Late strikes from Danny Smith and Andy Forbes sealed a deserved victory for Eastleigh at Longmead Stadium. In a match that was even for long periods, the Hampshire side created the clearer chances.

Brendon Cass saw a good early chance saved by Matthews in the Eastleigh goal, but the visitors went ahead on 9 minutes when Pauls Sales' flick found Martin Thomas with time and space to pick his spot. Eastleigh could have extended their lead 10 minutes before the interval when good interplay between Sales and Rob Matthews prised open the Angels defence, but Matthews' shot clipped off a defender and flew wide.

Tonbridge started the second half with renewed purpose. The ball somehow stayed out of the visitors' goal following a frantic scramble from a corner, then Tim Hambley fired over after a flowing Angels move before Eastleigh clawed their way back into it. Jamie Turner denied Matthews, then sub Forbes missed the target with a couple of chances. Cass fired just wide for Tonbridge after making space well, but Eastleigh scored a killer second on 81 minutes, Smith running through unchallenged to slot past Turner. The lively Forbes completed the scoring near the end, drilling home the rebound after Turner had parried Tyrone Bowers' shot.

Report by: Tony Browne