Eastleigh boss targets home response after Harrogate defeat

 <i>(Image: Eastleigh FC)</i>
(Image: Eastleigh FC)
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EASTLEIGH boss Matt Gray has challenged his side to make the most of two home games this week after their 4-1 defeat at Harrogate Town.

The Spitfires return to the Silverlake Stadium to face Southend United on Wednesday before hosting Woking on Saturday, as they look to respond.

Saturday's scoreline at Harrogate was made more emphatic by two spectacular late goals, with Eastleigh having trailed by only one until the 79th minute.

Gray felt the eventual margin of defeat was harsh on his side but admitted they did not do enough to force their way back into the contest after the interval.

"I feel 4-1 flattered Harrogate," he said. "I feel first half, like I've just said, didn't feel we deserved to be coming in at half-time behind.

"I thought there was a couple of big decisions that didn't go our way, but second half, never really looked like getting that equaliser or getting back into the game.

"We come back in on Monday with two home games this week, obviously against a strong Southend team and then back at home again against Woking.

"So, focus has got to shift straight away into these two next home games in the week. But then when we're next away, next on the road, we just need to make sure we're a little bit more solid.

"We need to be a little bit less open and just start converting more our home performances, home results, just tweaking that into the away performances.

"Obviously, a great result at Hartlepool, but we could have picked one or two more up on the road, and that's something we'll be looking to do."

New signings Jonny Williams and Jake Caprice both made their Eastleigh debuts from the bench at Harrogate, having only joined the club in the days leading up to the game.

Gray said: "With no pre-season other than being with the PFA, we've just got to bring them on, give them some minutes and see where we're at.

"They've literally just walked through the door, but they came on and had a bit of an impact for us. We look forward to working with them moving forward."

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