SAINTS fans got an encouraging glimpse of the future last night.

With the big League One kick-off against Plymouth just days away and a number of first-teamers already carrying injuries Saints decided not to take any risks in their final friendly at Eastleigh last night.

Instead they fielded a team made up predominantly of youngsters, which was captained by former Eastleigh defender Aaron Martin.

Goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski and midfielder Anthony Pulis were the only players to feature with significant first-team experience.

But Saints' youngsters didn't disappoint, ending the pre-season campaign on a positive note thanks to striker Sam Hoskins' first-half goal.

And the match-winner was one of a number of youngsters to impress at the Silverlake Stadium.

Saints under-21 coach Martin Hunter, who took the game as first-team manager Alan Pardew looked on from the stands, said: “I was very pleased with the performance of all the players – the starting XI and all the subs.

“The way they conducted themselves was very positive and very pleasing."