SAINTS’ hopes of an extended run in the inaugural Premier League Under-21 Cup were dashed when they slumped to a shock loss at League 2 club Exeter City tonight.

Former St Mary’s defender Danny Butterfield played the first 45 minutes at St James Park as Exeter claimed a 2-0 victory to reach the last 16.

Second half goals from Jimmy Keohane and Jake Gosling (penalty) saw the Grecians progress against a Saints side that consisted solely of under-21s.

Competition rules allow three over 21s to play outfield, as well as an over-age goalkeeper.

Butterfield, released by Saints at the end of last season, was the only over-age player in the Exeter team as the Grecians secured another Premier League scalp, having won 3-2 at Crystal Palace in the previous round.

Saints’ team included most of the players who have appeared regularly in their Premier League under-21 team this season.

But the likes of Omar Rowe and Jake Sinclair, who have appeared for Saints in the Capital One Cup this season, could find no way through in front of a crowd of 447.

Saints also fielded Jack Stephens, Andy Robinson and Sam Gallagher, three more players with limited first team experience.

Those Saints eligible to play in the under-18 side will hope for better luck when the Youth Cup derby against Portsmouth takes place at St Mary’s next month.

Saints (v Exeter): Cropper, McCarthy, Targett, Reed, Stephens, Turnbull, Sinclair, Robinson, Gallagher, Flanagan, Rowe.

Subs: Moore, Britt, Young, Seager, Gape.