The Under-18s went down to a 2-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic in London on Saturday morning.
A much changed line up from recent games due to injury and suspension conceded two first half goals which meant the young Saints were left to chase the match for the most part.
The Addicks went in front on 25 minutes through a firm strike from their captain who got the ball out of his feet before finding the bottom corner. The hosts doubled their advantage five minutes later through a smartly taken goal one on one with 'keeper Jack Dovey.
In the second half Saints became more of a threat going forward adopting a 4-2-4 formation in possession which saw Daryl McLean and Garyn Preen stretch the flanks.
Jordan Keegan struck the crossbar and had a goal chalked off during a spell of dominance from the visitors.
Dave Puckett then introduced debutant James Ward-Prowse, a defender from the Under-15s pool who was recently invited with two others from that group to train with the first team. He slotted in at right back to increase the competition for places in the side.
"We want everyone fighting for places in this side and it was very encouraging to field an Under-15 today," Puckett explained. "We were missing a few people so it was a good opportunity to push one or two on.
"It was a bright start from us here and we played better in the second half but we conceded the goals a little easily, so there will be plenty of fighting for positions in the team next week."
Saints Under-18s: Dovey, Nicholas (Ward-Prowse 70), Foot, B. Martin, Reeves, Robinson, McNish, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Hoskins 65), Preen (Holder-Spooner 65), Keegan, McLean.
