THE mystery of Darius Henderson’s absence from the Eastleigh side has been cleared up.

The 6ft 4in targetman, signed on a free transfer from Mansfield Town last month, has sat out the last two games with painful neck spasms.

The Spitfires were crying out for Henderson’s height and physicality on Tuesday as their dire run of home results continued with a 2-0 defeat to Braintree Town.

In his absence, Scott Wilson found himself dwarfed by the Iron defence and, with James Constable not introduced until the second half, experienced midfielder Ben Strevens – a former striker – played the supporting role.

Allen said: “Darius Henderson’s a player we need, a target man, someone to retain possess and who is good in both boxes.

“We’ve missed his physical presence, he’s a leader with good experience and no fear.”

Henderson’s chances of a miracle comeback at home to promotion-chasing Tranmere Rovers on Saturday are remote.

His condition has improved massively over the last few days, but Allen said: “He’s been in a difficult position.

“Since playing against Woking he’s had muscle spasms and tension round the neck.

“He spent a bit of time back in Yorkshire to rest it and he can drive again now and he’s back running.

“But he’s not joined back in full training yet and I don’t know how long it will be before he can.

“But what I will say is that it’s improved a lot over the last few days.”

Tuesday’s defeat left Eastleigh 13th in the National League, still 11 points off the play-off zone and 15 behind Saturday's fourth-placed visitors Tranmere.

It extended the Spitfires’ win-less home run to eight matches, stretching back to October 25, and Allen admitted afterwards that the drop-off in performance level from last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Guiseley had “surprised” him.

In fact it’s fair to say he is struggling to come to terms with Eastleigh’s home form, full stop.

“I can’t quite understand it,” he said.

“With all due respect to this club, it’s not a difficult place to come and play. I think the supporters here are very patient, to be honest.

"But at the moment the players are underachieving."

Giant defender Reda Johnson is unlikely to face Tranmere after picking up another injury against Braintree.

“Reda got a knock on his hip and wasn’t able to play on,” Allen confirmed. “I doubt he’ll be fit to play on Saturday.”