Winchester News Online
Eastleigh misfire against Southend in FA Cup
Injury time winner from Aribim Pepple sent Southend United into the next round, knocking the Spitfires out of the FA Cup in fourth round qualifying.
Eastleigh kicked off the game aiming to replicate last seasons great form in the FA Cup, with Spitfire forward Tyrese Shade grabbing an early chance in the opening minutes, which was met with safe hands from the Southend Goalkeeper.
Kelvin Davis made two changes from the 3-1 loss against Forest Green the weekend before, introducing Luis Fernandez and Lloyd Humphries into the starting eleven.
Southend Fullback Gus Scott-Morriss was a standout for his side, causing problems down the right hand side with his skill and clever play throughout the first half.
The Spitfires enjoyed most of the ball throughout the earlier parts of the game, grabbing a number of half chances with the help of Fernandez and Maguire’s long passes.
The second half kicked off much like the first, with an earlier go at goal from an Eastleigh Forward, this time by Paul McCallum, tipping the header just over the bar.
Eastleigh remained a threat throughout the half, coming close to scoring again as captain Jake Taylor fired close from distance.
The away side began to grow later in the game, grabbing their own chances. The half was truly underway as both teams threatened the others goal.
A bold penalty shout from Southend for a tackle on loanee Aribim Pepple led to a yellow card for Adam Crowther for decent as the game looked to be heading for a replay.
Aribim Pepple, however grabbed his revenge in the last minute of the game, breaking free with a run in behind the Eastleigh defence and driving the ball between the Goalkeepers hands, sending the Spitfires out of the Qualifiers and putting the Shrimpers in front.