AYO Obileye loves his role in Eastleigh’s new-look formation – and his career-best goal tally is an added bonus.

The defender impressed on the left of the Spitfires’ back three in last Saturday's 1-1 National League draw with Gateshead, while extending Eastleigh’s unbeaten record to four games with his second goal in five days.

Obileye, who now has four goals for Eastleigh, stabbed in the 58th-minute equaliser shortly after the home side had gone behind against a Gateshead side that arrived at the Silverlake Stadium on the back of seven wins in a nine-match unbeaten run.

There were few chances for either side but Obileye at least ensured Eastleigh’s unbeaten run remains intact as they prepare to go to Dagenham & Redbridge, his former club, this weekend.

He has taken his chance in the last two games in the absence of the injured Reda Johnson, and has enjoyed playing alongside Paul Reid – who has returned to Eastleigh from Whitehawk – and Gavin Hoyte.

“Reidy is the leader of the three of us but we all talk to each other, it’s been going great for us,” says Obileye.

“Reidy’s a good player and a good leader, a real defender, so it’s good to have him there helping.

“I played in a back three at Dagenham so I’m familiar with it. I’m comfortable with both feet - my left is as strong as my right.”

Obileye, a former Sheffield Wednesday trainee, scored three goals in 47 appearances during a season-and-a-half on loan at Dagenham.

He has four in 14 appearances for the Spitfires after scoring from close range when Gateshead failed to clear Michael Green’s volley into a packed penalty area.

“I was a striker as a kid so when I’m in the penalty box I’m quite comfortable,” said the 22 year-old, who is hoping to help extend Eastleigh’s unbeaten run to ten matches between now and the end of the season.

“There have been a lot of changes but we’ve all knuckled down and worked hard and it’s showing with our performances on the pitch,” he continued.

“After four managers [this season] people are looking at us as if it’s a jolly up, but the boys are together a bit more now.

“The gaffer (Richard Hill) has been good to us and we’re giving him the work ethic back. We’re looking to stay unbeaten till the end of the season, that’s the main thing for us.”