MANAGER Kelvin Davis admitted Eastleigh's FA Cup fourth-round qualifying tie with Southend United is a chance to return to "winning ways."

The Spitfires fell to a 3-1 defeat against fellow National League promotion hopefuls Forest Green Rovers last Saturday, despite taking a first-half lead.

Eastleigh are on a run of three games without a win and have won just two of their last nine games, having started the season with four straight wins.

Davis' side now turn their attention to an FA Cup qualifying tie with fellow fifth-tier side Southend.

Eastleigh suffered a 2-0 defeat on the road to Southend, who sit two points above the relegation zone, earlier this season.

Speaking to Eastleigh's media team, Davis admitted he is looking forward to facing The Shrimpers once again.

He said: “We aren’t a massive squad and we have to protect the lads. We’ve some time to gather ourselves physically and mentally.

“It’s a game at home that we are looking forward to. We will get our energy levels back up. Yes, it’s a different competition from the league but it’s still an important home game.

“It’s a game against a top side from our league, they are a big club and we are excited to play them at home.

"We have fresh memories of playing them in the league. It’s an opportunity for us to get back to winning ways."