DOSWELL JINX STRIKES AGAIN
PAUL Doswell’s dismal record at former club Eastleigh continued after Ben Williamson’s late header settled a thrilling affair.
Doswell, who kickstarted the Spitfires’ rise up the Non-League pyramid, has returned to the Silverlake Stadium six times in the league in his 11 years as Sutton boss – and lost every time.
His latest defeat was hard to stomach after Sutton had twice levelled and also after the U’s boss had been forced to reorganise his defence following an injury to Craig Eastmond on 82 minutes.
Sub Brad Pearce, 18, slotted into a new-look back four and, according to his manager, was guilty of ‘ball watching’ when outstanding right wing-back Josh Hare sent a long, raking pass into the penalty area which the unmarked Williamson headed past Ross Worner.
It was Eastleigh’s third straight home league win – a feat they last achieved in March 2016.
“We didn’t deserve to win,” said Doswell. “But I don’t think we would have conceded that last goal if we hadn’t had to reorganise just a few minutes before.”
Eastleigh took the lead with their first attack – centre-half Andrew Boyce scoring his first Eastleigh goal from two yards out after Mark Yeates’ deflected cross had been headed off the line by Aswad Thomas.
Worner pulled off a worldclass save to prevent Paul McCallum doubling the lead before the lively Gime Toure grabbed a scrambled leveller shortly before half-time.
Eastleigh regained the lead on 61 minutes when Hare cut in from the right wing to score with an angled finish past Worner.
But, four minutes later, ex-Eastleigh striker Brett Williams flicked a header from 12 yards into the corner of the net to make it 2-2.
Play switched from end to end as both sides sought a winner, but it was Eastleigh who dramatically grabbed it to move to within three points of the last play-off place held by Sutton.
Eastleigh boss Ben Strevens said: “My players showed great belief and great character – but it didn’t do much for my blood pressure!
“Any side that beats Sutton has done well. I really feel we’re starting to get back to where this club was a few years ago when we expected to win every home game.”
Doswell, though, left with a parting shot at his former club, adding: “Eastleigh have some very good players, but their budget is around the £1m mark – mine is half of that. With that in mind, perhaps they should be higher than 10th in the table.”
STAR MAN: Josh Hare (Eastleigh) ATT: 1,872 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: James Oldham 6/10