BT Cameras Roll! Eastleigh Learning Last Year’s Lessons

The Spitfires were among the National League’s top scorers last season.

They were, however, also one of the worst teams defensively.

They let in 72 goals - more than any side who finished outside the division’s bottom four.

After an equally shaky start to this campaign, there are signs that things are getting better and it could be different this time around.

A clean sheet against free-scoring AFC Fylde was followed by a solid 1-1 draw at in-form Hartlepool.

This weekend they are the BT Sport focus and a home game with Dagenham presents them with a chance to build on their recent excellent rearguard displays.

Defender Michael Green has noticed the difference and told us: “We have been working on things to make sure we are tighter at the back and I think the last two games have been much better.

“Hopefully we can carry that on in front of the cameras.

“We are looking forward to it, they are going well at the moment but we will do everything right to prepare for Saturday and hopefully get all three points.

“It’s been a little frustrating as we should probably of picked up more points, I think we have been the better team in a few games where we have dropped points.

“It’s been a tricky start too as we have had quite a few injuries which hasn’t helped.

“Since the change of ownership things haven’t changed too much. W are still ambitious and feel we should be higher up the table and that’s where we will aim to be come the end of the season.”

Hessenthaler knows if his team can be stronger at the back they have the goals in them to challenge for the top seven.

The manager said: “It’s not a big secret that defensively we weren’t good enough last season.

“The aim this summer was about putting that right and building a unit at the back which we could rely on. It’s a shame it didn’t work out like it should have done at the back as there weren’t many sides scoring more than us.”

PICTURES: GRAHAM SCRAMBLER