The youngsters took the share of the spoils in a six goal game at Staplewood on Saturday morning.

An entertaining encounter wasted little time to spark into life as the visitors forced an early double save from Jack Dovey before the hosts composed themselves to get into their stride.

And once they did, Saints took the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour when Jordace Holder-Spooner, making his return from injury, put in a cross at the near post which Lloyd Isgrove flicked on into the path of defender Lloyd Foot, who crashed home a header to put the home side in front.

The advantage didn't last too long as the visitors levelled on 25when a low cross was turned in at the near post, but ten minutes later Saints got back in front with a goal of the highest quality on the counter-attack.
James Ward-Prowse picked up the play initially to set Holder-Spooner away on the left hand side as he burst forward 40 yards before chipping the ball into the path of the on-rushing Sam Hoskins, who buried a volley into the bottom corner from range.

After the break, Dave Puckett's side extended their lead through Hoskins again as he and full back Lee Nicholas combined for the top scorer to finish for 3-1.

However, shortly past the hour mark, the Hammers reduced the deficit with a smart turn and shot inside the area, but Saints played their way back into having a foothold on the match with numerous advances on either flank, although they had to wait until the last minute of play to seal the victory.

Midfielder Andy Robinson, who has been threatening the goal so much in recent weeks finally got his reward when he rode two or three challenges before firing home in fine style.

The somewhat exuberant celebrations were however cut a little short as four players were cautioned for removing their shirts which resulted in a red card for Hoskins who had been booked just a few minutes earlier, but afterwards, Puckett said it didn't take any satisfaction away from the win.

"We were terrific," he said. "There was a good work ethic out there and they were rewarded for consistently pressing and creating chances.

"The lads are really getting into their stride so it's a shame in some ways that the season is nearly over, but they are all really looking forward to playing Portsmouth next week and we will prepare them in the right way for that game."

Saints Under 18s: Dovey, Nicholas, Foot, Tafazolli, B. Martin, Isgrove, Robinson, Ward-Prowse, Moore, Holder-Spooner (Curtis 70), Hoskins.