Eastleigh To Host Saints

This game is part of the deal that took Aaron Martin to St Mary’s from Eastleigh. We agreed to play them over the next three pre-seasons and this will be the first of the three.

Eastleigh have had a few good seasons recently. Firtly they climbed from the Wessex League to the Blue Square South. Then they have been able to maintain their position in that league.

Founded in 1946 as Swaythling Athletic before changing to Swaythling. They joined the Hampshire League in 1950 before changing once again to their current name. As Eastleigh they were founder members of the Wessex League in 1986.

Whilst in that league they were only ever able to finish in the top three once. That was in season 2002/03 when they were promoted as champions to the Soputhern League.

When the leagues were re-organised they switched to the Isthmian League for season 2004/05. Before the season began a new stand was opened by Rupert Lowe then Saints chairman.

At the end of the season the ‘Spitfires’ went 14 games unbeaten ending up in 3rd place, and in a play-off place in the league. These they won to end up in the Conference South.

Today they remain there and are hoping to keep improving or at worse, stay in place this season.

The club has a few good youngsters signed up for them, and some like our Aaron Martin they are hoping will eventually make a career in the game.


How strong our team will be I cannot say but I would hope to see a few first teamers in the team. Martin will probably start and hopefully one or two of our sick will also be ready for a game.