EASTLEIGH boss Kelvin Davis and defender Luis Fernandez are hoping for a bumper crowd ahead of a huge Silverlake clash on Non-League Day.

The Spitfires host Southend United on Saturday, March 22 (3pm), with both teams level on points and just three points outside the National League play-offs.

Both teams know only a win will realistically keep them in contention for the top seven and a potential route into the Football League this summer. 

Non-League Day is an annual event which celebrates the clubs outside of England's top four divisions, including semi-professional and grassroots sides.

Previewing the weekend, Fernandez said: "I think it's important to celebrate non-league day because it showcases the level of ability at this level.

I feel like until you come down and actually see it, you won't fully understand the standard of this level, you've got big clubs in this league

"Ultimately the more fans that come out helps us get over the line and hopefully adds that 1 per cent to our performance.

"Hopefully, we can get as many fans here at the Silverlake on Saturday as possible and hopefully, put on a show for them in a big game."

Eastleigh had two away matches last week and came out with just one point, having also drawn with Hartlepool in their last home match.

Having been beaten 2-0 at Oldham Athletic, the Spitfires collapsed from 3-0 up and cruising in the 69th minute at Wealdstone to draw 3-3.

However, a win against potential play-off rivals Southend could restart their push with just eight matches to go until the end of the season. 

Boss Davis added: "Southend are an ex-League club themselves, so they understand the importance of the league and the importance of promotion.

"We expect a tough game. They're finding themselves outside the play-offs but with their expectation at the beginning of the season would be probably to be in.

"My understanding of Non-League Day is to celebrate football outside of what would be League football and the higher echelons of the game.

"Obviously, we're a professional club, Southend are a professional club, and many of the teams in our league are professional.

"The gap between League football and National League level is tighter and tighter each year when you look at the teams at the top end of our table.

"It's an opportunity for everyone to come and see the standard, look at the league and support their local club and another style of football that's on offer in the country.

"We've obviously got a big competition in being so local to Southampton and I think when there's not a Saints home game, there's an opportunity for people to come.

"Hopefully, we can give you a good performance and product on the pitch to enjoy enough to come back week in, week out."