EASTLEIGH defender Niall Maher is "gutted" after suffering a season-ending injury during their 2-0 defeat at Oldham Athletic earlier this month.

Maher, 29, sustained a serious injury during the first half and was forced off the pitch, deepening the Spitfires' fitness problems this term.

There is no definitive timescale for his return, nor confirmation of the injury he suffered, but the centre-back will miss the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

On social media, he said: "The comeback is stronger than the setback. (I'm) gutted the season has ended the way it has for me.

"But (I'm) personally happy with the season and (my) contributions within it. Time to mentally and physically recharge. I’ll be back for the 25/26 season."

A statement from Eastleigh added: "Everyone at the club wishes Niall the best and we will continue to support him through each step of his recovery."

Maher has been a key figure at the back for Kelvin Davis' Eastleigh this season following his summer move from Grimsby Town.

The centre-back has played 40 games across all competitions - 36 of those in the Vanarama National League - and scored three goals.

He will be absent for the final eight games, having also missed last week's disappointing 3-3 draw at Wealdstone, as Eastleigh look to reach the play-offs.

The Silverlake Stadium side are currently three points off the pace but have played three games more than seventh-place Rochdale.

Recent defeats to Braintree Town and Oldham, coupled with draws against Gateshead, Hartlepool United and Wealdstone have seen Davis' side miss out on valuable points.

Eastleigh face fellow play-off hopefuls Southend United on Saturday at home and will be looking to end a three-game winless run.

The Spitfires are anticipating a good crowd at the Silverlake Stadium against the Shrimpers on Non-League Day.