MANAGER Kelvin Davis praised a "disciplined" performance which saw Eastleigh secure a 1-1 draw against high-flyers Barnet on New Year's Day.

The draw meant Barnet lost top spot in the Vanarama National League after York and Forest Green claimed wins.

Tyrese Shade had put Eastleigh ahead after 16 minutes, tucking away his fifth goal of the season from Richard Brindley’s cross.

Barnet went close to equalising before the break as Spitfires goalkeeper Joe McDonnell made an excellent diving stop from Anthony Hartigan’s free-kick.

The Bees continued to press and Ryan Glover headed Ben Coker’s corner onto the roof of the net.

Barnet were finally rewarded after 71 minutes when Glover crossed and Callum Stead flicked home.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Davis said: "I thought we were very disciplined with our performance. We understood their threats.

"The togetherness of the team and the way they produced a performance of great structure meant we limited Barnet's chances.

"We took an early goal and probably, in key moments, could have scored more. I'm not sure how many games it's been, we've lost once in 11 games.

"We had a sticky spell and people were looking and asking questions. We got through that spell and didn't suffer any heavy defeats.

"We didn't have any super disappointing performances. Those games didn't go for us. That happens but today's performance was a team that is together.

"We've got injuries and we struggled with illness through the Christmas period. We are trying to get through the back of that.

"Jake Taylor struggled to get through the end of the game, Gape had to come off with illness. We have some worries in our group.

"We've shown great resilience and we will attempt to continue being unbeaten in 2025," Davis quipped.

Eastleigh are next in action at Northern Premier Division strugglers Basford United in the FA Trophy fourth round.

Basford have won just one of their last 12 games across 90 minutes and progressed from the third round via a penalty shootout victory over Halifax Town. 

"I will asses the lads on Thursday and we will see what the bodies are like. It's a competition we are serious about," Davis explained.

"We want to continue our unbeaten run in that competition. It's an opportunity to play at Wembley, I will never take that lightly.

"But I also respect that Gape has come off, Taylor has run himself into the ground. We have some niggles.

"The mentality won't change. We will put together a game plan, as we do every week, and try to show the same commitment that we did today.

"We want the fans to feel what we are trying to do. It's nice to do that on New Year's Day. It was nice to feel people together.

"I hope they feel the energy from the club and the energy ourselves and the players are putting in to try and bring some success."