Home
Situated just a stone’s throw from a training ground Portsmouth were forced to abandon as they spiralled out of financial control a few years ago, the warning signs are everywhere for Wanderers as they tread into unknown territory this weekend.
At just 70 years old Eastleigh is a relative newcomer, even in non-league terms, and the experience awaiting 1,100 Whites fans will be quite unlike those they face on a regular basis in the Championship.
The Silverlake Stadium, based across the road from Pompey’s old Wellington Sports Ground base, is a modest arena with travelling fans afforded a decent view from the all-seater Macoy Stand. Those who do not get a plush seat will be housed in the more spartan East Stand – which was packed up and carted from the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Union Club two years ago.
The pitch, waterlogged to the point that last weekend’s game against Bromley being postponed, looks like being be the proverbial leveller with more rain forecast in the area on Friday and Saturday.
“That’s what a lot of people are saying,” said winger Lee Cook, who has considerable experience with the likes of QPR and Watford. “They won’t like playing on our pitch. It’s not the best surface, very wet and soggy, so we will try and use that to our advantage.
“When the draw came out it wasn’t the kind of game we just thought ‘that’s it, we’re out’ we thought maybe we can get to the fourth round.”
Sitting fourth in the Vanarama National League ahead of former Football League stalwarts Tranmere Rovers and Macclesfield Town, Eastleigh have a few more tricks up their sleeve than a heavy pitch.
A full professional squad train three mornings a week and has plenty of league experience in the likes of ex-Oxford goal-getter James Constable, former Carlisle and Glasgow Rangers defender Paul Reid and ex-Leeds and Nottingham Forest full-back Dan Harding.
Considering Wanderers’ precarious league and financial position, the target painted on their back is rather reminiscent of the distinctive pattern on the wings of the famous Spitfire planes, first flown in the town.
Besides the Spitfire, Eastleigh’s most famous resident was Benny Hill, who has a road named after him and used to work at a local dairy.
Unfortunately Eastleigh do not run out to the 'Ernie the Fastest Milkman in the West' song made famous by the TV comedian.
“We’ve only just developed over the past few years, so we don’t have too many famous fans unlike you lot,” said club secretary Ray Murphy. "Though our general manager does look like Peter Kay.”
Former England and Southampton star Matt Le Tissier played the final competitive game of his career for Eastleigh in 2003 after spending two seasons with the club.
Other alumni include Coventry’s Aaron Martin, who began his career with the Spitfires and Hull City’s Will Aimson who is currently on loan at Blackpool.
A replay might not be an appetising prospect for Wanderers with Eastleigh currently boasting the best away record in English football.
The Spitfires have been drawn away to Bromley, Crewe Alexandra and Stourbridge so far in the cup and also boast an impressive record on the road in the league with just two defeats from 13 games.
Fans’ Guide to Eastleigh by Mark Blake, Chairman of the Spitfire Supporter’s Club
Ground postcode: SO50 9HT
Parking: Limited near the stadium. Stoneham Park Sports and Social Club charges £5 and is a five-minute walk away.
Trains: Southampton Parkway is a 20-minute walk through a country park (which is likely to be muddy). Eastleigh Train Station is 2.2 miles away and would cost £5 in a taxi.
Food: Not much around the stadium itself but plenty in Eastleigh town centre.
Pubs: There is a club bar, The Spitfire, which welcomes home and away fans. But the nearest pub is a 10-minute walk, The Cricketer’s. The Concorde is also within relatively easy reach.
What’s the view like for away fans? You have seats in the Macoy Stand and Terracing down the east side. View from the stand will be brilliant and terracing is fine.
Source
At just 70 years old Eastleigh is a relative newcomer, even in non-league terms, and the experience awaiting 1,100 Whites fans will be quite unlike those they face on a regular basis in the Championship.
The Silverlake Stadium, based across the road from Pompey’s old Wellington Sports Ground base, is a modest arena with travelling fans afforded a decent view from the all-seater Macoy Stand. Those who do not get a plush seat will be housed in the more spartan East Stand – which was packed up and carted from the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Union Club two years ago.
The pitch, waterlogged to the point that last weekend’s game against Bromley being postponed, looks like being be the proverbial leveller with more rain forecast in the area on Friday and Saturday.
“That’s what a lot of people are saying,” said winger Lee Cook, who has considerable experience with the likes of QPR and Watford. “They won’t like playing on our pitch. It’s not the best surface, very wet and soggy, so we will try and use that to our advantage.
“When the draw came out it wasn’t the kind of game we just thought ‘that’s it, we’re out’ we thought maybe we can get to the fourth round.”
Sitting fourth in the Vanarama National League ahead of former Football League stalwarts Tranmere Rovers and Macclesfield Town, Eastleigh have a few more tricks up their sleeve than a heavy pitch.
A full professional squad train three mornings a week and has plenty of league experience in the likes of ex-Oxford goal-getter James Constable, former Carlisle and Glasgow Rangers defender Paul Reid and ex-Leeds and Nottingham Forest full-back Dan Harding.
Considering Wanderers’ precarious league and financial position, the target painted on their back is rather reminiscent of the distinctive pattern on the wings of the famous Spitfire planes, first flown in the town.
Besides the Spitfire, Eastleigh’s most famous resident was Benny Hill, who has a road named after him and used to work at a local dairy.
Unfortunately Eastleigh do not run out to the 'Ernie the Fastest Milkman in the West' song made famous by the TV comedian.
“We’ve only just developed over the past few years, so we don’t have too many famous fans unlike you lot,” said club secretary Ray Murphy. "Though our general manager does look like Peter Kay.”
Former England and Southampton star Matt Le Tissier played the final competitive game of his career for Eastleigh in 2003 after spending two seasons with the club.
Other alumni include Coventry’s Aaron Martin, who began his career with the Spitfires and Hull City’s Will Aimson who is currently on loan at Blackpool.
A replay might not be an appetising prospect for Wanderers with Eastleigh currently boasting the best away record in English football.
The Spitfires have been drawn away to Bromley, Crewe Alexandra and Stourbridge so far in the cup and also boast an impressive record on the road in the league with just two defeats from 13 games.
Fans’ Guide to Eastleigh by Mark Blake, Chairman of the Spitfire Supporter’s Club
Ground postcode: SO50 9HT
Parking: Limited near the stadium. Stoneham Park Sports and Social Club charges £5 and is a five-minute walk away.
Trains: Southampton Parkway is a 20-minute walk through a country park (which is likely to be muddy). Eastleigh Train Station is 2.2 miles away and would cost £5 in a taxi.
Food: Not much around the stadium itself but plenty in Eastleigh town centre.
Pubs: There is a club bar, The Spitfire, which welcomes home and away fans. But the nearest pub is a 10-minute walk, The Cricketer’s. The Concorde is also within relatively easy reach.
What’s the view like for away fans? You have seats in the Macoy Stand and Terracing down the east side. View from the stand will be brilliant and terracing is fine.
Source