Eastleigh boss Paul Doswell marvelled yet again at the brilliance of ex-Saint David Hughes after a 2-1 win at Banbury had kept them fifth in the table.

Having dominated the first half but gone in all square at 1-1, Eastleigh found themselves under the cosh in the second - until the arrival of their midfield maestro turned the game on its head.

"I've never seen a player who can change the game on his own like David does," said Doswell.

With new signing Taffy Richardson at the forefront of all their good work, Eastleigh were well in command early on. Richardson could twice have put them in front before Nicky Banger brought the ball down and curled in the 31st- minute opener.

Banbury, hammered 6-1 at the Sparshatts Stadium last month, responded with a George Redknap goal nine minutes later and, but for the heroics of 'keeper Colin Matthews, the Oxfordshire side could have gone on to win it.

But Hughes's nuisance value soon paid off in the 78th minute when he was fouled on the edge of the area and Banger tucked away the free kick.

"For 25 minutes Banbury battered us and at that stage we'd have settled for a point," confessed Doswell, who was forced to substitute Chris Collins (groin), Lee Bright (virus) and Tyronne Bowers (hamstring).