The Under-18s rounded off the season in style with a 3-2 success over rivals Portsmouth on Friday afternoon.
A strong start saw the youngsters hold their nerve to fight back for the win which looked on the cards as early as the third minute when Andy Robinson rattled home a free-kick, after benefitting from a foul on Jordace Holder-Spooner just outside of the area.
However, despite the promising opening from the visitors, the Blues forced their way back into the match and hit two goals before the break. The first arrived on the back of a quick move and the other came from a converted corner to turn the game on its head going into the interval.
After a chance to regroup for the second half, Dave Puckett's side showed their character and determination to dominate large parts of the new 45 equalising soon after the re-start when Holder-Spooner's in-swinging corner ended up in the net off a blue shirt and credited as an own-goal as the 'keeper tried in vain to push the ball out to safety.
The eventual winner came on 70 minutes when defender Lloyd Foot struck home inside the area from a free-kick, and Saints went close to extending their lead when Sam Hoskins went close as the visitors finished the game well to earn their second success of the campaign over their near neighbours.
The introduction of one of next year's full time scholars Daniel Bowman and appearances from Under-15s Jake Sinclair and Harrison Reed were further boosts for Puckett, who is happy about what the future could hold.
"We've finished the season top of the group in terms of our recent form and that was one target on the list," he said. "We are pleased with our progress and the boys can't wait to get going again next season, the ones that came in are excited too, which bodes well.
"We showed great character to win the game today. There's always a desire to beat your rivals, but I'd like to think that desire is there in every game. There was a great determination and the win is a reward for another impressive performance from recent weeks."
Saints Under-18s: Dovey, Nicholas, Foot, Tafazolli, B. Martin, Isgrove, Robinson, Ward-Prowse (Reed 85), Moore (Sinclair 65), Holder-Spooner (Bowman 75), Hoskins.
