The youngest Under-18s team of the season earned a respectable 1-1 draw against a strong Crystal Palace side.

With the season rapidly approaching its end, Saints took the opportunity to give many first year scholars and two schoolboys (Corby Moore and James Ward-Prowse) a run out in South London.

The much changed starting line up put in a spirited performance which saw them take the lead on 23 minutes through leading scorer Sam Hoskins.

Lloyd Foot's diagonal ball out to the right picked out Jordace Holder-Spooner, who sent a dangerous low ball in at the near post which Hoskins nicked in front of the 'keeper to guide home from close range.

Buoyed by their advantage, Saints continued to press and saw a further effort from Hoskins at point blank range kept out, before Andy Robinson was denied from a free-kick.

In the second half, Palace came out fighting and were rewarded for their early pressure with a goal ten minutes after the break from a run in behind the defence and a well taken finish.

On a warm day at the Eagles' training ground, the tempo remained high and afterwards Dave Puckett felt a draw was the least his young side deserved for their efforts.

"They worked exceptionally hard today," he said. "Palace are a powerful side, but from the first whistle we showed a good work ethic and spirit.

"These boys have been patient and have deserved their opportunity to play. They showed maturity and composure so a draw was a reward for a tremendous performance."

Saints Under-18s: Dovey, B. Martin, Foot, Tafazolli, Nicholas, Isgrove, Robinson, Moore, Ward-Prowse, Holder-Spooner, Hoskins. Subs (not used): Keegan, Harper.