'Put fear' - Davis praises Saints starlet after first Eastleigh start

The 18 year old started Eastleigh's 1-0 win over Vanarama National League strugglers Wealdstone on Tuesday evening.

Merry, who joined the Spitfires on loan last month, came close to scoring but saw his rebounded effort denied.

Speaking to Eastleigh's media team, Davis explained how playing in the National League could be the foundation of a "long and successful career."

He said: “We are thankful that Southampton sent us a couple of their boys, which has been great. Jake Vokins has come in and done well. Merry has made his full debut.

“I felt that he added something to us. He was dynamic with the ball and put a bit of fear in the opposition.

“He can turn and drive at them. He found little pockets in front of their back four which we spoke about.

“I am really pleased for him. A full debut at Wealdstone isn’t what he probably had in his mind at eight years old.

“But this is important football. It’s league football. For him, it will hopefully be a learning experience for a long and successful career.”

Will Merry signed his first professional contract at Saints in March 2023 (Image: Southampton FC)

Chris Maguire bent a superb free-kick over the head of Stones goalkeeper Marcus Dewhurst to seal Eastleigh's third consecutive win.

Wealdstone went into the game in fine form and threatened to claim an early advantage as Nathan Ferguson came close before Aaron Henry hit the bar directly from a corner.

But Eastleigh recovered and Maguire missed an opportunity to put the visitors in front before he rifled home the winning free-kick with two minutes left.

"I think this is a win that will live long in the memory," Davis continued. "We were super well organised.

"We know they like to have the ball and we were comfortable with them having it. The lads executed what we spoke about really well. From day one it's been about how we defend our box.

"We changed a bit of the shape because I wanted to mix it up a little bit in the player's heads.

"We wanted to create a bit of a stimulus for the players instead of keeping the same shape. The players took it really well."