The reserves got back to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Forest Green Rovers on Monday night.

A youthful second string put in a patient and confident performance throughout at Staplewood, but survived an early scare when Isaac Shaze's free-kick was pushed over the bar by Tommy Forecast with less than ten minutes on the clock.

It was mostly Saints from there on with first year scholar Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain making light work of the step up to reserve team level. The winger had a close range header blocked in the 20th minute before he supplied the assist for the opening goal of the game.

The youngster collected the ball on the right and got to the by-line to cut the ball across to where Callum McNish was waiting to sweep home from eight yards out ten minutes before the break.

Ryan Doble headed Ben Reeves' cross narrowly wide with Saints looking comfortable as the half came to a close.

Kayne McLaggon was introduced for Anthony Pulis as the second 45 got under way and midway through the half Jamie White replaced Tom Dunford as Stewart Henderson's side pushed to extend their lead.

It almost paid instant dividends as the second substitute fizzed in a cross to the far side of the area where McLaggon smashed a rising first time shot towards goal which the 'keeper did well to hold on to as Gobern chased a follow up.

The second goal arrived with quarter of an hour left to play with Oxlade-Chamberlain's dangerous low centre was spilt by the Forest Green custodian straight into the path of White, who helped himself to a tap in as he tidied up inside the area.

Four minutes later, the striker celebrated his second by turning in Doble's low cross from the right into the near corner. White nearly made it a six minute hat-trick shortly after as his deflected close range shot from Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross was just kept out by the goalkeeper.

With time running out, White returned the favour to Oxlade-Chamberlain, but the youngster's low shot was blocked.

Reserve team coach Stewart Henderson was pleased with the performance of his young side.

"Credit to Forest Green, they made a game of it in the first half, but I think we were comfortable by the end," he said.

"As a back four we looked solid and in midfield we were good too. It was a fine performance from all of the young players who have done their chances no harm at all."

Saints Res: Forecast, Argent, Martin, Racine, Reeves, Gobern, Pulis (McLaggon 46), McNish, Dunford (White 68), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Doble. Subs (not used): Pernecky, Molyneux, Saville.