The Under-18's were soundly beaten in Surrey on Saturday morning as Fulham ran out 4-0 winners.

Although a host of regulars were missing through injuries and suspensions, it couldn't disguise a disappointing morning's work for the youngsters.

It was an even encounter until the last five minutes of the first half when the home side struck twice to alter the messages at the interval. Both goals came from crosses on the right with the first one dispatched at the far post on 42 minutes and the second headed home from the centre a minute later.

It would have been dangerous to write Saints off at this point bearing in mind the character shown in recent weeks by the young side, but unfortunately things did not improve in the second period.

Striker Jordan Keegan was introduced as the visitors sought a way back into the game, but another quick-fire double from the hosts sealed a comfortable win. Another cross was laid back into the path of an on rushing forward on 70 minutes and a cool finish three minutes later on the break made sure of the success.

Youth Team Coach Dave Puckett was frustrated that results at this level continue to go from one extreme to another, but is hopeful that some consistency will transpire.

"It's a disappointing scoreline and we were punished for the errors that we made," he said. "You need to concentrate for 90 plus minutes at any level and I hope that we will cut out the mistakes soon.

"We had some bright spells in the game but had no end product to show for it. At half time we felt we could still get back into it but on this occasion we didn't do enough."

Saints Under-18's: Dovey, B. Martin (Nicholas 80), Racine, Harper (Foot 65), O'Sullivan, Preen, Oxlade-Chamberlain, McNish, Holder-Spooner (Keegan 65), Hoskins, McLean.