Spitfires part company with Bartlett after Morecambe humbling

By Derek Quinn

MORECAMBE 4

Azeez 13, Nolan 56, Payne 58, Popov 78

EASTLEIGH 0

Eastleigh have confirmed they have parted company with manager Scott Bartlett in the aftermath of their 4-0 humbling at the hands of National League strugglers Morecambe.

A superb 45-yard opener from Miguel Azeez gave the Shrimps the platform they needed to build on with second half strikes from Jack Nolan, Lewis Payne and Chris Popov giving the relegation-threatened home side a first win since December 21.

It was also a result that clearly annoyed the visitors’ hierarchy too as comments were openly made from one official about the team’s performance to the Spitfires’ bench after the game with Bartlett not appearing for a post match interview.

A statement was released on the club’s website just hours after the full-time whistle confirmed Bartlett’s departure and explaining the reasons behind the decision.

It read: “Eastleigh Football Club can confirm that Scott Bartlett has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.

“An interim appointment will be confirmed in due course while the Club undertakes a thorough and comprehensive recruitment process. This process will ensure we are well positioned to achieve our objectives next season and competing at the right end of table.

“We understand and share the frustration felt by our supporters regarding how the season has unfolded. During this period of transition, we ask for your continued unity and support for the players and staff as we work collectively to finish the campaign as strongly as possible. Further updates regarding the interim appointment will be communicated in due course.”

A relieved Morecambe boss Bentley said: “To a man today we were fantastic. We had some strong words this week after our heavy defeat at Southend last week which was a horror show and I certainly got a response today.

“Four goals from four different players and a clean sheet made it pretty much a perfect day for us and it was great to see the smiles back on the fans’ faces at the end of the game.

“We set a standard today that we need to maintain week in, week out and see where that takes us.’’

Azeez gave the Shrimps the lead in the 13th minute with a superb strike. The midfielder received the ball just inside the Eastleigh half but spotted Nick Townsend off his line and produced the sweetest of strikes to find the back of the net.

The Shrimps continued to press with Paul Lewis seeing a shot blocked and Popov heading a Payne right wing cross wide.

Nolan wasted a golden chance to double the advantage just before the break when he was put through on goal but dragged his final shot horribly wide.

Eastleigh started the second half on the front foot with an Aaron Blair cross just needing a touch but it proved to be a rare moment of threat as Morecambe took control with two goals in two minutes just before the hour.

Nolan doubled the lead with a closerange finish after Lewis had headed Gwion Edwards’s cross against the post and Payne made it three moments later with a lovely finish from Popov’s perfect lay-off.

James Waite twice tested Jamal Blackman from distance before the Shrimps added a fourth 11 minutes from time when Payne repaid the favour as he played in Popov who produced a neat finish to beat Townsend.

Eastleigh were denied a last minute consolation as Barney Stone’s effort was cleared off the line by Harlee Dean to cap a fine day for the home side.

STAR MAN: Lewis Payne (Morecambe)

ATT: 2,229

ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★

REFEREE: Craig Hicks