HAVING taken a step towards solving Eastleigh's clean sheet conundrum, boss Andy Hessenthaler now has another problem to address.

Yesterday's goalless draw with AFC Fylde was notable for being only the Spitfires' fifth clean sheet in their last 47 Vanarama National League matches.

But, coupled with the satisfaction of shutting up shop and ending a run of three straight league defeats, was concern over a lack of goals at the other end.

It’s now more than 400 minutes since the Spitfires last hit the back of the net in the 2-1 win at Dover Athletic five games ago.

While Hessenthaler acknowledged that Fylde, who had started the day in fifth spot, were “a good team with very good movement”, there was no disputing that Eastleigh had more than enough clearcut chances to beat them.

Mark Yeates should have punished Coasters keeper Jay Lynch for a poor clearance after five minutes and young midfielder Cav Miley missed an absolute sitter early in the second half from Paul McCallum’s headed knockdown.

Sub Chris Zebroski might also have done better with a close-range header – plus Eastleigh were adamant they should have had a penalty for handball by Neill Burn.

Fylde could legitimately argue that they deserved more for their first-half efforts, but Jim Kellermann drove a great chance straight at Graham Stack and Ashley Hemmings' audacious overhead kick dipped onto the top netting.

Coasters boss Dave Challinor felt neither side “really did enough to win it”, but Hessenthaler couldn’t help but ponder what might have been.

He said: “A clean sheet is always positive and they’re a good team. But if you look at the game as a whole, we had the best chances.

“That’s the only criticism I have of our players at the moment.We’ve been in every game so far, but we haven’t taken our chances.

“Yeatesy (Mark Yeates) is having a little bit of a spell (in front of goal). Even in training, our keepers did him no favours because everything he hit was being saved.

“He tried to bend that early chance today and knows he should have done better. Cav should score too and Zeb should do better with the header.”

The clean sheet was a huge source of satisfaction, however, especially as Michael Green was rested with a hip flexor problem.

That meant Danny Hollands filling in at left-back and a midfield debut for loan signing Jack Payne from Ebbsfleet.

“Danny was outstanding at left-back. His experience told,” said Hessenthaler.

“Jack grew into the game. He hasn’t played much this season and his game fitness is probably not up to where it should be, but he’s going to be an asset for us."

Next up for Eastleigh is a trip to Hartlepool United next Saturday.

They then return home to play Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, September 22 - that match to be screened live on BT Sport, kicking off at 12.35pm. 

Eastleigh: Graham Stack, Josh Hare, Oscar Gobern (Joey Jones, 90), Danny Hollands, Reda Johnson, Alex Wynter, Jack Payne, Cav Miley, Paul McCallum, Mark Yeates, James Constable (Chris Zebroski, 66). Subs (not used): Ross Flitney, Andrew Boyce, Oli Dennett.

Referee: Paul Howard.

Attendance: 1,570.