EASTLEIGH'S winless run in the National League extended to six matches after a narrow 2-1 defeat to promotion-chasing Halifax at Silverlake Stadium.

Kian Spence curled home from distance after Matty Warburton’s short corner to put the visitors in front after 39 minutes.

Warburton then raced clear on goal before slotting home a neat finish to double Halifax’s lead just before the break.

Lee Bradbury's men did reduce the arrears early in the second half, when Harry Pritchard converted Sam Smart’s low cross, but Halifax held out for victory.

Seven yellow cards were shown in the competitive contest, with the Shaymen ending the day in third, with two games to play.

Eastleigh sit down in 19th with 42 points from their 42 matches, but are safe from relegation.

Spitfires are next in action on Saturday, away at 15th-placed Woking.

Spitfires: McDonnell, Camp, Boyce, Broadbent (Smart, 20 (Silva, 76)), Kelly, Smith (Pitman, 76), Miley, Pritchard, Harper, Hesketh, Whitehall.

Unused subs: Bragg, Barnett.

Halifax: Johnson, Senior, Warren, Spence, Bird, Debrah, Green, Warburton (Woods, 77), Waters (Dearnley, 83), Slew, Stenson (Gilmour, 62).

Unused subs: Benn, Cooke.

Referee: Daniel Lamport.

Attendance: 3,068.