Eastleigh 3 Fisher Athletic 1

A HAT-TRICK by Sam Carter enabled Eastleigh to beat Fisher at the Sparshatts Stadium last Saturday and maintain their position in the top four of the league.

The 21-year-old was promoted to play up front in the senior side after some impressive performances for the Reserves.

He began his career as an apprentice wing back with Saints before becoming a striker when playing for Baldock Town.

Carter got his chance on Saturday with Nicky Banger suspended and Robbie Matthews not at his best. Sam's display alongside Paul Sales drew high praise from manager Paul Doswell.

"Every goal was a gem and I can see him doing a Kevin Phillips," he said.

"It's taken him the best part of a year to get over being released by Saints, but he has lots of ability and must have a chance of getting back to league football if he continues like this."

Sales had already gone close for Eastleigh when Carter opened the scoring with a 20-yard cracker after 17 minutes.

Eastleigh continued to dominate, and five minutes before half-time Sales put Carter through to score with a well executed chip.

After the break, home keeper Colin Matthews made a good save as the visitors spluttered into life. But on the hour Eastleigh went three up when Carter scored the goal of the game.

He beat two players with ease before curling the ball into the top far corner, giving the Fisher goalkeeper no chance.

Eastleigh came close again when an effort from Kevin Gibbens flashed narrowly wide, but Fisher had their fair share of chances and Islam scored a consolation goal with 15 minutes remaining.

Said Doswell: "Sam and Paul worked well together up front and our first half performance was the best since I've been here."

Eastleigh 2, Newport IoW 1

Robbie Matthews underlined the firepower available to Eastleigh by scoring both goals in Wednesday night's Dr Martens League Cup 2nd round success against Newport.

He started the match alongside Carter, with Paul Sales on the bench, and caused problems throughout the match.

Eastleigh were awarded a penalty after just five minutes when Rob Marshall was upended. But Tyronne Bowers' spot kick was well saved by keeper Simon Arthur.

The home side continued to dominate, but it took them until the 44th minute to go ahead. A corner from the left caused problems in the Newport defence and Matthews was able to head home from close range.

But the Islanders hit back on the hour when slack marking allowed Danny Hatcher through on goal. His first effort was blocked by Colin Matthews, but he was able to knock home the equaliser at the second attempt.

This shook Eastleigh into a swift response. Bowers' corner was flicked on by Kevin Gibbens and Robbie Matthews was at the far post to head home his second of the night.

Both sides missed further chances, and Eastleigh's win takes them into the last 32 of the competition.

Tomorrow (Sat 15th) they travel to Fleet for a league game, and next Wednesday (19th) they are at home to Salisbury City.