CHRIS Todd admits he is eyeing a potential Eastleigh-Portsmouth FA Cup match-up, following the Spitfires’ fourth round qualifying victory at Bromley on Saturday.

Todd’s side put their name in the hat for Monday’s draw by overcoming their fellow National League opponents courtesy of Yemi Odubade and Jai Reason strikes either side of half-time at Hayes Lane, writes Paul McNamara.

Louis Dennis drew the hosts level in a frantic second-half, before Reason’s slightly fortunate winner settled a game in which momentum continually swung back-and-forth.

“It would be nice if we could get Portsmouth,” said Todd, when asked if there was any one side he’d like to come up against next.

“They’re only down the road and it would be massive for the fans.

“It would be brilliant for both clubs and a huge occasion. But a nice draw, on the TV, would be great.”

Whoever the Spitfires play in November’s first round will know they have a job on their hands to contain a team that Todd believes is coming to the boil.

“The first-half was extremely pleasing,” said the Eastleigh manager, of an opening 45 minutes at Bromley that saw his team in rampant form.

“The first 35 minutes it could have been anything. We were on the attack and constantly causing them problems.

“We really looked a good outfit. It was probably some of the best football in an away performance that I’ve seen from us.”

Key to the Spitfires’ early dominance was the pace of Odubade, who gave home centre-halves Rob Swaine and Ben Chorley a major headache from the first whistle.

And Todd revealed that he believes the electric forward’s speed can continue to be a valuable asset for his team.

“It does cause people problems,” said Todd.

“That’s something we’ve brought into our play a bit more. We want to turn teams around. But we want to do that with quality - not just kicking it anywhere.”

Following a period of constant speculation surrounding the manager’s post at the Silverlake Stadium and a raft of high-profile fixtures during his caretaker tenure, Todd was glad of a clear week to prepare for Saturday’s cup encounter.

“It was manic,” said Todd, reflecting on the weeks leading up to his full-time appointment.

“This was the first week that me and Shaun North have been able to concentrate entirely on working with the players.

“We worked hard on different scenarios - and it’s paid off because a lot of things that we expected to happen have happened today.”

Todd also had words of praise for the positive influence that new Spitfires assistant boss North is already wielding on his team.

“He’s fitted in so well – and I knew he would,” said Todd. “He’s a great character and he suits what we are. “I knew he’d be an asset to the club. The boys love him and they’re enjoying his training sessions.”

The effects of their efforts on the training pitch were particularly apparent in Eastleigh’s high-energy 90 minute display at Bromley, which did much to stifle a team that has scored 38 times in its 18 league outings this term.

“The tempo has risen in training,” said Todd. “I’ve made a few tweaks here and there.”

“It’s a lot harder. We train as we play. The boys have taken that on board, they’re working extra, extra hard and that is showing in our results.”

Todd agreed that his team’s recent purple patch has instilled a fresh confidence in his troops. It was vital as the Spitfires came under a sustained bout of pressure during Saturday’s second-half.

“That’s to do with character, team spirit,” said Todd. “The way they apply themselves to games, they’re working so hard for each other. From that you earn your luck.

“Winning is a habit. If you can gain some momentum it kicks on. The boys are starting to believe in themselves now.

“They think they can do something this season - and rightly so, because they’re good players. “The players and the fans are pulling together, and the whole club is a unit now.”