Late penalty keeps Eastleigh's Football League dream alive on the day they welcome supporters back
May 26, 2021 Jack Bishop
Eastleigh FC welcomed supporters back to the Silverlake Stadium for the first time in six months as they hosted Boreham Wood in the National League on Saturday.
With the stadium as full as COVID protocols allow, the Spitfires faithful were sent into a frenzy as Joe Tomlinson's injury-time penalty secured victory for the hosts.
The young full-back netted the only goal of the game as he calmly slotted his spot-kick into the bottom-right corner in the 92nd minute.
The win keeps Eastle igh's dreams of the Football League alive, as they sit a single point off the National League's play-off places with a game in hand over those above them.
Tomlinson said: "I've been waiting all season to be able to score in front of the fans, so to do it in the last minute, for all three points, it was brilliant."
Next up for the Spitfires is a visit to Altrincham, who sit at the wrong end of the table, but are safe from the threat of relegation.
Altrincham, like Eastleigh, were able to send their returning fans home happy this weekend, as they beat Yeovil Town 4-3.
Eastleigh captain Danny Hollands talked up the importance of being back in front of a home crowd, saying: "People say it's a bit of a cliche but they're the twelfth man.
"When something happens in the game it's nice to hear that roar of people getting behind you, and it really spurs you on."
Unfortunately for Hollands and his teammates, they won't see another home crowd again this season.
After their midweek trip to Altrincham, Eastleigh must travel to mid-table Solihull Moors on the final day of the season.
The task now is simple – two more wins and the Spitfires are in the play-offs.
See our full coverage as fans returned to the Silverlake Stadium here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF2fiiJ6wo4
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