MANAGER Kelvin Davis was pleased with the control shown as Eastleigh kept up the pace at the top of the National League with a 1-0 win over Tamworth at the Silverlake Stadium.

The Spitfires – beaten by leaders Gateshead last weekend for their first defeat of the season – took the lead through Paul McCallum in the sixth minute.

Promoted as National League North champions last season, Tamworth slowly grew into the game with Tom McGlinchey making a dangerous run into the penalty area before a timely tackle thwarted him.

The Lambs continued to push for an equaliser in the second half, with Christophe Wreh nodding over and defender Haydn Hollis seeing his header from a free-kick drop just wide as Eastleigh held out.

Davis said: "We controlled the game for large parts - and that's not a disrespect to Tamworth. We knew this game was going to be different to last week.

"From our side, it was a mentality standpoint. Can we turn up and be fully focused on our game?

"For large parts, we didn't allow them to get a foothold in the game. The long throw came, they put the ball in the box, and we defended it really well.

"Did we expect more from our guys? Yes, we did. Are we still happy with the three points and the clean sheet? Yes, we are."

Spitfires keeper Joe McDonnell produces some important saves to keep Davis' side in front at the Silverlake Stadium.

"I know a little bit about goalkeeping," Davis quipped. "The first one in particular was a fantastic stop.

"Before I arrived, Joe was talked about as being one of the best goalkeepers in the division. There was evidence of that today.

"He's a calm character - which I like in goal. It's great that he contributes in such a positive way.

"We felt there were a few things that needed addressing - mainly on our mentality side - at half time. We finished the game in a strong manner."

He continued: "It's always important to get the next three points as soon as you can. We were disappointed at Gateshead, but they are a great team.

"It's a tough place to go. They are going to be strong in this league. We are looking to get to those levels."

McCallum's match-winning goal was his fifth strike of the season and earned him the nickname 'goal thief' from Davis.

"What everyone at the club loves about Macca is that you know he is going to be there when the ball is in and around the box.

"He's a goal-hungry guy. I thought he could have offered us more in front of goal but it wasn't to be. We will take his goal and our performance.

"Anyone who wants to achieve at any level, you win your home games. We need to continue that mentality and keep picking points up at home."