EASTLEIGH boss Matt Gray believes his side “aren’t far away” from reaching his standards after snatching a 1-1 draw against Southend United on Tuesday night.
The Spitfires kept their unbeaten National League home record alive with a 90th minute header from Temi Eweka to stun Kieron Dyer’s Shrimpers.
After falling behind midway through the first half, the hosts netted inside the final 10 minutes for the fourth time this season.
Having joined the club in May, Gray now believes his squad are close to resembling his image of a competitive league outfit.
“I’m pleased with a draw tonight, I think it reflected our efforts against a really strong opposition,” said Gray after full-time.
“To keep pushing, to look as fit and strong as we did and put Southend on the racks is a real compliment to us.
“I thought we started well and set a good tempo in the opening 20 minutes. I have to think their opener came against the run of play.
“After the bitter moment of falling behind, we had to weather a team that was full of belief. It gave them a real lift after we’d been so dominant.
“But we pushed and pushed in the second half and got our just reward. We got after them and remained aggressive while moving the ball well.
“I asked at the start of the campaign to see desire, tempo and purpose. I believe, at least at home, we’re very close to seeing a Matt Gray side emerge.”
Temi with the LATE leveller! 👏
Follow your club all season long and watch every game with NLTV on DAZN! 📺 pic.twitter.com/5yicQd4BTp— Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) October 1, 2026
Eastleigh will host Woking on Saturday afternoon at the Silverlake, the first consecutive home fixture of the season.
Having amassed 12 of their 15 points at their base, Gray’s charges are remaining focused ahead of another clash at SO50.
“There are no easy games in this division," he continued. "We know we have to fight and work hard for every single point.
“Woking are coming off of a disappointing result to Solihull on Tuesday, which shows that anyone can beat anyone.
“They will have had an extra day to prepare as well, so we need to maximise our time in recovery and face a very dangerous side this weekend.
“It will be a tough test for us, but late goals bring belief to us and our fans. Every team knows now that we’re still in the contest right until the end.”
Share