Reaching for the Sky
Another 1975 view of Ten Acres , this one showing the wooden clubhouse
Photo : Bob Lilliman
A change of name to Eastleigh in 1980 gave the club a more geographically representative feel , while the formation of the Wessex League in 1986 / 87 offered county league sides such as Eastleigh a higher standard of football and a clearer route to the Southern League and beyond . However , it wasn ’ t until winning the Wessex League title in 2002 / 03 that Eastleigh achieved promotion to the Southern League Division One East . Transferring to the Isthmian League Premier Division in 2004 / 05 after a third place finish , Eastleigh unveiled a new cantilever stand . Of brick and steel construction , the impressively tall structure possessed a well elevated 350 capacity seating deck and integral dressing rooms , and as well as providing excellent views , the stand was a statement of intent as to Eastleigh ’ s future ambitions . To this effect , good use was made of the rear of the
Above : The stand in 2004 , just before it was replaced by the new grandstand Photo : Vince Taylor
stand , upon which the club ’ s name and badge were proudly emblazoned . Meanwhile , the framework of the small stand that had previously stood on the Stoneham Lane side was despatched to the motorway end of the ground , where it provided standing cover , and the training pitch was tarmacked and converted into a car park .
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