EASTLEIGH’s last game of the Vanarama National League season was a triumph for youth.

AFC Bournemouth loanee Sam Matthews, 21, took centre stage with a sublime hat-trick as the Spitfires signed off for 2017/18 with a stylish 4-1 win at Solihull Moors yesterday.

To add to the youthful feel of the squad, young goalkeeper Mark Childs made a welcome return between the sticks after a couple of injury-blighted seasons and teenage striker Ollie Dennett went on for his National League debut less than 24 hours after penning a professional contract.

Paul McCallum, 24, also scored as Eastleigh handed a first defeat in 11 matches to the Moors who had done wonders to pull clear of the relegation zone.

But all the talk afterwards centred around star man Matthews who is sure to be in huge demand this summer following news that the Cherries are releasing him.

The talented midfielder opened the scoring on 34 minutes from Chris Zebroski’s pull-back and, after McCallum had headed against the woodwork from another Zebroski assist, Matthews doubled the lead with a superb solo effort on 52 minutes.

Three minutes later, he completed his first senior hat-trick with a poacher’s finish amid a goalmouth scramble.

It was from Matthews’ trickery that McCallum tapped in Eastleigh’s fourth, leaving Solihull with just a 78th-minute Adi Yussuf goal for comfort.

Discussing Matthews’ future, Eastleigh boss Andy Hessenthaler said: “Sam has been released by Bournemouth, which is a bit of a negative, but he can go off on his holidays on a positive note. He has been fantastic for us.

“At the moment he is leaving us and we will wish him well – but I wouldn’t rule him out of wearing an Eastleigh shirt again.”

Hessenthaler, meanwhile, is delighted to have young Dennett on board with the senior squad.

“It’s fantastic to see Ollie sign his first professional contract,” he said.

“Credit to the Academy team, they have done a brilliant job nurturing Ollie and we hope he fulfils his potential.

“He has thoroughly impressed myself, Strevs and Rosco (assistant Ben Strevens and coach Ross Flitney) and is totally deserving of his contract.”

Eastleigh’s win at Solihull ended a dismal run of four straight league defeats, ensuring a final finish of 14th. That’s one place higher than last season, but one point fewer than the 57 accrued last term.