IT'S ridiculously early in the season to describe any game as a ‘six-pointer’.

But how ambitious Eastleigh could do with a home win over Dover Athletic on Tuesday (7.45pm) to counteract a mixed start to the Vanarama National League campaign.

After posting a win and a draw in their opening two fixtures, the Spitfires are now on four points out of nine after suffering heartache at the death at Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

Looking good for a point after ex-Tranmere man Adam Dugdale had quickly snuffed out Steve Jennings’ first-half strike, Eastleigh survived a missed penalty by James Norwood only to succumb to a late winner by Rovers’ normally lethal striker four minutes into added time.

Eastleigh boss Chris Todd shouted himself hoarse during a thrilling encounter which leaves Tranmere sitting proudly on top of the fledgling table as the only side with a maximum nine points.

And if Eastleigh are to keep pace with the fast-starting Birkenhead club, they require a decent result tomorrow against a Dover side who had ex-Spitfires Moses Emmanuel and Ross Lafayette on target in Saturday’s 2-0 home win over North Ferriby.

With Todd’s voice too croaky to speak after the Prenton Park defeat, he left the post-match verdict to his assistant Ben Strevens.

“For the most part the boys defended brilliantly and obviously to concede a goal late on, especially with it being pretty much the last kick of the game, is hard to take,” said Strevens.

“Of course we’re disappointed, but that’s football and sometimes these things can happen.

“You could see today that both teams have got quality in their side.

“We probably didn’t get on the front foot as much as we’d have liked.

“At half-time we said about taking the game to them but, being honest, it was more about them taking the game to us second half.

“It was pretty even and I think a neutral would have said a draw would have been a fair result today. But sometimes football ain’t fair and we’ve got a game on Tuesday to quickly bounce back.”

With skipper Joe Partington and defender Connor Essam both injured, Eastleigh brought Dugdale and fit-again Luke Coulson into the side.

There were first league starts for striker Ryan Bird and on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Ryan Huddart, with Jai Reason and Ross Flitney dropping to the bench.

Coulson, just back from an ankle injury, went off with a shoulder problem with ten minutes of normal time to play.

Tranmere boss Gary Brabin reflected: “We deservedly went in front, but we’re disappointed as a team with the goal we’ve conceded. We’re better than that.

“It wouldn’t have been a disaster, a point at home to a team like Eastleigh, but we made changes to try and win the game.

“As cruel as it is for the opposition, I thought it was a well-deserved three points.”