THREE injuries and a first ever red card for ex-Saint David Hughes tarnished a long overdue victory for Eastleigh in the Ryman Premier Division last night.
A wonder goal by Andy Forbes sandwiched between strikes from Danny Smith and Tyronne Bowers sealed the first win in seven games for Paul Doswell's men, who triumphed 3-0 at home to Worthing.
But the down side was injuries to Chris Collins (twisted ankle), Martin Thomas (dead leg) and Forbes (calves) plus a questionable second yellow for player/assistant manager Hughes, pictured above, in the 70th minute.
It left Eastleigh to play the closing stages with only nine men.
Doswell had mixed emotions about the night. He said: "It's a sweet victory in many ways and Forbesy scored probably the best goal I've ever seen.
"David Hughes hit a 40-yard crossfield pass and Andy chested it down, swivelled and smashed it on the volley into the top corner."
Forbes's former Winchester City teammate Smith had struck first on 17 minutes and the last word went to Bowers, who cleverly lobbed the keeper before doing a celebratory somersault.
Hughes's first booking was for disputing the award of a free-kick and he got his marching orders for a so-called foul.
Doswell said: "He won the ball fairly but the referee decided he hadn't and he couldn't wait to get his book out. David wants to appeal, but he can't for two yellows."
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