Saints beat Eastleigh in first pre-season friendly

Southampton beat National League neighbours Eastleigh 3-1 in their annual pre-season friendly at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday.

Tonda Eckert’s side had to come from behind in the game after Spitfires defender Nick Akoto fired the hosts ahead after 14 minutes.

Saints then levelled it up thanks to new signing Lewis Dobbin before academy forward Nicholas Oyekunle headed the visitors ahead.

Midfielder Romeo Akachukwu, 19, then added a third to ensure Saints’ first pre-season match ended with a win.

Eckert and his players will now head to Germany to continue their preparation for the new Championship campaign with games scheduled against Eintracht Braunschweig and Preussen Munster.