AFTER a frank exchange of half-time views, there was a more light-hearted difference of opinion at the end of Eastleigh’s 1-1 draw against play-off contenders Wrexham.

While skipper Ryan Cresswell was officially credited with the stoppage-time leveller that stretched the Spitfires’ unbeaten National League run to three games, goalkeeper Graham Stack was adamant it was his.

Either way, Cresswell had an infinitely better afternoon than his central defensive side-kick Andrew Boyce who, having conceded the penalty that gifted Wrexham a 20th-minute lead, was sent off for a second bookable offence midway through the second half.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler had been in two minds whether to hook Boyce – already cautioned for a rash challenge on Sam Wedgbury – at the break. He thought better of it, but lived to regret it on 68 minutes when Boyce handled the ball in the mistaken belief a free-kick would be awarded in his favour.

It was the second key call to have gone against him, having been adjudged to have tugged back Scott Quigley for the earlier penalty which Wrexham’s big No9 duly converted.

Had those two flashpoints cost Eastleigh the game, it would have been an injustice. While Stack had a comfortable afternoon, his opposite number Chris Dunn reeled off save after save – topped by an outstanding stop from Paul McCallum’s close-range header.

Even with ten men, Eastleigh kept probing and finally got their reward when Stack, in his own words, “caused absolute chaos” from Sam Matthews’ late corner and Cresswell got the last touch.

Reflecting on “a crazy game”, Hessenthaler said: “We started well, but two breaks in play (for Wrexham injuries) stopped our momentum.

“A few words were said at half-time, not just by me but between the group, which was nice because sometimes there’s not enough honesty in the dressing room.

"There were a few flare-ups, but nothing personal. It actually did my job for me – some of them took the words out of my mouth.

“I’d said to Ben Strevens (assistant) about ten minutes before half-time that I was going to take Boycey off, but I thought he was old enough and experienced enough to be sensible, but unfortunately he wasn’t.

"It cost him - and it nearly cost us.

"But I was pleased with the way we responded. We got something out of the game, which we deserved. The team over the last few weeks have shown a lot of character.”

Now 13th in the National League, the Spitfires face a long trip to relegation-battling Barrow on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Eastleigh: Graham Stack, Sam Togwell (Ben Williamson, 65), Sam Wood (Michael Green, 82), Cav Miley, Ryan Cresswell, Andrew Boyce, Mark Yeates, Ryan Broom, Paul McCallum, Sam Matthews, Chris Zebroski (Reda Johnson, 72). Subs (not used): Ross Flitney, Danny Hollands.

Referee: Adam Bromley.

Attendance: 1,765