EASTLEIGH'S showdown at East Kilbride on Saturday was more competitive than your average pre-season friendly - just what manager Chris Todd wanted for his National League promotion hopefuls.

After narrowly losing 2-1 at Scottish Premiership side Hamilton Academical at the start of their tour of Scotland, the Spitfires ran out handsome 3-0 winners against their Lowland League hosts.

Eastleigh took the lead through new signing Jake Howells, formerly of Luton Town, on 13 minutes before Andy Drury and another summer arrival, ex-Sunderland striker Mikael Mandron, finished the job in the second half.

"It was a physical game which was a bonus for when the league games start," said Todd.

"We'd played well in the first game too and it was good to see the goals come on Saturday.

"The whole tour was massively pleasing and such a good exercise. I'm really pleased with the outcome.

"It's all about getting games into the lads and getting fitness up to speed."

With nine new signings to integrate into their new-look squad, Eastleigh not only worked hard, but they played hard too.

Their free day was spent white water rafting and they had quiz and karaoke nights for team bonding.

"The boy Dawson (winger Adam Dawson) is a bit of an Eminem!" smiled Todd.

"Having them all together made a big difference, it's all really positive."

The Spitfires flew home with a clean bill of health ready for tomorrow night's (Tuesday, 7.45pm) friendly at Southern Premier outfit Weymouth, managed by ex-Spitfires goalkeeper Jason Matthews.

"We'll take a mix and match squad for what should be another good, competitive game," said the boss.

*Salisbury, beaten 6-2 at Basingstoke Town,. have signed young striker Tommy Wright - scorer of both their goals - on a season-long loan from Eastleigh's new Vanarama National League rivals Sutton United.

Tomorrow's friendlies (Tuesday, July 19): Bemerton HH v Poole Town, Fleet Town v Winchester City, Laverstock & Ford v Brockenhurst, Petersfield v Sholing, Salisbury v Portsmouth (7.00), Team Solent v AFC Totton, Weymouth v Eastleigh.