Davis frustrated after Eastleigh fall to second consecutive defeat

First half goals from Dale Gorman and Gatlin O’Donkor were enough for Barnet to secure all three points with a 2-1 win.

The victory saw them tighten their grip on second spot in the Vanarama National League with just seven regular season games left.

As for Eastleigh, they now sit 18th in the division, just three points above the dropzone, however, they do have a game in hand on some teams below them.

Barnet captain Gorman set the promotion-chasing Bees on course to move four points clear of third-placed Bromley with a stunning strike from distance in the 18th minute.

On-loan Oxford United forward O’Donkor then doubled Barnet’s advantage with a fine 38th-minute volley.

The Spitfires did pull one back through Chris Maguire, who halved the deficit just before the break by running half the length of the pitch to finish a counter-attack.

The Scot had chances to draw Eastleigh level but could not capitalise, slicing a close-range effort just wide of the post.

Speaking to Eastleigh's media team, Davis revealed his frustration at losing back-to-back games. He said: "To lose two games on the spin doesn't sit right, it's not good enough at any level.

"You can't afford to keep doing that in the position that we are in. There were some positives towards the end.

"In the second half, there was a performance that you could relate to in terms of what we would expect from the start. 

"The lads understand that from the conversations I've had after the game. The second half was ours after the first half was theirs.

"Unfortunately, we did not score in ours. There were chances to score, but it wasn't meant to be. We will dust ourselves off.  

"The second half was an example of what is needed to pick up points between now and the end of the season. It's time to move on to the next one because they come quickly."

Eastleigh sit just three points above the relegation zone (Image: Graham Scambler)

Eastleigh were without top goalscorer Paul McCallum, who was playing for England C against Wales C.

Former Scotland international Maguire popped up with a brilliant solo goal in 33-goal McCallum's absence 

"You always feel comfortable when Chris finds himself in that position. I knew it would end up in the back of the net," Davis continued.

"I'm pleased for him. That was his first goal for us since we have come in - I'm sure he's got plenty more in the bank."

Nigel Atangana was withdrawn at halftime, but Davis confirmed that the midfielder had not suffered an injury. 

He explained: "It was a tactical decision, we felt it was right. Nigel has been great, but we thought there was an opportunity to get some intensity into the game."

Eastleigh are next in action at home against mid-table Hartlepool United on Saturday, 23 March.