Eastleigh 1 AFC Fylde 2: Luke’s double shoots down the Spitfires
The Coasters secured a valuable three points on the road at Eastleigh, courtesy of a Luke McCormick brace.
Craig Mahon made just one enforced change from last week's FA Cup win at Harrogate Town, with Max Taylor replacing the suspended Corey Whelan.
McCormick looked liveliest in yellow from the off, as his initial attempt on goal inside the first five minutes was deflected behind for the first of what would be a barrage of Coasters’ corners in the first half.
It wasn't without reply, though, as Aaron Blair made his presence felt at the other end as he sliced just over from close range.
Jack Morris and Luca Thomas each caused issues for the Spitfires' defence from wide areas.
Aaron Drewe ensured he stayed alert to the danger at the other end as target man Oli Hawkins found himself in on goal, though was denied the chance to let fly by the full back, recovering well to ensure the hosts weren't able to draw first blood.
McCormick opened the scoring just a minute before the break, linking up effortlessly with Jack Morris, before slotting home.
But early in the second half, Eastleigh were able to gain a foothold back in the match with Aaron Blair poking home from close range, having wrong-footed Pickford following brief pinball inside the Fylde area.
McCormick looked set to add his second of the afternoon, after captain for the afternoon Tom Whelan picked the attacking midfielder out with a ball over the top, but instead looked to square, and the hosts cleared the danger.
McCormick made amends, however, with his second goal as he broke clean through, and managed to round the onrushing Townsend before calmly slotting home on the line whilst remaining under immense pressure from two members of the recovering Eastleigh defence.
Tommy Dobson-Ventura had Eastleigh's best chance to level with six minutes remaining, though couldn't arrange his feet quickly enough to muster enough power on an effort from a deep corner.