EASTLEIGH 1, ALDERSHOT TN 1

A HEARTENING draw proved something of a victory for Aldershot Town’s resurgent spirit and quality as they bounced back from Boxing Day disappointment.

The Shots matched the exalted, expensively-assembled Eastleigh squad stride for stride in a game which would have produced far more goals but for two superlative performances from goalkeepers Phil Smith and Ross Flitney.

Flitney kept Aldershot at bay during the first half, while Smith maintained parity as the Spitfires pressed for a second-half winner, making the draw something of a fair result even if two penalties were scant reward for the endeavour on show.

“It was a great spirited performance. There was a lot to be proud of in my players today, in the team spirit and togetherness,” said Shots manager Barry Smith who tried to see the bigger picture of a run which now features just one win in 12. “We’re a team that should be progressing in the right direction, and we had been until this recent run. It’s just about consistency and putting the ball in the back of the net, which has probably been our downfall.”

Only Flitney prevented Aldershot from addressing that problem at the Silverlake Stadium, yet for just the third time this season they had to earn a result from a losing position.

On just four minutes, Smith parried James Constable’s shot on the turn. But Eastleigh, who had already beaten Aldershot twice this season, ominously moved in front in the eighth minute.

The visitors failed to react to a swiftly-taken free-kick and, with Constable running away from goal, Omar Beckles was lured into a rash challenge which the striker made the most of, and Josh Payne converted the penalty decisively.

Aldershot responded admirably, though. Flitney made a superb save from Charlie Walker’s deft header and then Jim Stevenson latched onto a Jake Gallagher pass and skipped into the box, only to have his shot blocked by the keeper’s legs. Flitney’s next two saves, denying Walker and flinging himself in front of Tom Richards’ follow-up, were even better, but on 26 minutes Aldershot were finally level.

Gallagher chipped a pass into the area and Walker’s instant control induced a foul from Jai Reason, allowing Sam Hatton to equalise with another fine penalty.

The sides continued to press in turn. Just 30 seconds into the second half, Hatton’s half-volley from six yards was deflected wide as Aldershot almost grabbed the lead.

There were chances at both ends and the Shots lived dangerously as Cheye Alexander dived to block a shot from Andy Drury and then Reason’s curling drive hit the post, ran along the line and round the other upright.

But it was Smith who really earned Aldershot the draw. He made a superb point-blank save from Payne and, with eight minutes left, somehow clawed out Yemi Odubade’s shot, despite being wrong-footed.

Substitute Marcus Harness, on loan from Burton Albion and back from suspension, launched two late counter-attacks alongside Richards as the Shots continued to show encouraging ambition.

Finally, though, they were halted by the referee’s whistle, and were left to reflect on the bittersweet realisation that they were slightly disappointed with only taking a point from a game many expected them to lose.

As an underwhelming 2015 fades from view, such stoicism must be their first resolution of 2016.

Eastleigh: Flitney; Partington, Evans, Reid, Payne, Constable, Reason (Fanimo 71), Cook, Midson (Odubade 77), Drury, Harding. Subs (not used): Poke, Green, Strevens. Booked: Midson, Flitney.

Aldershot: Smith; Alexander, Beckles, Oliver, McGinty; Hatton, Stevenson, Gallagher, Richards; Carr (Harness 79), C Walker. Subs (not used): Thomas, Lathrope, Oliver, D Walker. Booked: Beckles, Walker.

Referee: Richard Martin.

Attendance: 2,107.