Eastleigh's prospects of landing an attractive and lucrative FA Cup first round tie against potential League One opposition were dashed when they were paired against Boreham Wood on November 4.

Remarkably, it will be the third year running Spitfires have played their long standing National League rivals, who have won the previous two cup ties 3-1 and 2-0, writes Mike Vimpany.

After beating Eastleigh in November 2022, Boreham Wood knocked out both AFC Wimbledon and AFC Bournemouth before losing 2-0 to Everton at a packed Goodison Park.

At least on November 4, Eastleigh will enjoy home advantage and, with Saints away at Millwall, they ought to attract a 2,000-plus crowd through the Silverlake Stadium turnstiles.

Eastleigh, who host York City on Saturday and then Woking next Tuesday evening (7.45pm), made heavy weather of beating Conference South strugglers Dover Athletic 1-0.

The influential Charlie Clarke hit Eastleigh's winner on the hour mark, the Spitfires hitting the woodwork at least three times, twice in quick succession after Dover teenager Henry Young was sent off for a heavy challenge.

Young's red card climaxed a busy afternoon for referee Paul Johnson who dished out eight yellows cards, five of them to Dover playeyers, and three to Eastleigh.

Despite Eastleigh's dominance, goalkeeper Billy Terrell, on loan from AFC Bournemouth, had only one meaningful first half shot to save as Paul McCallum and Scott Quigley wasted chances before a

Chris Maguire rebound struck the base of the post.

The lanky Terrell rightly admonished his defence when a moment of calm composure by Jake Taylor set up Carter's 60th minute winner.

Carter had been instrumental in the move that led to the goal, breaking down the left flank before working the ball across to the right from which the winner was engineered.

After that, McCallum, fighting a bout of flu, went close while Taylor was denied by  Terrill save.

In a frenetic finale, McCallum and Enzio Boldewijn struck the Dover upright and Spitfires gloveman Joe McDonnell made a desperate save to deny Nick Dembele a last gasp equaliser. It was virtually his only involvement.

Ironically, match winner Clarke was transferred to National League rivals Dorking Wanderers earlier this midweek, with Eastleigh signing 24-year old midfielder Jayden Harris on a short-term loan from Carlisle United.  He has recently played for Aldershot and Woking.