In two games the two Conference Premier sides have shared 13 goals, with Telford coming out mightily disappointed in both contests. At home Telford could not convert multiple chances into enough goals, losing 4-3 in a game they really should have won. This time around they threw it all away in the final 20 minutes.

Will Evans had given the home side the lead, but Telford responded with the kind of fire that has the side brimming with confidence. Tony Gray levelled before the stroke of half time before Adam Farrell and Sam Smith put the Bucks comfortably ahead.

Jai Reason gave the hosts a lifeline before striker James Constable slammed in his 13th of the season.

Telford came into the Silverlight Stadium on the back of two impressive away wins, including a 4-0 thumping of Wrexham. But defeats in the FA Trophy at AFC Flyde, 4-0, and a 1-0 reverse last Saturday at home to Halifax Town highlighted some of the cracks that remain.

Will Evans’ early strike took several deflections on the way trough, a goal which would have most Telford fans cursing their luck so early in the game.

Eastleigh should have extended their lead but couldn’t take their chances, and Gray made them pay when the hosts were caught on the counter, for Gray’s 4th goal against this Eastleigh side.

Smith had the chance to completely turn the game on its head just prior to the break, but couldn’t convert from point blank range.

Farrell made sure that he would take his chance and he duly delivered on 56 minutes when thumping home from just inside the area. Three minutes later and the Bucks were in full command when Smith made amends for his early miss, slotting home from a few yards out.

Eastleigh struck the jackpot again on 71 minutes when Reason’s effort was deflected past keeper Freddy Hall. That changed the momentum of the game and a lack of communication left Constable free at the far post to tuck home with 8 minutes left.

Eastleigh pushed for an unlikely winner, but couldn’t get beyond the deflated Telford defence. The draw sees Telford move above Nuneaton Town on goal difference into 23rd.

Telford United
Starting XI: Hall, Disney, Grogan, Byrne, McLaughlin, Farrell, Ventre, Poku, Clancy (Hancock 80), Smith (Todd 80), Gray.

Substitutes not used: Hedge (GK), Matthews, Deacey.

Eastleigh:
Starting XI: Flitney, Evans, Turley (Spence 36), Partington, Green, Reason, Strevens, Howard (Walker 59), Pell, Midson (Burton 67), Constable.

Substitutes not used: Stanley, McAllister.

Article by: Peter Wells