SAINTS will visit their National League neighbours Eastleigh in their annual first match of pre-season, for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, July 12.

The match will mark the first fixture under the stewardship of new boss Will Still, who signed a three-year contract at St Mary's last month.

Still will be in the dugout for the first time as pre-season begins against the Spitfires, who finished 13th in the National League last time out.

It is the second successive season in which Saints have faced Eastleigh, after winning 7-1 in front of a crowd nearly 5000-strong in July last year.

Adam Armstrong scored twice as Will Smallbone, Sekou Mara, Ryan Manning, Yuki Sugawara and Charly Alcaraz also got in on the act.

Adam Armstrong beats Spitfires stopper Joe McDonnellAdam Armstrong beats Spitfires stopper Joe McDonnell (Image: Stuart Martin)

A second-half strike from Scott Quigley gave the home fans something to cheer about, in a one-sided affair between teams four tiers apart.

Eastleigh vice-chairman, Tom Coffey said: “Over the past few years, ourselves and Southampton FC have built a strong relationship that seems to be ever-growing as we go from strength to strength.

“We’ve hosted numerous cup and international fixtures for both the under-21s and women’s team and we’re excited for what the future holds.

“I would like to personally thank Southampton FC, in particular Phil (Parsons), for providing us with the opportunity to host Saints at the Silverlake.”

Saints are already facing Brighton at St Mary’s on Saturday, August 2 (3pm), with ticket details for both fixtures to follow in due course.

Saints are set to announce further friendlies, with an expected training camp in Europe, ahead of the action getting under way next month.