The Under-18's fell to their second defeat of the season after giving themselves a mountain to climb against Tottenham at Staplewood.

A competitive opening half an hour of play saw Saints take the game to their opponents with the best chance falling to striker Sam Hoskins who was put through by Daryl McLean but was denied by the 'keeper.

As the clock ticked towards 30 the visitors took the lead. A direct free-kick curled around the wall and into the top corner, giving Jack Dovey no chance in the hosts' goal.

In the second half Saints started well again, this time Garyn Preen got down the left hand side and supplied Tony Garrod with a cross who forced the visiting stopper into a save from point blank range.

Tottenham hit back as they extended their advantage from another set piece. A free-kick wide on the right was turned in from close range to make it 2-0.

Saints lost their shape and a swift counter-attack saw the visitors celebrating again moments later to make it two goals in the space of five minutes.

Dave Puckett altered his side's formation as the hosts chased the game but the damage was already done as the more experienced visiting team took the spoils.

"We lost our discipline and shape in a five minute spell with two quick goals coming from a lack of concentration," Puckett said.

"Had we gone in front then it could have been a different story but it was a good match up for us and Tottenham gave us a strong test.

"We ended up chasing the game but it was good to try out some combinations and I thought that Lloyd Foot made a decent contribution in his first game at the back alongside Ryan Tafazolli. We started with five 1st year scholars and it will have been a good experience for them."

Saints Under-18's: Dovey, Martin, Foot, Tafazolli, Argent, McLean, Robinson (Holder-Spooner), McNish, Preen, Garrod, Hoskins, (Oxlade-Chamberlain).