SAINTS B were defeated 1-0 by Football League side Leyton Orient in the opening game of the 2021-22 Papa John’s Trophy and David Horseman admitted: “I don’t think there was actually enough that wanted it in the second half.”

Saints’ starting XI was again littered with real youngsters, including first-year scholars Kamari Doyle, 15, Lewis Payne and Joshua Lett, playing against the fourth-placed side in League Two.

Dynel Simeu captained once again, while Horseman was able to welcome Aussie Caleb Watts back from a minor injury.

Although the youngsters edged the first period, they came unstuck after the break and Antony Papadopoulos' solitary strike was enough to make the difference at Brisbane Road.

Ultimately, it leaves the B team still searching for a first competitive win in the season, having now battled on three different fronts without victory – including Premier League 2 and the Premier League Cup.

Horseman reflected on the performance, telling the club website: “I think it was a mixed bag.

“In terms of them getting on the ball and playing with quality in the second half I think we were left wanting, I think we can do better in that area, we’ve got some very good footballers.

“We showed character against the ball but actually when we got in to spin one down the side with quality, put them on the back foot and kill the press, I don’t think there was actually enough that wanted it in the second half.

“For the real young ones, there’s so much learning that will take place, I think they actually equipped themselves really well.

“But changing the rhythm of the game is the hardest thing, the first half we were well in, probably the better chances, a couple of really good chances and should probably have been one or two up, but we were on top so it was no problem.

“Second half they matched us up man for man and we kept doing the same things so the pressure built.

“Sometimes we’d like to be able to play, but actually if they’re going to give us the space down the wide with a couple of quick frontmen then it’s learning the feel for the game, you get that in this.

“It’s probably the biggest game most of these have played in and in the second half they didn’t quite change the rhythm so that will be the learning.”

Saints B play at St Mary’s in a return to Premier League 2 action next, welcoming Burnley in a fixture that you can attend for free with tickets available online.