EASTLEIGH suffered last-gasp heartbreak in a 2-1 defeat at Tranmere Rovers this afternoon.

Chris Todd's men fell foul of a dramatic late winner by James Norwood at Prenton Park to crash to their first defeat of the Vanarama National League season.

Tranmere led by 24th-minute Steve Jennings follow-up after Ryan Huddart - selected in place of Ross Flitney - parried a Norwood free kick. 

The Spitfires drew level six minutes later when ex-Tranmere man Adam Dugdale stroked the ball in after the home defence had failed to deal with a high ball into the box.

Chances came and went at both ends before, with 15 minutes remaining, Trannmere were awarded a penalty for Luke Coulson's challenge on Lois Maynard.

There was relief all round in the Spitfires camp when Norwood's venemous strike cannoned off the crossbar but, amid a breathtaking finale, the Rovers striker had the last laugh.

With just seconds remaining, he latched onto a ball over the top before slotting it under on-loan Arsenal keeper Huddart.

It made it three wins out of three for the Birkenhead club, who now top the table as the only side on maximum points.

Eastleigh are down to 12th with four points from a possible nine and will be looking to make amends at home to Dover Athletic on Tuesday (7.45pm).