HARVEY Saunders was "delighted" following his dream Eastleigh debut, as they beat Altrincham 2-1 on Saturday.
Saunders, who joined on loan from Tranmere on Friday, came on as a half-time sub and immediately set up an equaliser for Kieron Evans.
Three minutes later the 28 year old striker, who has also played for Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, headed home Aaron Blair’s cross for the winner.
"I'm delighted. I wanted to come and enjoy my football, and I definitely enjoyed that one today. The move was quite rushed, I think.
"My agent came to us and explained what was happening and who was interested. I got to speak to the gaffer, and as soon as I heard what he had to say, I thought I'd have to jump at it.
"The ball has come to us on the wing, and I've seen the space and done what I like to do and run behind.
"Like I say, I've seen the lads getting in the box, so I thought I'd just put it in there and hope that one of them gets in the end of it.
"It's always nice to get your first one fast. You don't want that hanging over you too long. It was an unbelievable ball put in, and I was just able to put it in the net."
On Saunders' impact on his debut, Eastleigh assistant Danny Butterfield said: "You can't ask for more than that, but we also have to mention Zav (Massiah-Edwards).
"He ran his socks off in the first half with no joy. Harvey came on and showed his attributes immediately. For debuts, it's what dreams are made of."
The win lifts Eastleigh up to ninth in the National League with nine points won from their first six games of the 2025/26 campaign.
They will host Scunthorpe United at the Silverlake Stadium on Tuesday evening before a trip to Tamworth on Saturday.
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