It’s A Real Payne For Eastleigh As Jack Heads Back

Andy Hessenthaler’s team have beaten Dagenham, Boreham Wood and Gateshead all 1-0 within the last fortnight.

They are looking to make it four straight victories on Saturday when they visit bottom club Braintree Town.

But the Spitfires must it do it without midfield man Jack Payne.

The on-loan player has been recalled by parent club Ebbsfleet United as his form on the south coast didn’t go unnoticed.

“In the five games Jack’s been here, we’ve been unbeaten - that’s not all down to Jack, but he’s helped,” manager Hessenthaler told the Daily Echo.

“We knew what he’d bring when we signed him and he’s added that to the squad, but he’s not our player, he’s Ebbsfleet’s and we thank them for their help.

“We’re getting the squad back together now and we’ve got plenty of midfield competition.”