OPPOSITION Q&A – EASTLEIGH FC by Kev Bennett

OPPOSITION Q&A

Kev Bennett – @Eastleigh_TSSC

Kev answers questions about the Spitfires

Hi there, so before we talk about the team tell us a bit about yourself?

I am Kev Bennett acting Chairman of The Spitfires Supporters Club.

How’s your recent form been?

Our recent form in the league has been inconsistent after good wins home to Notts County & away to Dagenham & Redbridge, we had a disaster at home to Aldershot & a draw at home to Solihull Moors. The last match we played was home to Enfield Town in the FA Trophy & we beat them 5-0.

What’s been your highlights of 21-22 so far?

My highlights of this season so far have been a great win away at Dagenham & Redbridge, not just by the team but also by fans coach driver Jason to get us to the ground in time for kick off after the M25 turned into a massive car park & by two fans John & James who didn’t give up, they kept heading to the match & finally arrived about 8 mins into the second half.

Who are your key players and why?

Our key players are Joe McDonnell, in my opinion the National League’s best keeper, Andrew Boyce, The Rock at the heart of our defence, Vincent Harper – he has been like a breath of fresh air since he joined us a real gentleman on & off the pitch, Sam Smart is tricky to play against, as he will turn players inside out, and Tom Whelan – a bright spark & unpredictable.

What sort of tactics does the manager like to use and what’s your probable starting line-up?

Our tactics are very unpredictable so far this season. Our starting line up is likely to be 1 Joe McDonnell, 2 Josh Hare, 6 Andrew Boyce, 10 Tyrone Barnett, 11 Ryan Hill, 12 Jake Hesketh, 17 Danny Whitehall, 19 Danny Hollands, 20 Tom Whelan, 25 Christian Maghoma, 26 Vincent Harper Subs 13 Ross Flintney, 3 Michael Kelly, 5 Tom Broadbent 7 Sam Smart & 8 Harry Pritchard.

Where’s best for the Yellow Army to find pre-match food and drinks?

The only place away fans will be able to get pre-match food & drink is from the away bar available in the away end which opens from 1:30pm. Pints are priced at £4.50, with bottles at £4.

Which opposition teams/players have impressed you most?

The opposition that have impressed me most this season have been Folkestone Invicta in the FA Cup and in the National League I would have to say Chesterfield.

We don’t have a good record at your ground, what’s your prediction this time around?

My score prediction is 2-0 to the Spitfires.

HIGHLIGHTS

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PRE-MATCH TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

BEATING THE EASTLEIGH HOODOO

The Gulls do not have a good record at Eastleigh. One draw and four losses in the last five visits, so it’s definitely time for something better. Eastleigh have been very inconsistent this season, and haven’t played in 10 days, whether that will help or hinder us is up for debate! They could be rusty or full of energy, we’ll know more after kick off! This is a great chance to improve our poor away record and follow up the excellent win over Yeovil…but is also a game that may swing either way. After Yeovil the lads will fancy their chances I’m sure. 

THE LINE-UP

What will the Gulls line-up be? Well I can imagine Asa Hall coming back into the line-up if fitness allows. The skipper didn’t play at all on Boxing Day despite being on the bench, and could come in for Klaidi Lolos…but it’s all guesswork! The isolating Halstead, Felix and Armstrong may also be available, which would help boost the squad after the demanding Yeovil game. It’s always preferable to have a sub keeper on the bench! Also will the gaffer stick to the 4-3-3 or revert back to a 3-5-2? Eastleigh use three at the back, so matching up to that may tempt GJ.  

TEAM EFFORT

What struck me on Boxing Day was how much team mates were backing each other up. Missed tackles and misplaced passes happened, but Gulls players were always there to sort things out and keep the Glovers at bay. This team spirit and harmony was sorely lacking as players struggled to fit in at the start of the season, but Gary Johnson is finally getting what he wanted, and that’s proper performances! No passengers and a team full of commitment. More of this at Eastleigh and we’ve got a very good chance.

COYY – Dom

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