Absentee Newport boss Steve Tate was sent a message from his Eastleigh counterpart after last night's Dr Martens League Cup encounter at Ten Acres.

"Doswell 3, Tate 0" laughed Sparshatts Stadium manager Paul Doswell in the wake of a 2-1 Eastleigh victory, which completed a hat-trick of wins against the Islanders over the last two seasons.

The drama started as early as the seventh minute when Adam Barsdell's foul on Rob Marshall presented Easteligh's Tyronne Bowers with a chance from the spot. But the former Salisbury man had his penalty well saved by Port keeper Simon Arthur.

It was left to two-goal Robbie Matthews to settle the tie. He struck first with a header from a corner in the 43rd minute and then again from a Bowers' flag-kick in the 63rd minute after a Kevin Gibbens flick-on.

In between, Danny Hatcher had pulled the Islanders back into contention, following up well after Colin Matthews had blocked his initial effort with his legs.

"That's six wins on the trot for us, so I'm very pleased with the way things are going," said Doswell. "It was nice to see Robbie getting back on the scoring trail. Most of our threats came from crosses and corners. Newport looked uncomfortable defending them."

Taffy Richardson, in charge in Tate's absence, couldn't help but recall his ill-fated time at the Salisbury City helm. The Port player/assistant boss laughed: "It's just like the old days, me in charge and getting beaten!"

But Richardson, who chose not play himself, stressed: "We played a lot of players in different positions tonight and the boys did everything they were supposed to have done.

"They're disappointed they've lost, but Eastleigh are a good side and I'm pleased with the performance. Stamford away in the league on Saturday is a bigger game."