Marian Pahars netted a second half double as Saints reserves returned to winning ways at Staplewood, writes SIMON WALTER.

The Latvian did his chances of a new contract no harm by scoring a timely double in front of boss George Burley and chairman Rupert Lowe.

Pahars, 29, scored his side's last two goals as Saints posted a fourth win in five games.

He curled the third into the far corner in the 66th minute after a reverse ball from Dex-ter Blackstock, before heading home at the far post in the 86th minute following substitute Jake Thomson's cross.

Reserve team coach Stewart Henderson said: "Marian got better the longer the game went on. He looked stronger and sharper and his first goal was trademark Marian.

"He cut inside on his right foot and bent it in the corner - and he took up a good position for his second goal. His overall performance, his work rate and the way he took his goals, was very pleasing."

Blackstock had given Saints a 22nd-minute lead from the spot after he was felled.

The 19-year-old's left-footed spotkick squeezed past the palms of Palace keeper David Wilkinson but Saints failed to convert their first half dominance into more goals.

Blackstock had already put chances wide of either post before his shirt was tugged back midway through the first half. And he sent another effort skidding wide of the far upright after cutting in from the right flank, shortly after Kamil Kosowski had had a shot turned behind.

Saints' dominance was rewarded after the break.

Midfielder Feliciano Condesso rifled home the second from 20 yards on the hour before Pahars provided two goals of his own.

Pahars needed treatment for several minutes after being winded by a Marco Reich free-kick, but responded with a much-needed brace.

Henderson said: "It could have been a few more - I was disappointed we weren't at least 3-0 up at half-time but we made up for it in the second half. It was a very good team performance."

Eddie Anaclet played out of position at left back to accommodate right back Craig Richards, who is back from his trial at Grimsby Town.

Adam Lallana was the only player expected to start the FA Youth Cup semi final second leg against Liverpool to feature last night and he only played the last ten minutes.

Schoolboys Joseph Mills and Michael Byrne are likely to be on the bench at St Mary's on Friday but both were handed their reserve team debuts last night.

Byrne has already accepted a scholarship for next season while Mills, the younger brother of Matthew, is yet to commit. But both impressed last night.

Centre back Byrne's performance included a goalline clearance while right winger Mills forced an excellent save from Wilkinson after a thril-ling run down the left flank.

Mills was watched by his parents in front of a 236 Staplewood crowd, while Byrne was expected to be back at Thornden School in Chandler's Ford today.

Henderson added: "I think it helped Michael to have Darren Kenton alongside him. Darren was on top of his game and I couldn't fault Michael - he did very well.

"He made the most of the ball when he was in possession and you can't ask for any more."

Saints: Miller, Richards, Byrne, Kenton, Anaclet, Mills (Dyer), Condesso, Gillett, Kosowski (Lallana), Pahars, Blackstock. Sub (not used): Douglas.