Six goals were shared as the Under-18's took part in another goal fest in the Premier Academy League.
Having temporarily lost defender Ryan Tafazolli and winger Garyn Preen to first team duties, Dave Puckett altered his side to try and halt a three game losing run.
An early goal went against them though at West Ham. Inside two minutes the hosts were in front with a well taken finish, which beat Jack Dovey in the Saints net.
Just past the half hour mark the visitors were back on level terms when Andy Robinson released Jordace Holder-Spooner and the winger took the ball in his stride before rounding the 'keeper to make it 1-1 going into half time.
Soon into the second half, the Hammers capitalised on a slow start by Saints and scored two quickfire goals which looked likely to condemn the visitors to another defeat.
However, on 65 minutes Puckett's side gave themselves a lifeline as Callum McNish picked out Holder-Spooner and the 1st year scholar doubled his tally with a low shot which gave the 'keeper little chance of saving.
Inside the final quarter of an hour Saints won a free-kick which Ben Reeves delivered and subsequently fell to defender Ciaran Harper who struck home into the top corner for a well earned equaliser.
Coach Dave Puckett praised the spirit his side showed for getting back into the match, but was frustrated once more with the goals they conceded.
"We showed good character to come back from 3-1 down but we made it hard for ourselves," he said.
"I was disappointed with the way we conceded early goals in both halves because we'd worked hard on the training ground to right those wrongs, so I'm still not happy with some of the defending collectively and individually, but overall it was a step in the right direction"
It has been a good week for the players in the Academy who have earned the right to play at a higher level, with Ryan Tafazolli joining Salisbury City on loan and winger Garyn Preen being included in the first team squad at Saints. With the marker laid down, Jordace Holder-Spooner may have taken note as he struck a brace against the Hammers.
"Jordace took his two goals extremely well and he was an attacking threat all game," Puckett said. "He could have had more opportunities to score too. We have some good players here who offer pace and strength in wide positions.
"It was a well deserved call up for Garyn and we wish Ryan well at Salisbury," he added. "We're all delighted for both of them."
Saints Under-18's: Dovey, Argent, Racine, Harper, Reeves, McLean (Oxlade-Chamberlain 55), Robinson (Martin 75), McNish, Holder-Spooner, Keegan, Hoskins.
