EASTLEIGH manager Richard Hill was pleased with how his team "worked hard" in their 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic on Saturday.
Former Scotland international Chris Maguire put the Spitfires ahead on 27 minutes before Alex Reid drew the hosts level with 20 minutes to go.
Speaking to Eastleigh's media team, Hill noted: “It was a good game, I enjoyed watching it.
"There was a period of time when the game was end to end. There was some good football and I think it was a good advert for the National League.
“It’s always difficult coming to Oldham. We expected the onslaught to come in the second half, but you are going to get that.
"It’s very easy to say to shout at people, but Oldham were disappointing in the first half.
“They played a lot better in the second half I’ve had to tactically change the formation because I don’t think we would have seen out the game had we continued playing with three centre-halves.
“We changed to a 4-4-2, which enabled us to get tight to the fullbacks. The one disappointment was their goal.
"We should have shuffled across. Other than that we have seen a new side to this team. In the last two games you’ve seen a gritty side to this team. It was a fair result.”
Eastleigh are still struggling with fitness issues as a number of senior players continue to be out of contention with injury.
“We were without three of our players today,” Hill continued. “That’s not an excuse. There is probably more I could have done had we got some of the more experienced lads back.
“That was no game to throw some of the younger lads on in the second half. I think it’s a fair result. They are in a transition period as well.
“They’ve got a new manager in and they’re trying to impress him. He has got them playing and he will make them better.
"If you had asked people yesterday if we would take a point we would have said yes.”
The Spitfires’ fitness concerns were relieved somewhat by the return of top goalscorer Paul McCallum.
The 30 year old has scored 12 goals in the league this season and won the penalty that put Hill’s side ahead.
“It was a difficult game for the forwards. Getting decent possession to them was limited. Macca has come in, it’s been tough for him.
"He has had a spell away. Knowing him he will take a few games to get back to our tempo. But he has worked hard today,
"They’ve all worked hard. You don’t come here and not work hard. It’s good to see him back in the team."
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