HARD WORK is paying off for Eastleigh midfielder Jai Reason after the former Braintree midfielder helped the Spitfires into the FA Cup second round.
The 26-year-old scored the first goal in the 3-1 replay win at League One side Swindon Town on Tuesday night.
It’s not been plain sailing for Reason recently and he was left out of the Eastleigh side for the original tie against Swindon as well as Saturday’s National League game against York City.
However, the ex-Cambridge man took his chance and inspired the Spitfires to a famous victory at the County Ground to set up a second round game against National League North side FC Halifax Town.
Eastleigh made it to the third round last year, beating Crewe Alexandra along the way before narrowly losing to then-Championship outfit Bolton in their replay.
With FA Cup fever hitting the Spitfires once again, Reason told BBC Radio Solent: “I’ve had to get my head down and work hard that little bit harder of late.
“I got my chance again tonight and took it with both hands and that just shows how football can change overnight.
“This win is up there with beating Crewe in the first round last year But, to come to a League One club and score three goals just sneaks it for me. I don’t doubt our boys in the dressing room because of the quality we’ve got.
“Hopefully we can take this cup form into the league and start climbing the table.”
