EASTLEIGH boss Kelvin Davis claimed his side's 1-1 draw against Hartlepool United could turn out to be an "important" result come the end of the season.

The Spitfires earned a vital point in their National League survival bid as they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Hartlepool.

The Premier League trophy was in attendance at the Silverlake Stadium as part of the meeting being the designated fixture of non-league day.

The visitors took the lead after 19 minutes when forward Joe Grey rounded off a well-worked move by slotting home the ball past Joe McDonnell.

The hosts equalised with 13 minutes to play when they were awarded a penalty for a handball inside the area.

Chris Maguire made no mistake from the spot by sliding it into the bottom left corner to make it 1-1, before Ludwig Francillette was denied by the post in added time.

Reflecting on the result, Davis told Eastleigh’s club media: "I think we expect more. We potentially deserved more.

"Obviously (Hartlepool United) scored a goal that was defendable. There were two very good chances where the goalkeeper made two high-level saves.

"On the balance of it, I don’t think it would have surprised anybody if we’d have taken three points today.

"I loathe to put any blame towards our finishing. If we keep creating those opportunities, we will get the goals that we deserve."

Eastleigh improved after half time with Davis putting that down to his side simplifying the game.

The former Saints goalkeeper believes the point could be crucial with the Spitfires three points above the relegation places.

He continued: "Obviously, you want to win your home games but at this stage of the season and where we are, every point is important. This maybe another massive point for us.

”The messages aren’t too different from at the beginning of the game. For whatever reason, we can’t seem to have that catalyst to start the game well.

"We spoke about starting the game well in the first 10 minutes but we didn’t manage to do that. We played some decent stuff and kept the ball well. We spoke about a few things at half time.

"The lads responded well, simplified it a bit and got on top of Hartlepool in the second half. I felt (after Maguire's goal) we were the team in the ascendency and looked more likely to win the game."

Eastleigh travel to Woking on Good Friday before returning to action at the Silverlake Stadium when they host Maidenhead United on Monday, April 1.