EASTLEIGH stumbled to their first defeat of this National League campaign after going down to Jason Walker’s third-minute penalty for a Barrow side that remain unbeaten on their own turf this season.

It is a defeat that leaves Richard Hill’s side second in the table, seven points adrift of early pacesetters Forest Green Rovers.

The hosts began at a furious pace and were rewarded for their endeavour in quick time, writes Paul McNamara.

Keeper Joel Dixon hoisted the ball forward, sending Walker in behind Paul Reid, whose challenge at the back of the frontman was adjudged by referee Richard Wigglesworth to be worthy of a spot kick.

Walker rammed his penalty high into the middle of the goal, leaving the sprawling Michael Poke with little chance.

Five minutes after the deadlock had been broken Andy Howarth and Walker combined to slip Andy Cook in on the left side of the visitors’ area, but the muscular centre-forward could only pull his shot harmlessly across the face of goal.

The game was 25 minutes old before Eastleigh really threatened. Joe Partington launched a raid down the right and when the full-back’s cross was headed out as far as Jai Reason, the attacker’s attempt at goal was deflected a yard over the top.

In the second half Eastleigh only had a tame Ross Lafayette strike and an opportunistic effort dragged wide by James Constable to show in their search for an equaliser, leading visiting boss Hill to turn to his bench for inspiration.

On came Yemi Odubade, Lee Cook and Michael Green with 25 minutes to play – and Odubade was swiftly in the thick of proceedings.

Dixon charged out to deal with Lafayette’s forward ball, allowing the spritely Spitfires attacker to nip in and nudge the ball past him. The stopper’s momentum wiped out his opponent, but he escaped with a caution, and then watched Josh Payne curl the resulting free-kick well over the frame of the goal.

For all their industry, Eastleigh couldn’t chisel out one final opportunity.