Chris Todd: Eastleigh boss still believes in the magic of the Cup

Chris Todd's team beat League One Crewe in round one of the FA Cup

The magic of the FA Cup is alive and well, according to Eastleigh's Welsh manager Chris Todd.

Eastleigh were the lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup before they were beaten 3-2 in a replay at cash-strapped Bolton Wanderers.

Former Newport County and Swansea City defender Todd only took over at the Conference National outfit in October.

"I don't think the Cup has lost its magic, we've had a great time, a great journey," Todd told BBC Radio Wales.

Eastleigh led at the Macron Stadium and were level at half time before ex-Swansea midfielder Darren Pratley's winner.

"We were so close, I'm very proud of our efforts in the FA Cup," Todd said.

"I believed in my players, at 2-2 at half time I believed we would go on to win the game. We ran out of steam a little bit, but I was very, very proud."

Todd, from Swansea, is now focused on helping Eastleigh into the promotion race, with the club currently in play-off contention.

"It was mixed emotions afterwards, but if we take that level of performance into our league games, then we will be there or thereabouts [for automatic promotion]," he said.

"We are in the play-offs now and with games in hand. We have to keep grinding away."