by Paul McNamara

ROSS Flitney was one of the heroes of Eastleigh’s terrific display against Championship visitors Bolton.

But the Spitfires goalkeeper admitted that he hadn’t exactly been relishing the prospect of lining up against Neil Lennon’s side on a quagmire of a pitch at the Silverlake Stadium.

That was before the former Barnet number one went on to produce a host of top-drawer saves as his team came within three minutes of knocking the 2011 semi-finalists out of the competition.

Flitney said: “I’ll be honest - I wasn’t looking forward to it on that pitch.

“It’s set up for a big mistake, some clown moments if you like. But, overall, I’m pleased with how I played.

“Normally the goalmouths are the worst, but it looks as though there are 12 goalmouths out there right now!”

Despite his misgivings about the playing surface, however, there was never any question that a fired up Flitney wanted the match to go ahead.

Aged 31, he is determined to enjoy every minute of his football.

“You get here, you’ve done all your prep and you want the game on,” said Flitney. “As bad as it’s going to be for us, it’s going to be the same for them.

“I really enjoyed myself. I’m getting a bit older now and I just try and enjoy every game.

“Overall, it was an entertaining game. We’ve got plenty to be proud of and plenty to look forward to up at their place.”

Flitney pulled off wonderful saves from first-half efforts struck by Wellington Silva and Dean Moxey, while commanding his box with real authority all afternoon.

Asked to pick a favourite moment, though, Flitney plumped for a stunning second-half stop from a shot hit towards the top left corner of his goal by an old friend.

“I think Darren Pratley’s one,” said Flitney, referring to a stunning second-half reflex tip around the post from the ex-Swansea midfielder’s curling strike.

“He’s an old mate of mine. We went through Fulham’s youth team together. “I was gutted when it was him that scored as well! But he’s a great player and he’s had great career.”

Flitney summed up: “We are buzzing, but just a bit disappointed we couldn’t hold on for that few minutes longer.

“It was a good game on a very bad pitch.

“When someone said there was ten minutes left, you do think: ‘come on, hold on and we’re there’. But they had enough chances and they got a goal in the end.”