EASTLEIGH threw away a 2-0 half-time lead to draw 2-2 at Gateshead, dropping them to 11th in the Vanarama National League.
Scott Wilson's 25th-minute opener and Mikael Mandron penalty on the stroke of half-time had put Ronnie Moore’s side in the ascendancy and within a victory of the play-off places.
The hosts, though, had other ideas and hit back with strikes from Sam Jones (72) and Danny Johnson (79).
Jones' deflected effort found the net and then Danny Johnson netted a penalty conceded by Spitfires defender Reda Johnson for fouling Wes York.
It would have been worse for Eastleigh but for a miraculous succession of one-on-one saves from young Ryan Huddart.
The Arsenal loanee played in goal after first-choice No1 Ryan Clarke had injured an elbow in a training session at Doncaster Rovers on the journey up.
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