Jason Dodd's side defeated the league leaders with a goal in either half at Staplewood on Saturday.

Saints were deserved winners on the day as the countdown towards their FA Youth Cup campaign begins in earnest.

The hosts had been dominant with their early chances in the game, and took the lead on 25 minutes with a Sam MCQUEEN corner going straight into the net after the goalkeeper let the ball slip through his hands.

The opportunities kept coming for Saints, with Corby Moore hitting the bar before half time, and Jake Sinclair continuing to cause problems for the visitors with some dangerous runs in behind the Cottagers' backline.

They continued their good form in the second half and doubled their advantage on 62 minutes with a well worked goal.

Matt Young played Sinclair in, who in turn picked out Chambers, and the midfielder cleverly slotted in Joe CURTIS (pictured) to finish in style for his fifth strike of the campaign to seal the win.

Dodd was understandably delighted with the result and the all round display, in particular paying tribute to his new look central defensive partnership.

"It was a very pleasing performance all round," he said.

"We were up against a good team who are top of the table, and all 14 players used today can be pleased with their efforts.

"I thought Jack Stephens and Jordan Turnbull were stand outs as they set the tone for the performance, they had to be on their toes, and it was a good defensive display from the side.

"We've got our next game against Arsenal on Tuesday before we think about the Youth Cup, and everyone is chomping at the bit to stake a claim for their place."

Jason Dodd post match - "I thought Jack Stephens and Jordan Turnbull were stand outs as they set the tone for the performance..."

Saints U18s: Johns, Young, Stephens, Turnbull, Shaw, Ward-Prowse, Chambers (Reed 80), Moore, Curtis (Bowman 75), McQueen (Rowe 67), Sinclair.