Pic: Bruce Fenn
EASTLEIGH'S National League promotion charge has received another blow after the experienced Ben Strevens was banned for seven games.
Strevens, 35, was sent off in the dying minutes of the Spitfires' 2-1 defeat at Forest Green Rovers on Saturday for allegedly spitting in the direction of Jon Parkin.
The offence carries a ban of six games but because the wide midfielder, who can also play up front, has already been sent off this season, it has been bumped up to seven.
The ban will kick in on Tuesday when Eastleigh host league leaders Cheltenham Town and he will not be back until the Easter Monday clash at Torquay United.
His previous red came in the 2-1 home defeat by Gateshead back in September when he was given his marching orders for a half-time bust-up in the tunnel. He has also received nine yellow cards and is one caution away from missing another game.
It's yet another setback for Eastleigh's rookie boss Chris Todd who has seen his side pick up just two points from six games since losing to Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup third round last month.
The big spending Spitfires have slipped down to tenth in the National League and are now five points adrift of the play-off places.
