AFC TOTTON boss Louis Langdown had high praise for his own players – and the opposition – after Eastleigh racked up another pre-season victory, 3-0, at the Testwood Stadium yesterday.

Goals by Chris Zebroski, Mark Yates and a Michael Green cracker made it three wins from three for the Vanarama National League visitors who had already beaten Reading and Gosport Borough.

Given the three-league difference between the sides, it was always going to be a testing afternoon for Totton – and even more so without the services of Rob Nicholls, (work), Charlie Gunson (holiday), Stuart Green (unwell) and Justin Bennett (injured).

But the Stags acquitted themselves well against an Eastleigh side that Langdown believes will have a big say in non-League’s top flight under the management of Andy Hessenthaler.

Thanking the Spitfires for travelling with a strong squad, Langdown said: “It was an excellent afternoon. I really enjoyed it.

“Respect to Eastleigh. They’re a professional football team and we’re really pleased Hess brought their first team.

“Eastleigh worked hard and they’re a really physical outfit.

“With their togetherness and their physicality, I think they’ll be a threat in the Conference.

“I’m just pleased we played a professional football team because it’s the levels we want to rise up against. We had 18, 19 and 20-year-olds out there today and they did themselves a lot of credit.”

Totton are back in action at home to National League new boys Havant & Waterlooville on Tuesday (7.45pm), but will be without defender/midfielder Jack Barker who could be sidelined for some time after rolling his ankle against Eastleigh.

Hessenthaler’s Spitfires also have another friendly on Tuesday, away to Basingstoke Town of the Evo-Sik Southern League Premier Division South (7.45pm).