Dr Martens League - Eastern Division

A 3-nil home win over Burnham on New Year's Day followed by an away victory at Banbury two days later made it an excellent start to the New Year for Eastleigh.

They're in fifth place in the table, handily placed as they go into the second half of the season.

Manager Paul Doswell is aiming for a top seven finish to ensure progress up the non league pyramid under the changes due for next season.

They made a low-key start against Burnham, and the loss of in-form striker Paul Sales through injury didn't help matters. Although they had marginally the better of play, Eastleigh didn't create many chances, with an effort from Ryan Ashford which was saved probably their best attempt.

However, they did go ahead after 42 minutes when Robbie Matthews nodded into the path of Christer Warren, who headed home.

That seemed to compose Eastleigh, and it was no surprise when they scored their second in the 62nd minute. This time Warren headed home a cross from Nicky Banger.

Eastleigh's third goal came when a Burnham player failed to intercept a crossfield ball from Matthews to David Hughes.

The midfielder found space on the right hand side, cut in and scored the best of the afternoon's three goals.

Burnham battled hard and kept going to the end, but the third goal effectively killed the game as a contest.

Banbury Utd 1 Eastleigh 2

David Hughes came on as a second half substitute to swing this game Eastleigh's way last Saturday.

They had dominated the first half against the team they recently beat 6-1 in a home fixture, but managed only one goal, on the half hour mark, in the first half.

Taffy Richardson, Eastleigh's new signing from Newport, went close twice. First he was set up by a Robbie Matthews flick, but shot straight at the keeper. Minutes later he fired wide when well placed.

Soon after, Kevin Gibbens set up Nicky Banger, who opened the scoring from close range. But Banbury swiftly equalised through leading scorer George Redknap after Eastleigh had failed to clear.

The goal gave Banbury a lift, and the hosts had more of the game in the first part of the second half. Redknap sprang the offside trap but shot wide before Colin Matthews saved well from both Potter and Stanbridge.

The lively Hughes was beginning to make his presence felt and Eastleigh took the lead after 75 minutes when a free-kick was awarded for a foul on him.

Banger's free kick took a wicked deflection to beat Tricker to put the Hampshire side in front.

They held on to the lead to gain three more valuable points and manager Doswell admitted: "I've never seen a player who can change the game on his own like David does.

"We were struggling for a while and I'd have settled for a point. But he made all the difference to us."

Eastleigh hope to continue their winning run tomorrow (10th) with a visit to Corby Town.

Award for Doswell

Eastleigh manager Paul Doswell has been named Dr Martens Eastern Division manager of the month for December, when his side picked up 13 points from four games and also made progress in the League Cup.

The modest Doswell was quick to pay tribute to his backroom staff. "It's the first time I've ever won manager of the month," he said, "but it's not just for me.

"The load is spread here among the whole coaching staff and we stand and fall together. David (assistant manager David Hughes) and Mark (director of football Mark Dennis) have done a brilliant job, and so has Lee (fitness coach Lee Pragnell).

"Having someone with Lee's expertise as fitness coach is a big boost for the club."