Eastleigh produced the finest result in their history to knock League Crewe Alexandra out of the FA Cup.

• Crewe 0-1 Eastleigh - in pictures >>

Ben Strevens’ 76th minute penalty was enough to see off the League One side, who had ‘keeper Ben Garrett sent off after the break.

Strevens’ goal sparked scenes of pandemonium, with every single outfield Spitfires player racing over jubilantly to celebrate with their joyous supporters.

A few nervy late moments aside, Chris Todd’s team comfortably kept the side 31 places above them at bay for the remainder of the contest, to secure a place in next month’s second round.

Crewe were clearly intent on striking an early blow on their underdog visitors, with Ross Flitney quick off his line to deny Callum Saunders in the opening minutes.

The Spitfires stopper was soon in action again, holding on when Marcus Haber met Jon Guthrie’s left-wing cross with a firm header.

Haber then couldn’t direct his cushioned finish on goal, following Inman’s lifted delivery from the left. With that, the tide began to turn. James Jones blocked a Strevens’ effort, before Andy Drury’s exquisite chipped pass sent Odubade in on goal. Garrett hesitated, but the ‘keeper was saved by Ben Nugent scrambling back to clear the attacker’s prodded strike off the line.

Odubade, though, was soon at the heart of a terrific visiting counter, the striker linking with James Constable, before being denied point blank by the onrushing Garrett.

As the hosts came under the cosh, the Gresty Road crowd gave full vent to their frustration.

• Crewe 0-1 Eastleigh - in pictures >>

Temperatures were rising further soon after the break as Joe Partington’s reckless tackle left Brad Inman in a heap.

Constable followed his team-mate in to the book for his part in the ensuing melee – but the home side were rattled. George Ray’s slip allowed Odubade to scamper onto Strevens’ flick, with Nugent flinging himself in the way of the striker’s shot to preserve the stalemate.

When Odubade was next sent on his way by a pass down the left by Drury, however, Garrett mistimed his charge. The Eastleigh man got there first to nudge the ball past the ‘keeper, who cleaned out his opponent.

The consequent red card was inevitable. Replacement stopper Daniel Nizic was spared any immediate trouble, as Josh Payne’s free-kick skipped off the top of the net.

Nizic was in the thick of things before long, though. Crewe’s rearguard made a complete hash of substitute Michael Green’s pumped clearance, with Green’s fellow replacement Ross Lafayette on his toes to capitalise as neither Ray nor Nizic took charge.

The ‘keeper clipped Lafayette’s heels as he sought to recover, with captain Strevens then stepping up to stroke home the resultant spot-kick.

Sixty seconds after the goal Green was perfectly placed to hack Inman’s scuffed effort from the line.

Odubade volleyed over from 12 yards, Drury bent an effort wide of the left post and Payne went close as the Spitfires chased a killer strike.

It mattered not. Eastleigh had done enough to create their latest piece of history.

• By Paul McNamara