is back in the mix for the weekend after missing Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Welling through suspension.

That result took the unbeaten Spitfires onto a solid eight points from their opening four games – Hill’s best start as Eastleigh manager.

“We didn’t play particularly well for an hour at Welling, but we played very well for 25 minutes and it was the same at home to Lincoln last Saturday (a 1-1 draw)," he said. "Some of the football leading up to our first goal at Welling was on a par with the goal we scored on TV at Lincoln last season.

“We just need to try and put together an intense performance over a longer period of time.

“What pleased me at Welling was that, having gone 2-1 down, we’ve not sulked and we’ve kept going. Ever since I’ve been manager that’s a trait I’ve tried to instil in the players.

“We’ve seen on more than one occasion us coming back from behind by scoring towards the end of games.”

Macclesfield have a doubt over their former AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Shwan Jalal.

The 32-year-old ended up in hospital on Tuesday night after being knocked unconscious on the pitch during the Silkmen’s 5-3 defeat at Lincoln.

A club statement said: "Jalal is okay after the injury but is being monitored ahead of Saturday's trip to Eastleigh."

Local sports clubs wishing to take advantage of free entry on Saturday and/or the next community fixture against Gateshead on September 12 should ring the club on 023 8061 3361 or email kamor@eastleighfc.com