EASTLEIGH are down to tenth in the Vanarama National League but can be well satisfied with this afternoon's 0-0 draw at third-placed Lincoln City.

The Spitfires were denied the services of first-choice goalkeeper Ryan Clarke who had to go home for family reasons.

That put Ryan Huddart in the firing line at Sincil Bank and, although the young Arsenal loanee kept a clean sheet, he owed a vote of thanks to  defensive colossus Reda Johnson.

The closest Lincoln came to scoring was early in the second half when Huddart dropped a high ball and, with Nathan Arnold looking destined to score, Johnson saved the day with a goalline clearance.

Eastleigh could have nicked it at the death when Johnson headed the ball back across goal following a corner and, under pressure from Joe Partington, Lincoln's Luke Waterfall managed to head it to safety via the crossbar.

Although the Spitfires have dropped towards mid-table, they remain only three points behind Lincoln going into Tuesday's home game against Torquay.

There is, however, a nine point gap between Ronnie Moore's men and leaders Forest Green Rovers who maintained their momentum with a 3-0 home win over Guiseley.