The youngsters recorded a 2-1 success over Ipswich Town at Staplewood on Saturday.

Following the midweek win in the F.A Youth Cup, Dave Puckett was keen to give more players an opportunity to shine, as six changes were made to the starting line-up.

Saints came up against an Ipswich side in good form, which resulted in a keenly contested affair, as the two sides cancelled each other out during the opening 45 minutes in the Premier Academy League Group A fixture.

Ten minutes into the second half however, the visitors took the lead with a run and shot from the left hand side which beat Jack Dovey in the Saints goal for 0-1.

The hosts didn't take long to get back on level terms and the goal came from industrious play on the right starting with full back Lee Nicholas, who delivered an excellent ball in behind the defence which Lloyd Isgrove cut back into the area to pick out Sam Hoskins. The striker, who scored in midweek, showed superb technique as he got the ball under control near the penalty spot before executing a fine finish past the Ipswich 'keeper.

Dovey was called into action at the other end, but Saints drove on and were rewarded with a last minute winner.

A free-kick fell to defender Lloyd Foot inside the area and the first year scholar made no mistake from close range to earn three points for the Dave Puckett's side.

"We deliberately made six changes to the team to give those who had deserved the chance to play, an opportunity after waiting patiently," the Youth Team Coach explained.

"It was a real team performance and although we rode our luck at times in the second half, every single player played their part and there was real passion when we got the winner, which shows how much it means to us all.

"Hopefully we can maintain these types of performances and keep the competition for places high."

Saints Under-18's: Dovey, Nicholas, Foot, Harper, Martin, Isgrove (Preen 85), McNish, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Holder-Spooner (McLean 80), Keegan, Hoskins.