EASTLEIGH manager Matt Gray noted that his Spitfires side looked "a shadow" of themselves in the second half of their 2-0 defeat to Hornchurch.
Goals either side of half time from Dom Poleon and former Eastleigh man Jack Baldwin condemned Gray's team to a third defeat in four winless matches.
The game was disrupted by a medical emergency amongst the travelling Eastleigh supporters, and Gray began his post match interview by sending his best regards to the indiviudal.
"I wish that supporter well and thank the Hornchurch medical staff," Gray said.
"The second half reminded me of how we were in pre-season, to be honest," he added, reflecting on the match. "It looked a shadow of us. It really did. It goes to show that we had seven players out today through injury, illness or suspension, and it showed.
"We started with a great chance. They had a good chance as well. It then flattens out.
"[It's] a difficult place to come. A bobbly, hard pitch. Windy. The same for both teams, of course. It looked a little bit scrappy for the opening period.
"Then, to be honest, I think we can secure the ball better. It's a soft goal to concede and we find ourselves 1-0 down.
"A big blow to lose your captain halfway through the first half. I thought we had a good spell before half time. We moved the ball well and got into some good areas.
"With the seven and our captain out, it was a tough second half for us.
"They're very strong at home. On the flip side, we have excuses with the players we have out, but there's also some things that I'm not happy about."
Gray explained that Eastleigh are looking to add signings following the arrival of former Wales international Jonny Williams.
"We're working hard behind the scenes to try and bring in a couple of bodies quickly," the Spitfires boss said.
"We're constantly looking to evolve and improve but we just looked light, young, lacked physicality everything I thought we were that we haven't been since Gateshead."
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