Eastleigh's FA Cup run ends after defeat to Newport County

The Spitfires were hoping to set up a tie with 12-time winners Manchester United.

Eastleigh forward Paul McCallum scores during their third round replay match at the Silverlake Stadium
Author: Jamie Williamson and Jason BeckPublished 17th Jan 2024

Eastleigh have missed out on a dream FA Cup fourth round tie with Manchester United after a 3-1 defeat in their third round replay with Newport.

Goals from James Clarke and Will Evans sent the Welsh side through after Paul McCallum briefly levelled for the fifth-tier Spitfires following Aaron Wildig's early opener.

Eastleigh manager Richard Hill said: "This will be a memory that lives for a while.

"It's brought a lot of exposure to the football club and the fans were brilliant tonight.

"The prize for this was massive and I think that's what hurts the most."

The Exiles will host 12-time cup winners United at Rodney Parade on January 28.

Eastleigh's FA Cup journey

3rd Round 1-1 v Newport County AFC

Eastleigh drew 1-1 with Newport in the FA Cup third-round, leading to a replay in Hampshire due to Chris Maguire's late penalty cancelling out James Clarke's opener.

2nd Round 2-1 v Reading

Paul McCallum’s stoppage-time strike enabled Eastleigh to pull off an upset as they beat Reading 2-1 in the second round.

1st Round 5-1 v Boreham Wood

A Nigel Atangana goal, as well as 2 goals each for Ludwig Francillette and Chris Maguire, helped Eastleigh beat fellow National League side Boreham Wood to secure their place in the next round.

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