Boston United slipped to their first away defeat of the National League campaign as two late Aaron Blair goals sealed all three points for hosts Eastleigh.
The Pilgrims were far from their best at the Silverlake Stadium but were edging towards a valuable point – until Tommy Fogarty fouled Blair and the Eastleigh striker picked himself up to score from the spot in the 76th minute.
Blair’s header two minutes from time sealed the deal for the Spitfires, who made it back-to-back wins in the process.
Rocco Coyle and Jordy Hiwula were included from the start, while Michael Kelly and Jacob Scott made a welcome return to the bench after injury.
United struggled to find their feet early on and were fortunate not to fall behind in the 10th minute when Connor Teale produced a magnificent block to deny Zavier Massiah-Edwards at the back post.
The Pilgrims slugged their way towards parity at the break and their best spell unfolded after half-time – but they failed to make much headway against a robust Eastleigh backline.
United were indebted to Rhys Lovett for tipping Josh Lundstram’s low drive on to the post, before pushing Blair’s goalbound effort behind and then clawing aside Aaron Pierre’s header.
The Spitfires’ breakthrough arrived when Fogarty fouled BLAIR – and the Eastleigh frontman dusted himself down to sail his spot-kick down the middle.
BLAIR wrapped up victory for the hosts two minutes from time – heading home an angled effort after United failed to clear a routine ball into the box.
Eastleigh (3-4-1-2): Nick Townsend; Temi Eweka, Luis Fernandez, Aaron Pierre; Richard Brindley (Sonnie Davis 70), Jordan Cousins (Kieron Evans 58), Angel Waruih (Jake Taylor 70), Archie Harris; Josh Lundstram; Zavier Massiah-Edwards (Freddie Ingram 58), Aaron Blair (Connor Underhill 90). Subs (not used): Louie Holzman, Josh McNamara (gk).
Boston (3-4-1-2): Rhys Lovett; Ben Grist, Tommy Fogarty (Manni Norkett 82), Connor Teale; Rocco Coyle (Michael Kelly 64), Jordan Richards, Greg Sloggett, Alex Lankshear; Dylan Hill; Lenell John-Lewis, Jordy Hiwula (Kieren Donnelly 69). Subs (not used): Jacob Scott, Arjan Raikhy, Billy Bradley, Bobby Jones (gk).
Referee: Ben Atkinson.
Attendance: 2,027 (162 visitors).
PIC: Chris Bray.
