Braintree Town improved their chances of mounting a challenge for a play-off place in Blue Square South after beating Bath City 2-0 at Cressing Road on Tuesday night.
Striker George Purcell bagged a brace in the opening 45 minutes to seal victory for the Iron.
Goalkeeper Craig Holloway marked his return to the club from neighbours and league rivals Chelmsford City with two fine saves in the first half otherwise it could have been a very different outcome.
The first goal came after 22 minutes when Purcell fired home direct from a free kick from 20 yards out.
The second arrived with 3 minutes of the first half remaining when Purcell turned on the edge of the area and placed the ball inside the post.
A 77th minute winner from Eastleigh inflicted back-to-back league defeats on Bishop`s Stortford.
Anthony Riviere grabbed the late winner as Blues lost more ground in their race for a play-off place.
Riviere's effort was deflected in off the home side`s Louis Riddle.
