Eastleigh hit a late equaliser to earn an FA Trophy replay against Chippenham Town – but their best result of the weekend was off the pitch.

The Spitfires went 1-0 down at the Southern Premier side to a goal from their former player Toby Osman, son of ex-Saints and England defender Russell.

But Richard Gillespie’s late header ensured the sides will try again at the Silverlake Stadium at 7.45pm tomorrow, when they will know who they face in the first round proper following today’s draw.

Whatever the result in the replay, the good news for Eastleigh fans is that the club’s long-term ambitions have been given a significant boost.

Eastleigh’s board decided at a meeting on Saturday morning to “recommend to the shareholders acceptance of an offer from Bridle Insurance Limited for the purchase of a majority shareholding”.

Bridle Insurance, which is based in Witney, Oxfordshire, have been the backers of Glenn Hoddle’s academy in the past and are also the shirt sponsors of League Two Oxford United. They have long-term plans to help upgrade the Silverlake Stadium into a Football League ground and finance additions to the squad – starting this week.

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