DAVID HUGHES won't score an easier goal than his three-yard winner against Leyton - but it's likely to be a highly important one in the chase for a coveted Ryman League Premier Division play-off spot.

His 33rd-minute strike, made simple when Leyton's James Hasell was only able to parry Shaun Dyke's drive, earned Eastleigh a fifth win in sixth matches.

And, with Salisbury holding Billericay to a goalless draw, it has enabled Paul Doswell's side to climb above the Essex men and into third spot.

Significantly, and even though they have played a game more than two of their rivals, Eastleigh enjoy a five-point lead over Hampton, who fill the fifth play-off spot.

Reflecting on the game, match-winner Hughes said: "It wasn't a pretty game, in fact it was downright scrappy.

"You can't expect teams to play well every time they take the field and that's what happened to us against Leyton, even though we were the better side.

"At this stage of the season with the games running out, you take everything you can - and that includes picking up points when you don't play particularly well."

There was little double that Eastleigh deserved to beat a disappointing Leyton, with whom they drew 2-2 with in front of a meagre 71 crowd last autumn.

They twice struck the woodwork and seldom looked under threat of losing the lead.

"But we'd targeted six more wins before the Leyton match, so there's still some hard work to do," Hughes remarked.

"The Easter Monday visit to Salisbury and Braintree's visit here in early April are going to be particularly big ones."

Salisbury City carved out a creditable goalless draw at play-off chasing Billericay - despite losing Tommy Widdrington for the final half-hour. The combative ex-Saint, who helped City win their previous three matches, hobbled off with a back injury after an hour.

But manager Nick Holmes, who also lost Shaun Hale (calf) late on, thought Salisbury were well worth their point.

"It was very satisfying. We could have nicked it, but I'm sure Billericay would say the same," he smiled.

But Salisbury, who have cancelled top scorer Adam Wallace's contract cancelled by mutual consent due to the players' increased work commitments, had the better chances.

"Wayne Turk had one shot very well saved and Matt Tubbs got through one-on-one - and couldn't quite finish it," Holmes said.

But with Billericay boasting 11 straight home wins, Holmes was well satisfied with his City's work. "We've been playing well recently and moved ourselves into a mid-table niche.

"But we won't become complacent. There's a lot more points to play for yet and we've got another tough one coming up against Braintree at home next Saturday.

"The Billericay people said we were the best team to have played them there this season and a couple of weeks back the Northwood people said the same.

"The pitch was one of the worst I've ever seen at this level and it was very difficult to play football. But if we continue to play as we are we're going to win a lot more than we lose for the rest of the season."