Hampton & Richmond 5 - Eastleigh 1

He certainly needed to see the funny side at the Beveree Stadium on Saturday where Eastleigh had two players sent off, conceded two penalties and scored an own goal in a 5-1 defeat by Hampton & Richmond Borough.

"It was like that new film - a series of unfortunate events!" smiled Doswell. "It wasn't funny really, but there's no point reading too much into a match like that. Every now and then a game like this comes around and you've just got to take it on the chin."

Eastleigh's problems started in the ninth minute when keeper Wayne Shaw was sold short by an Adam James back pass and got his marching orders for bringing down debutant Fabian Ford.

Although new goalkeeping signing Lee Webber had travelled with the squad, Doswell had opted for five outfield substitutes, so it was ex-Saint Ryan Ashford who went in goal and was immediately beaten by a Ryan Ashe penalty.

Ashe struck again on 20 minutes before Eastleigh saw red for a second time when skipper Rob Marshall was sent off for swearing.

Another Ashe penalty followed, this time awarded against Chris Collins, leaving the nine men 3-0 down at the break.

"At half-time all we talked about was salvaging a bit of pride and doing our best to keep our goal difference intact," said Doswell.

"I didn't agree with either sending-off - Wayne's because we had two defenders on the line, so he wasn't the last man, and Rob's because he wasn't the only player to have sworn.

"I don't condone his language, but one of the Hampton players said the 'f' word twice to the referee when he was pulled up for a foul on Paul Sales.

"I just wish there was some consistency."

More drama unfolded in the second half with Forde heading in a fourth before Eastleigh got a penalty for handball which was converted by Ashford, still wearing his keeper's gloves.

The Surrey side were reduced to ten men when Dudley Gardner picked up a second caution, but Eastleigh's farcical afternoon was completed by an own goal from Lee Bright.