RICHARD Hill says it’s “refreshing” that teams are no longer coming to Eastleigh intent on parking the bus.

Unlike last season in the Conference South when visiting sides crammed as many bodies behind the ball as possible in an attempt to stifle the eventual champions, Vanarama Conference teams are setting their stall out to win.

None has yet succeeded, with Eastleigh having won six and drawn three of their nine home league matches ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Chester – but it’s not been for want of trying.

“That’s what I like about this league,” said Hill.

“Last season you could go 1-0 up and teams would still get everyone behind the ball, but this league is totally different and it’s refreshing to see two sets of players and managers trying to beat each other.

“I don’t want to sound arrogant but, in my opinion, teams weren’t coming here trying to win last season because it was Eastleigh, so we knew that, barring a mistake, we’d either draw or win.

“I was criticised at times because we didn’t score more goals, but there was one team that came here and put ten men behind the ball, fell 1-0 down to a set-piece and still continued to play with ten men behind the ball!

“That doesn’t happen now. We’ve moved up a league and everyone’s coming here trying to win.

“We beat Halifax 4-1 but, give them some credit, they were still trying to win the game at 3-1 down.

“People shouldn’t think ‘we’re at home, so that’s okay’ because it’s not, not at all.

“We’ve not had an easy game yet and I’m expecting another tough one against Chester tomorrow.”

Managed by ex-Kidderminster boss and England C assistant Steve Burr, Chester’s overhauled squad has come a long way from the one that finished 21st in the Conference last season, only avoiding relegation because Hereford United were expelled.

They have won three of their last four games, including last Saturday’s 4-2 FA Cup success at Stockport County, and bagged late league winners against Aldershot and Alfreton.

Currently they sit two places and three points behind Eastleigh in 13th spot having played one game more.

Eastleigh striker James Constable got another 45 minutes under his belt in the FA Cup victory at Kidderminster last Saturday on his return from a foot injury.

But there is no sign yet of fellow forward Jack Midson being ready to return.

“He’s got no chance tomorrow and no chance for the FA Cup (at home to Lincoln City) next week,” said Hill. “It’s a shoulder injury and you have to be careful. He’s been okay to come back to training in respect of ball work, but the lads have been told there’s to be no contact with him.”

Chester will be without defender Michael Kay, who starts a three-match suspension, and Burr has doubts over winger Craig Mahon, who turned his ankle in training, and goalkeeper Jon Worsnop, who cut his foot when standing on a piece of glass in the shower at home.