Eastleigh FC Story!

Hello to all FM scout users, I am creating a story with Eastleigh FC on FM 12 to try and get the steam achievement of getting a team from the lowest league in England to the premiership.

I chose Eastleigh as it is my local team but also they are one of the few teams in there league that are a professional club therefore meaning I have access to better players than the other teams.

My history at most clubs on this game are the same. I very rarely lose at home especially in the league, I try to play quick short passes with my teams and base it all around teamwork stats. My teams don’t seem to concede a lot of goals due to my team normally holding most of the possession. Hopefully Eastleigh will be the same

Time to start the journey!

Media prediction is 7th. The board have given me no money and want a top half finish.

First things first, I look at the team and notice that most players are getting 3.5-4 stars ability which is very good for the league. However they do not have any decent left backs or right backs. Straight into the transfer market I go and I pick up Luke Rowe and Nikki Ahamed. Rowe is currently in the New Zealand under 21s and looks a great prospect. Ahamed is from sri lanka and already gets a 4 star rep and he is only 20 years old.

Next on the list is a Goalkeeper, a young keeper that has good quality is crucial when trying to progress through the leagues as its one of the hardest positions to find. I had a look and James Gilpin seems the man for me and becomes the 3rd asset for the squad at the age of 21.

Pre-Season results:

Eastleigh 0:3 Southampton
Some very good positives from this game, possession was 50/50 and I created a lot of chances. So a very good results against a promotion contending championship team with huge attacking ability.

Eastleigh 3:1 Crawley
A fantastic win for the Spitfires, dominated the game against another promotion contending side in league 2.

New Signing! Jamil Adam has joined Eastleigh. Young Irish striker has bags of potential to offer and will be getting his debut in the next friendly away to Worthing.

Worthing 2:3 Eastleigh
Another superb win especially away from home. Major positive being the 56% possession from my team. However conceding 2 goals will have to be rectified in training

That Concludes the pre-season and I am delighted with how it’s gone 2/3 wins and great performances in all of the games.

Lastly before the season starts some more signings were made. Two youngsters on youth contracts Lewis Whiteley and Julian Okai.

are you goning to sign jamil adam?

Yes I have signed him, I have had experience with him before so was very surprised to see that he wanted to join me

August

Havant 0:0 Eastleigh
They always say don’t lose your first game of the season However this should have been a win. Two rightly disallowed goals for me but the build-up to both was fantastic to see. A clean sheet away from home I suppose is always good but with 60% possession in the first half I should of really been in front. All in all not a bad start to the season.

Eastleigh 2:1 Woking
Very nice to get a victory so early and stay unbeaten. However it was not a very confident performance and once again was a game of two halves. Dominated proceedings first half going 2-0 ahead and looking like a rout. They got a goal just before the break and from then on it was get your stopwatches out and hang on. They bombarded the goal and Gilpin was fantastic, defence putting their bodies on the line.
Mid-week games are always hard and normally determine your season in the final outcome. A very good win against a brilliant Woking outfit, they are a team to watch out for this season.

Eastleigh 3:1 Farnborough
A comfortable win and one that I expected. I watched them lose midweek to Dover at Home and they were poor I knew my side had them covered all over the pitch. So in this game I took a early lead due to a Bubb Penalty. Then they equalised before the break so I gave my team a aggressive team talk and they soon got the ball down and ripped them to shreds. 60% possession is always nice but still annoyed to concede.

New Signing! Simon Richman (MRC) joins me from Altrincham on a free. Not sure why he was out of contract there as he looks a great prospect at 21 years old. Goes straight into the first team.

Boreham Wood 2:2 Eastleigh
This game had everything! I went 2-0 down after 30mins due to my player getting injured and coming off allowing them to play on plus an own goal. However 2 goals on 42 and 45mins meant at half time the sides were level. Adam came on to freshen the game up and that’s exactly what he did by getting one of the players red carded for fouling him whilst he was through on goal. But I could not make the extra man count. Not a bad result away and still unbeaten

Eastleigh 4:1 Hampton & Richmond
An excellent performance against a struggling Hampton side. However annoying to concede against this team especially in the 93rd minute.

Basingstoke 1:3 Eastleigh
A lucky victory indeed. Basingstoke played very well and took the lead deservedly. Basingstoke then gave me a penalty which bubb tucked away making it 3 out of 3 penalties converted already this season. Set piece then put me 2-1 up and then when Basingstoke through players forward in search for a point a quick counter attack fell to the sub adam to convert and make it 3-1 and the Spitfires went home happy.

Deadline day has come but no action at Eastleigh FC due to the great start to the season being unbeaten but still not top.

I wanted to put pictures up but am finding it hard to do so, if anyone can help just reply.

Doing well so far mate! Jamil Adam is supposed to be an unstoppable goalscorer! But he hasn't done well for me ever. Will be interesting if he does well for you mate.

September

Eastleigh 1:1 Truro
Poor start to the month, complete domination but could not get that vital second goal. Truro had one shot on target which was a poorly defended set piece. Impact sub adam had a great game and might be starting the next game due to his impressive recent games.

Chelmsford 2:2 Eastleigh
The game everyone was waiting for. The only two teams who were unbeaten still went to battle. Chelmsford took the lead twice but we came back strong and had a great chance to win the game when Chelmsford went down to 10 men but could not take full advantage. You can see why they are top but if that’s the team setting the benchmark I should be on course for a very good season.

Eastleigh 0:0 Sutton
Same old story at home this month. 60% loads of shots but not hitting the target. Once again the opposition went down to 10 men but my team at the moment cannot find there killer instinct, next game is mid week away to a struggling Tonbridge side and really this should be the game to end this run of draws.

Tonbridge 1:2 Eastleigh
Tonbridge gave this game everything and I underestimated them. They moved the ball swiftly and caused my defence all sorts of problems. Gilpin was up to his high standard again pulling off some awesome saves. However this time my finishing was brilliant, adam getting the winner with a stunning finesse finish which puts him in the first team for a while im sure. A good comeback after going a goal behind and hopefully to kick on and make this unbeaten run more wins than draws.

Eastleigh 0:4 Salisbury
63% possession for my time but once again could not bury the chances made. 3-0 down in first ten minutes it was game over, got to start being more clinical only 5 goals scored in last 5 games something has to be done. FA cup next woo but a very disappointing way to end the month and obviously the unbeaten run.

October
Eastleigh 4:1 Chippenham (FA Cup Qual 2)
A comfortable win with loads of possession. They played 5 at the back so it was always going to be hard to break them down and with my recent form of goals scored it were nice to see my team taking chances.

Thurrock 0:1 Eastleigh
Fantastic win for me away from home. A dominant performance created a lot of chances once again in the league only taking one goal but with a great defensive showing it was a nice win. Whiteley who I bought on a youth contract in August has deserved a full time contract and is now a professional and has been playing regularly.

Eastleigh 2:0 Dover
My team looks like they are putting that 4-0 loss from Salisbury last month behind them. The attacking movement in this game was a joy to see, Whiteley celebrated his new professional contract with a great goal. Dover never looked like scoring and my defence looks more solid and confident every game.

Basingstoke 1:3 Eastleigh (FA Cup Qual 3)
Always nice to win and it’s another good away one. Would love to make it to the FA Cup 1st round and I have a great chance with the last qualifying round being at home to Dorchester. The goals seem to be flowing now for my team and I hope it continues.

Staines 1:1 Eastleigh
Ali G’s boys did brilliantly this game very resolute. Still a good away point as Staines are on the fringes of play offs. Now my team must prepare for the next qualifying round against Dorchester which I would really love to win.

Eastleigh 3:2 Dorchester (FA Cup Qual 4)
YYYYEEESSS! Unbelievable game of football. After 16 minutes we led 2-0 and all the stadium thought it was game over. Then second half Dorchester were rampant grabbing a goal on 52 minutes and then on 66. The game then died down until the 94th minute, a great ball in from Ahamed and Montgomery was there with a great diving header to send the home fans into raptures.

FA CUP 1st round draw……..Home to….DAGENHAM!

Month Summary: Very good month especially the cup run, just need to keep the consistency in the league and keep the second eye on the cups.

November

Bromley 0:1 Eastleigh
Good away win against a top team in this division. Not much between the sides but an 83rd minute winner from Adam was enough to take all 3 points for the spitfires.

Eastleigh 2:1 Weston Super Mare
Adam is on fire, two goals for him in a one sided game. Nice to see the wins piling up, hopefully pulling away from the playoff contenders.

Eastleigh 1:3 Welling
Well those wins stopped quickly Welling played well and deserved the win, bit of a wakeup call for my side and one that will need to be put behind them. Hopefully the FA Cup game will be one to enjoy.

Eastleigh 2:0 Dagenham & Redbridge
YAY!! Incredible results against a team doing extremely well in league 2. The players gave everything when I was not expecting anything due to their great commitment to their league form. Let’s hope we can get a good draw.

FA Cup Draw Eastleigh at home to …… Exeter! Bottom of league 1

Maidenhead 1:2 Eastleigh
Easy victory against a team who only have 5 points this season. I expect a lot from my team and I need them to step up their training and a gear so that they can really dominate this division.

Eastleigh 1-1 Solihull Moors (FA Trophy)
Not a great result as I would rather lose then get a draw for this Mickey Mouse trophy. Means I have to play another game with this insane fixture list.

Solihull Moors 0:0 Eastleigh (Pens 3-5) (FA Trophy Replay)
Well at least I got through but another 120mins of football was not brilliant for my team’s fitness and could really hurt my league form.

Month Summary: Reasonably good month, got through both cups and only one loss in the league

December

Eastleigh 5:3 Exeter FA Cup 3rd round
Ridiculous game of football 3-2 down after 60 minutes then Daryl McMahon delivered 2 pearlers to make it 4-3 and then slabber capped off a win that was utterly not deserved. Exeter was fantastic for a team bottom of their league and very low morale. Hoping for a big away draw in the cup.

FA Cup 4th round draw Eastleigh are away to……Ipswich! Not a good tie for me as I won’t be getting a lot of money from it

Eastleigh 2-0 Dorchester
A very strong performance, Jamil Adam put the spitfires in front after 73mins and the visitors never really looked like scoring. Elphick then wrapped up the game in injury time to send all the home supports away happy.

Walton Casuals 2:2 Eastleigh FA Trophy 1st round
Once again a very annoying draw as it means I have to play yet another game. Complete domination from my team and just happened to concede 2 stupid goals in the space of 3mins. Let’s hope we can beat them at home and go through.

Eastleigh 3:1 Walton Casuals FA Trophy 1st round Replay
Comfortable win and should have been a clean sheet but just conceded in injury time. Would not mind getting a long way in this cup but the replays are starting to frustrate me

Eastbourne Boro 1:1 Eastleigh
A fantastic point based on how we played. Eastbourne controlled the game and pressured us the whole game. It was huge surprise when we took the lead but it did not last long and then it was backs to the wall. Gilpin in the sticks was on fire again as he has been all season.

Eastleigh 3:2 Dartford
Very good win at home. Unlucky to concede 2 goals but it did not faze my team and always looked like winning the game. Hopefully we can get something next week away to Farnborough to finish December on a real high.

Farnborough 1:0 Eastleigh
Always was going to be very hard as they are a great side in this division even though they are languishing near the bottom. This was actually our first away defeat in the league all season so it’s a brilliant record and one that sees us rightly near the top of the table.

Month Summary: Good end to the year, still in all cups and 2nd in the league to Salisbury. Hopefully the FA cup won’t last too much longer and we can concentrate more on the league and a little bit on the FA Trophy

January

Woking 0:1 Eastleigh
A game we should never have won but with the superb morale running through the team and the belief they can get points no matter how bad they play they took these 3 points. A great start to the new year which puts us TOP of the table.

Eastleigh 3:0 Havant
Fantastic game and a easy win. The strikers adam and slabber on the scoresheet and Havant could not handle them all game. Up next the FA CUP!

Ipswich 1:0 Eastleigh (FA CUP 3RD ROUND)
Very proud of my team. They were dominated most of the game as I expected but they kept the result down and that’s all that matters. Great cup run and probably best it comes to an end.

Hampton & Richmond 1:1 Eastleigh

Woeful away from home again but still grab a point on the board with our only shot on target. Hampton replied in the 91st minute but it was more than deserved.

Truro 3:2 Eastleigh (FA TROPHY)
Not a bad loss against a side 3rd in our league. They scored the winner in the 93rd minute but I breathed a sigh of relief as I did not want another replay

Eastleigh 3:0 Boreham Wood
Great result at home and one that was expected against not the greatest of teams. Need to just keep plugging along and pile up these wins.

Eastleigh 5:1 Basingstoke
Awesome finishing by my strikers this game, adam grabbing a hat trick. However recently keeping the ball has been a huge problem as most teams are getting more possession than me which I never like. Looking forward to the next game away to Truro as they are very high up the table.

Truro 1:2 Eastleigh
Get in! really setting the benchmark on the league now going 5 points clear. We only had 45% possession but we created over 12 chances in the game and we were brilliant. Great way to end the month.

Monthly Summary: Very good month and nice to see us beating some top sides. Out of both cups but that should give us a great chance on maybe even winning this title.

February

Eastleigh 3:1 Chelmsford
6th place Chelmsford had no answer to Adam this game he got 2 goals and we stride on, the title is there for the taking and we need to keep kicking on if we want to put daylight between us and the other contenders

Sutton 0:6 Eastleigh
Insane! Best performance of the season by a long way, slick football and brilliant finishing ripped Sutton apart and they had no idea what hit them. This result makes a big statement for our ambitions for the rest of the campaign

Eastleigh 1:0 Tonbridge
A difficult win for us as Tonbridge aren’t the greatest but are surviving for their lives. So was a nice win at home, but a difficult home fixture next week to come.

Eastleigh 0:2 Thurrock
Even though they are struggling near the bottom of the league they have been one of the better sides I’ve seen this season which was I was worried the previous week. Annoying that the loss was at home.

Monthly Summary: 9/12 points is promotion form and the football we have been playing some great stuff. 10 games remain and the next game is massive away to Salisbury.

you're almost there!

March

Salisbury 0:4 Eastleigh
Jamil Adam!! Superb in this game he grabbed two goals and a assist. Salisbury did not deserve this battering they played very well and created a lot but we took full advantage of their lack of scoring ability and ran riot. Now 8 points clear.

Dover 0:2 Eastleigh
Adam again he is been fantastic all season grabbing another goal today and dover ended up with just 9 men. Salisbury drew with Hampton which means now we are 10 points clear at the top of the league!!

Eastleigh 2:2 Staines
Confident game by us however on the fan day we just could not get that added goal. Salisbury won and closes the gap to 8 points again.

Welling 1:0 Eastleigh
Dreadful result and the only time my team have looked nervous to win. Looks like they have seen the table and started to feel the pressure. Salisbury win again and now its only a 5 point lead!!

Eastleigh 4:1 Bromley
Great game and thank god that we are back on track. Four different goal scorers was a big bonus. Not long until we lift this title….hopefully :S