EASTLEIGH held Oxford United to a 0-0 draw in a pre-season friendly at the Silverlake Stadium on Tuesday night.

An impressive defensive display saw The Spitfires prevent the League One outfit from scoring, in what was their third pre-season fixture.

Joe McDonnell saved an early effort from Wales international Mark Harris before the hosts went close through Charlie Carter.

Tyler Goodrham looked set to put Liam Mannings' side ahead just before the break but was denied by the Eastleigh goalkeeper's trailing leg.

The woodwork denied Oxford United, who finished 19th in England's third tier last season, an opening goal when Cameron Brannagan's free-kick cracked the crossbar.


READ MORE: Eastleigh announce double signing and add Football League experience


McDonnell was on hand once more to deny Billy Bodin late on and prevent the visitors from grabbing a winner.

Manager Lee Bradbury was happy with how his side played, telling the club’s media: "I'm really pleased.

"First half I thought we were a bit edgy, probably too respectful of the way they played. 

"We knew we had to be at our best tonight to keep a clean sheet, and that's an excellent clean sheet against them tonight.

"We weren't as much of a threat tonight as far as scoring goals, but in terms of keeping the ball and giving the opposition problems it was very pleasing.

"Tonight was a definite building block going forward."

The Spitfires will get their Vanarama National League campaign underway with an away trip to Solihull Moors on Saturday, August 5.