Newport County’s trip to Hampshire resulted in a second successive defeat for the Gaffer’s new-look side, with the defensive shakiness that had resulted in capitulation against AFC Wimbledon still far too evident.  The Exiles were a dealt a severe blow pre match when influential skipper Ian Hillier was ruled out, having failed to shake off the groin strain he picked up on Saturday – Nick Skelton came into the side to replace him.  Two further un-enforced changes saw winger Richard Evans recalled to the starting line-up in place of Danny Rose on the left-flank, whilst Phil Walsh came in to partner Rob Duffy in attack with Jamal Easter dropping down to join Rose amongst the substitutes.

Eastleigh’s nicely-appointed stadium is always a pleasure to visit and the Amber Army travelled in encouraging numbers on a wet midweek evening, with over 150 making the journey south.  The hosts included centre-back Tom Jordan, a recent signing from Havant & Waterlooville who had been courted by County this summer, as well as goalkeeper Jason Matthews - who had spent a short time at Spytty Park without ever making the starting eleven.  The Spitfires made a bright start and called Glyn Thompson into action in only the 2^nd minute; the Newport stopper making a terrific save from the Swindon-bound Mark Marshall, when the lively winger had looked a certain scorer.

County began to feel their way into the game and on 7 minutes created an excellent opportunity after Eastleigh’s Jordan had carelessly squandered possession.  Richard Evans did well to pick out centre-forward Duffy whose sublimely-chipped effort from twelve yards clipped the top of the crossbar as it travelled narrowly over.  Just a minute later, Eastleigh again gave possession away cheaply and another Evans cross into the danger zone created considerable panic.  The game was rather congested in midfield at this point and it could have been either side that made that telling initial breakthrough.  However it was the home side that drew first blood on 21 minutes; and while it may have been in rather fortuitous circumstances, it is also fair to say that it was probably deserved nonetheless.  County striker Phil Walsh, back helping out with the defending a free-kick was to fall victim, unluckily shinning the ball past a wrong-footed Glyn Thompson, after the original free-kick had cleared all the offensive Eastleigh players.

Four minutes later, the Spitfires Trevor Challis was cautioned for a reckless lunge on Walsh; one which had the striker not sensibly leapt clear from, could have easily resulted in a broken limb.  The adventurous Taggart had the ball in County’s net again on the half-hour, but Newport were spared on this occasion by the Assistant’s flag.  A double booking occurred on 32 minutes when a skirmish between Tom Jordan and Rob Duffy saw both players foolishly enter Mr Scholes’ notebook.  Even though County felt they perhaps merited being level at this point of the match, there was no denying that their defensive frailties were still prevalent.  Eastleigh, big and strong, were causing the Exiles plenty of problems with their strong, physical approach - with the centre of County’s defence looking especially fragile.  With this in mind, it was no great surprise when the Spitfires doubled their advantage on 40 minutes with a terrific goal.  Another high ball up the middle found Anthony Riviere who took his chance superbly, smashing the ball high into the net past a helpless Glyn Thompson.

County had a half-hearted penalty-appeal on 42 minutes after Walsh had tumbled inside the box, but even the most biased of Newport fans had to admit that the willing striker had gone down all rather too easily.  It was quickly forgotten when Kevin Cooper gave the visitors a glimmer of hope right on the stroke of half-time.  Walsh was the provider with a clever knock-down that Cooper side-footed expertly past Matthews, low into the net.

Just three minutes into the second-period, the Amber Army were screaming loudly for a penalty when home defender Jordan handled inside the area.  It looked a nailed-on decision yet Referee Mr Scholes calmly waved away the Welsh protests.  Eastleigh resorted to playing to their strengths and another aerial move on 54 minutes saw the ball whistle inches past Thompson’s upright.  On 57 minutes, Richard Evans was replaced by Jamal Easter and three minutes later, Riviere blotted his copybook, being cautioned for an unnecessary foul.  It must be said, County were still looking a long way short from being a side that could seriously compete at this level as Eastleigh continued to dominate proceedings.  It was no surprise therefore when Matt Groves made it three on 64 minutes.  Once again a high ball was lofted into the County area by the dangerous Marshall and Groves supplied the finishing touch to restore the two-goal advantage the hosts clearly deserved.  Eastleigh almost scored again just three minutes later when Groves was a whisker away from making it four.

Dean Holdsworth made a double substitution on 68 minutes; Paul Hall replaced Duffy and Danny Rose entered the fray for Cooper.  A Nathan Davies pile-driver from 25-yards almost brought County back into the match within a minute, but flew past the post with Matthews largely unconcerned.  Eastleigh looked completely on top at this stage and the visiting supporters were mostly quiet as they appeared duly accepting of their fate.  All wasn’t quite lost just yet however and with just ten minutes to go, Newport scored a wonderful goal out of the blue from their best move of the night.  A scintillating piece of inter-changing football resulted in Danny Rose picking up a dummied pass on the edge of the area and he provided the finish the move clearly merited; smashing the ball past Matthews for a sublime strike.  So impressive, that County boss Dean Holdsworth commented post-match that it was “the best goal I’ve seen in Non-league football!”

Given a second wind, a demoralised County suddenly smelt a point that seemed long gone and on 87 minutes, defender Vickers was booked for an elbowed-challenge on Walsh that may have seen him taking an early bath from a different official.  Rose then lofted in a cross that bemused everybody before landing on the roof of the Eastleigh net.  As the hosts hung grimly on, Matt Groves became the fifth Spitfire to enter the notebook.  Deep into injury time, full-back Kevin “Rhino” Stephens almost made himself an instant hero with a long-range effort that arrowed its way just the wrong side of the post.  There can be no denying it would have been an injustice however and Eastleigh were well worth the three points on another harsh night of learning for Deano’s new-look side.

Man of the Match

County: Glyn Thompson (brilliant early save & faultless yet again)

Eastleigh: Tony Taggart (caused us problems all night)

   Special Mention: Danny Rose (terrific reaction to being left out)