The reserves were pegged back at Staplewood as Saints and Exeter played out a 1-1 draw.

In wet conditions underfoot, Stewart Henderson's side more than played their part in an entertaining fixture which was switched to Southampton after the weather had affected the playing surface at St. James Park.

Lloyd James made a return to action at right back to maintain his fitness with an hour long run out, and he was joined by Simon Gillett from the squad that lined up at Wembley on Sunday.

The goals didn't flow quite as much as that fixture or the one between the two at the start of the month at Staplewood where City ran out 3-2 winners, but Saints got their noses in front in this game 20 minutes from time.

Winger Kayne McLaggon got down the left side and picked out Tom Dunford, playing in a more advanced role on the day, to slot home, giving Henderson's men a deserved advantage from the spot.

With ten minutes remaining though, the Grecians equalised from close range on the back of a corner to level the scores. However, Henderson wasn't too downbeat afterwards.

"It was probably about fair," he surmised. "We had some good chances and were unlucky. Jamie White in particular was unfortunate late on, but it was a good, lively contest.

"Lloydy and Simon gave us a bit of know-how in the team. I felt that we improved as the game went on though, and worked their 'keeper well on a few occasions."

Saints Res: Forecast, James (Argent 60), Racine, Tafazolli, Reeves, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gillett (Robinson 70), Pulis, McLaggon, Dunford (Hoskins 80), White.