MIKAEL Mandron scored his fifth goal in as many games as Eastleigh leapfrogged Hampshire rivals Aldershot Town with their first National League win for nearly a month.

The former Sunderland striker tapped in the 45th-minute winner from Joe Partington’s cross at the EBB stadium.

It was a performance far removed from the free-flowing champagne performance at Swindon a week earlier, but just what the Spitfires needed after conceding a two-goal advantage at Gateshead three days earlier.

Ronnie Moore handed debuts to record signing Bondz N’Gala and on-loan goalkeeper Scott Brown, both of whom impressed during a resilient performance against a club Eastleigh are yet to lose to in five meetings.

But there had been little between the sides until Mandron netted his tenth of the season.

Whipped in with pace from the right flank following Scott Wilson’s pass, Partington’s cross skidded across the six-yard box for Mandron to tap past the exposed Mark Smith in the Shots goal.

The tall, rangy striker had Eastleigh’s only other first effort on target, a 28th-minute header from Jai Reason’s cross that was very well saved by Smith from close range.

Aldershot were unfortunate to be behind. Arnold’s free-kick from the left skidded across goal, took a deflection and hit the far post before a great diving save by Wycombe loanee Brown, from Matt McClure’s left footed half-volley across goal, kept the score goalless.

Eastleigh failed to make the most of other chances before Mandron’s opener.

Wilson sliced wide after being put through by Coulson, whose 41st-minute cross provided a warning of what was to come from Partington as it flashed across the six-yard box.

Ross Stearn had an encouraging full debut, providing width on the left flank, but without a composed final touch. He curled his best effort beyond the far post after a couple of neat stopovers.

Aldershot were the better side in the second half. They thought they had equalised only for Jim Kellerman’s close range effort to be disallowed for offside.

Then Bernard Mensah’s chipped pass created the opportunity for Arnold to cross, from which sub Charlie Walker failed to apply the finish from inside the six-yard box.

Wilson dragged wide from sub Santos’s first touch and the lively Mensah did the same for the home side just after their 73rd minute double change.

Sub James Constable had Eastleigh’s best chance of the second half. He was denied a much-needed goal when his 88th snap shot was saved. Meanwhile, the Spitfires continued to defend valiantly.

Michael Green’s decisive late block from sub Idris Kanu epitomised their spirit.

Aldershot: Smith, Arnold, Conroy, Evans, Straker, Allen (Wakefield 73), Gallagher, Kellerman (Kanu 73), Mensah, Rendell, McClure (Walker 46).
Subs not used: Saville, Alexander.

Eastleigh: Brown, Partington, Essam, N’Gala, Green, Coulson, Reason, Taylor, Stearn (Santos 67), Wilson (Constable 86), Mandron.
Subs not used: Pipe, Huddart, Cureton.
Booked: Brown, Reason, Partington.

Attendance: 1,609 (250 Eastleigh)