EASTLEIGH boss Matt Gray hailed his second half substitutes who added “energy and impact” as they earned a 1-1 draw against Boreham Wood on Saturday afternoon.
Temi Eweka scored with six minutes remaining after Charlie O’Connell headed the visitors in front from a free-kick routine.
A triple substitution on 78 minutes saw three attacking players in Hady Ghandour, Will Randall and Dion Rankine enter the fray and within minutes, the game was level.
Despite his goal scorer playing the full 90 minutes, Gray believes it was his second-half alterations that changed the complexion of the match.
“I’m very pleased to have come away without a defeat against a very good side,” Gray reflected after the final whistle.
“They’re favourites to win the league for a reason so to nullify their intensity and still look a threat on the counter is a huge compliment to us.
“We should have capitalised more, especially with how well structured we were defensively, and then they made us pay in the second half.
“I’m really disappointed with the goal we’ve conceded. A free-kick, again. They haven’t cut us open or outdone us in open play, we’ve conceded from another dead-ball situation.
“But our subs instigated a massive response from us. They showed a real focus and tenacity that moved us higher up the pitch and got the point that we deserved today.”
Eweka opens his account for the season: 🔓
Follow your club all season long and watch every game with NLTV on DAZN! 📺 pic.twitter.com/rJjyvW1PDQ— Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) September 13, 2026
Eastleigh’s next test will come away from home against Sutton United on Tuesday night, Gray’s former stomping ground.
The Spitfires boss spent four seasons with the U’s, earning them promotion to League Two for the first time in their history in the 2020-21 season.
Ahead of his return to Gander Green Lane, Gray is adamant that sentimentality won’t get in the way of focus.
“I had an unbelievable spell there as manager. But right now, I want as many Eastleigh fans there as possible making noise for us.
“If anything, going back there just makes me more desperate to get a result. We can enjoy a chat and share memories after the game. But we’re professional, we’re here to win.
“We’ve had great support for recent clashes at Hartlepool and Altrincham, so get yourself up the M3 and watch us get a result on Tuesday.”
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