Saints' Under-18's were denied a successive away win late on as the Royals struck three minutes from time to earn a draw.

Dave Puckett's side went behind after 24 minutes of play but turned the match on its head half way through the second half with two goals in the space of ten minutes.

The equaliser came after good work from Daryl McLean on the right forced an own goal on 65 minutes as his cross was turned into the hosts' net.

With quarter of an hour left to play Saints went ahead when substitute Sam Hoskins latched on to more incisive play from McLean this time through the middle, to finish clinically past the Royals' keeper.

The visitors were hoping to see the game out, but were caught inside the last five minutes of play after substantial pressure from the home side told.

Puckett couldn't help but feel a little frustrated at the end of the game after being on top for much of the game.

"In the first half I think we just edged it," he said. "We had the majority of the play but we could have seen out the last fifteen minutes or so a little better.

"We felt confident that if we created chances then we would score, and I thought we deservedly went in front but we just needed to make some better decisions."

The Youth Coach offered praise to two of his players who may have their eyes on Monday night's reserves fixture against Salisbury City at Staplewood.

"Daryl McLean showed that he has taken on board everything that we have put across in training and put it into a match situation which he was rewarded by with two assists.

"Ryan Tafazolli led the team by example again and we'll look forward to getting our first home win next week against Tottenham."

Saints Under-18's: Dovey, Martin, Harper (Scott), Tafazolli, Reeves, McLean, Robinson, McNish, Preen, Keegan (Oxlade-Chamberlain), Garrod (Hoskins).