Eastleigh's Vanarama Conference play-off hopes hang in the balance as they trail to Kidderminster Harriers 1-0 at the Silverlake Stadium at half-time. 

Although things still look in the Spitfires' hands with rivals Macclesfield Town behind 1-0 at Torquay United while Forest Green Rovers' game against Dover is still goalless.

With this match one the biggest matches in Eastleigh’s history some nerves were inevitable, but there was little concern that the home side would settle quickly and collecting the magic point would merely be a formality.

However, the early stages of the game the Spitfires were almost paralysed as the enormity of what could be achieved equated to a completely uncharacteristic cagey start.

Richard Hill side, usually exuding confidence, looked nothing like the side that had just won four games in a row and had calmly dismantled Kiddy 3-1 back in March.

And no sooner had Flitney collected Eastleigh’s Player of the Season award that he was at fault for Kidderminster’s opening goal just 50 seconds in.

The round of applause that followed the collection of his accolade was probably still ringing in his ears as he burst out of his box to chase down a loose through ball, which had found its way past the Eastleigh backline.

Danny Wright was alert to Flitney’s impending error and latched onto the stray through ball.

The striker, falling over as he shot, swiped with his left foot and sent the ball on its way towards goal.

It wasn’t fiercely struck, but it was enough to take it to the goal-line, where centre-back Will Evans attempted to clear onlt for him to bundle himself and the ball into the net.

It was a horrific start, and it could have got worse soon after, as Kiddy continued to apply pressure on the nervy Spitfires.

A Kevin Nicholson free-kick tested a jittery Flitney, as his long-range free-kick was tipped over by the keeper as it looked to dipping under his crossbar.

Moments later a dangerous cross had to be put out for corner as Eastleigh avoided going further behind.

The home side started to get over their nerves and started to build a good foundation of possession.

Evans looked in control as he came under pressure from experienced Kiddy striker Lee Hughes, who tried at time to bully him around. He wasn’t having any of it, however, and was looking solid.

Some neat play started to develop from Eastleigh and that soon turned into chances.

Craig McAllister planted a header just over the bar while the Bitterne-raised frontman was on hand to head across goal from a Joe Partington cross.

It subsequently came to Jack Midson, who couldn’t quite apply the killer touch.

Midson had a couple more chances, but stabbed one just over on the brink of half-time after firing another just wide following Jai Reason's zipped free-kick.

Ben Strevens also worked keeper Daniel Lewis as he pulled a solid save from him on 32 minutes from just outside the box.