Eastleigh Spitfires Hold Their Nerve in Five-Goal Thriller to Down Scunthorpe
Scunthorpe equalised not once but twice, and still left Eastleigh empty-handed — a late Josh Lundstram winner settled one of the season's most dramatic home games.
Spitfires Survive Scunthorpe's Comeback Bid
Eastleigh FC made it two wins from three games in the National League season with a breathless 3-2 victory over Scunthorpe on 23 August 2026 — but they had to work every last minute for it. Scunthorpe levelled twice and looked set to snatch a point before Josh Lundstram broke their hearts with a late, decisive winner. For a Scunthorpe side still hunting their first win of the season, it was a gut-punch of an afternoon.
Sidwell Sets the Tone
It was Wimbledon loanee Harry Sidwell who got Eastleigh's afternoon off to a bright start, breaking the deadlock after 37 minutes to hand the home side a lead they held into half-time. Sidwell has clearly wasted no time making himself at home at the Silverlake Stadium. But anyone expecting a comfortable second half was about to be rudely surprised.
Scunthorpe Fight Back — Twice
The visitors came out of the tunnel with purpose, and Alfie Beestin levelled shortly after the restart to silence the home faithful and reset the contest. Eastleigh responded well, with Aaron Blair restoring the Spitfires' advantage and seemingly steadying nerves around the ground. Then came Scunthorpe's second equaliser — new signing James Gale popping up to seemingly rescue his side a hard-earned point on the road.
Lundstram Writes the Final Chapter
Just when Scunthorpe thought they had done enough, Eastleigh had other ideas. Josh Lundstram stepped up with the winner in the closing minutes, sending the home crowd into raptures and condemning Scunthorpe to yet another defeat in what is shaping up to be a difficult early-season run. Two wins in three games is a very decent return for Eastleigh — and the manner of this one will have done wonders for the squad's belief.
What Happens Next
Scunthorpe head into their next fixture still searching for that elusive first victory of the National League campaign, with pressure mounting as the early-season table begins to take shape. For Eastleigh, the confidence will be high after grinding out a result even when their lead was twice wiped out — and supporters will be eager to see whether the Spitfires can turn this early promise into a sustained title challenge. Keep an eye on the Silverlake Stadium: the National League could have a genuine contender on its hands.
Source: Spitfires make it back-to-back home wins at home to Scunthorpe