Silverlake Stadium, home of Eastleigh FC based in Hampshire and play their trade in the National League. Nicknamed the “Spitfires” with one featuring on the club crest.
A county that I have never watched football in and today I could have found a double! But first it’s Eastleigh FC vs FC Halifax Town in the final day of the National League. Eastleigh in mid-table with nothing to play for but Halifax need a win to confirm their place in the play-offs. Anything other than a win and Aldershot can sneak in but Halifax have a much superior goal difference meaning a win for Halifax and it’s theirs.
So it’s down the M1 and off at the M25… Onto the M3 and into the Eastleigh car park in good time. £10 for parking… Oh no! £18 for this National League tie! Ok! Out come the teams, can Halifax secure their place in the play-offs or will Eastleigh give their Hampshire counterparts a helping hand?
Kick Off! 2 minutes in and Eastleigh have it on the right and it’s crossed in, it’s Paul McCallum with the header… OFF THE BAR! What a start that could have been!!
14th minute and Halifax come forward, Oluwabori gets into the box from the left and he shoots… Tipped over brilliantly by the keeper! Corner, in it comes… Eastleigh clear.
27 minutes now and Halifax come forward down the left again, it’s played across to Adan George to shoot… It’s crept in! Just! Halifax draw first blood! Eastleigh not happy as they have a player down but the Referee played on and Halifax now lead! 0-1!
Halifax looking dangerous going forward but Eastleigh having a good spell with possession as the game goes on.
Right on half time and Halifax play it forward again, he gets into the box and scores but the flag is up and it won’t count. At half time it remains 1-0 to Halifax.
Second half, “Southerners Southerners Southerners!” I’ve moved towards the half way line to soak up some atmosphere now with the Eastleigh faithful… Better keep my mouth shut after that chant so my cover isn’t blown eh?
62 minutes on the clock and Halifax come again, Jamie Cooke has it on the edge of the box and he controls and shoots… And he finds the bottom corner! Great finish! Halifax double their lead! It’s looking like the play-oofs for them now! 0-2!
70th minute and Halifax play it to Max Wright, 25 yards out and he shoots… OH! WHAT A STRIKE! Top corner! Halifax are in the play-offs now! 0-3!
Eastleigh… No answer! Halifax are in the play-offs!
FT: Eastleigh 0-3 FC Halifax Town
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 5/10 – Average I’d say.
- The Ground: 8/10 – Very unique! Wouldn’t go amiss in the Football League! Love the terrace along the side and the stands adjacent, the terrace behind the goal is unique but does the trick, it’s a good ground!
- Expense: 7/10 – £18 a bit steep for this level and the game did fizzle out at the end sadly…
- Overall Experience: 6/10 – Really glad I visited but just wish there was more riding on the game and more goals and drama!
26/40