Starting with five players out of position and a large number of absentees through injury, Eastleigh put up a plucky performance in losing 17-3 at Farnborough.

Eastleigh gave as good as they got in the first 20 minutes, making good ground with efficient mauling and tackling like demons when the home backs opened up.

The visitors deservedly took the lead with a cleanly struck penalty by Russ Smith - a lock playing at fly half.

With half-time looming Farnborough took the lead when, after a short penalty, quick hands gave Paul Bird a chance to break the final tackle and score.

Eastleigh's defence broke twice early in the second half to concede tries by Paul Baker (which he converted) and scrum half Miles Veall, but the floodgates did not open.

Arnie Payne made several powerful runs, Paul Fudio showed up well and Steve Shears, starting as flanker, but reverting to hooker when Shaun Donoghue went off injured, was also influential for Eastleigh.

With time running out Eastleigh forced a series a short penalties in the home 22 but were denied by conceding a penalty themselves.

There was much pride and no shame in this effort by Eastleigh's young players.