BRADBURY IS OFF THE MARK FOR SPITFIRES

NEW boss Lee Bradbury spoke of “immense relief all round” after celebrating his first match in charge of Eastleigh with a comfortable win over Wealdstone – the Spitfires’ first victory in 11 league matches.

The south coast side had collected just three points from a possible 30 before Bradbury’s arrival this week, scoring only three league goals in the process.

But, a refreshing new energy gave fans much to cheer about at the Silverlake as the Spitfires ran riot poor Wealdstone side.

“There’s no doubt confidence was at a pretty low ebb after such a long run without a win,” said Bradbury, who took over from Ben Strevens following his departure in late January.

“When I arrived earlier in the week it was evident there was a lot of nervousness about the place, but all week in training I asked the players to be confident and take forward steps, rather than backward ones.

“It was important the lads went out and played with freedom and expressed themselves, which they did.”

An early goal to settle any nerves was just the tonic Eastleigh needed – and Danny Whitehall provided it with a stunning free-kick in the ninth minute.

Wealdstone questioned the validity of the decision and were less than happy when Whitehall curled a sweetly struck 20-yarder through the defensive wall and beyond the uncertain George Wickens.

Eastleigh pushed on with the impressive Brennan Camp, on loan from AFC Bournemouth, glancing the top of the crossbar and Whitehall also going close.

But six minutes into the second half Eastleigh did eventually double their lead. Jake Hesketh measured a pin-point pass into the path of Ryan Hill who produced a perfect finish.

Eastleigh’s joy was short lived as, soon after, Charles Clayden, by some distance Stone’s best player, capped a fine individual display with a superb solo goal – getting the better of Michael Kelly and Tom Broadbent before drilling a shot past Joe McDonnell.

Any hope Wealdstone had of salvaging a point were dashed by two Eastleigh goals in four minutes midway through the second half.

First, Broadbent climbed at the far post to head home Harry Pritchard’s corner, then Danny Hollands netted an exquisite fourth from the tightest of angles with the outside of his boot.

Wealdstone wasted two gift-wrapped chances in the closing stages with David Sesay clipping the upright, top scorer Josh Umerah ballooning a shot high over the bar and debutant Ronan Silva rolling a shot across the face of the goal.

Wealdstone boss Stuart Maynard confessed: “Eastleigh were way better than us from first to last. It was a disappointing performance from us.”

STAR MAN: Ryan Hill (Eastleigh)

ATT: 2,615

ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★☆

REFEREE: Adrian Quelch