PAUL McCallum struck twice in the last six minutes as Eastleigh staged an incredible turnaround to defeat promotion-chasing Dover Athletic 2-1 at the Silverlake Stadium.

The Spitfires’ first win in two months lifts them nine points clear of the drop zone and surely means they can breathe a little more easily for the rest of the Vanarama National League campaign.

Dover dominated for large spells and deservedly went in 1-0 up at half-time thanks to a goal from, of all people, ex-Eastleigh striker Ryan Bird.

With 22 minutes gone Bird raced onto Liam Bellamy’s pass and cracked home his 18th goal of the season from the edge of the box.

Eastleigh keeper Graham Stack did well to tip away Mitch Pinnock’s 25-yard strike from a free kick and Dover went close again early in the second half with headers from Kevin Lokko and Adebayo Azeez.

But, with 20 minutes remaining, Eastleigh sent on striker Ben Williamson and the complexion of the game changed.

After Sam Matthews had volleyed just over, the Spitfires dug out an 84th-minute equaliser with Williamson's smart delivery flicked on for McCallum to slot home.

Six minutes later the former Leyton Orient frontman struck again, this time powering in a header from Mark Yeates’ cross.

That magic moment ended a run of seven games without a win for the Spitfires, boosting confidence levels for Good Friday’s (3pm) home game against Ebbsfleet United.