Eastleigh restored their four-point lead over Gosport Borough at the Jewson Wessex League summit by tearing Brockenhurst apart 7-1 at Ten Acres last night.

Gosport boss Mick Marsh was among the spectators as Eastleigh flexed their championship muscles with goals by David Laws (4), Martin Beck , David Hughes and Danny Woods. James Bailey-Pearce bagged the Badgers' reply.

"We played very, very well," reported manager Paul Doswell. "Brockenhurst had a good side out and they deserve a lot of credit.

"They never let their heads drop and Pete (Brock boss Pete Moore) should feel proud of them."

New signing Jamie Bull from Fleet Town made a solid debut, but Eastleigh were without Southampton trialists Robbie Matthews and Lee Bright, who'd played for Saints Reserves in their 4-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest the previous night.

The pair will continue training with Gordon Strachan's men today and tomorrow, by which time they should have a clearer idea of what the future holds.

Doswell confessed: "In all honesty, I'd like to keep them.

"The side they played in at Nottingham was not the best, but Robbie had Saints' best chance and I've told him that if he doesn't get in this time, if he's good enough and keeps scoring goals someone else will come in for him."

Eastleigh, meanwhile, are keeping tabs on ex-Saints defender Phil Warner who had his contract terminated by Cambridge United earlier this month.

The 23-year-old has been on trial at Peterborough United, but if he is turned away by the Posh., there's a good chance he will wind up at Ten Acres.