SAINTS Under-23s have been drawn at home against Reading Under-23s in the last 32 of the Checkatrade Trophy.

Saints' youngsters topped Southern Group E to reach the knockout stages after smashing League Two side Crawley Town 4-0 at St Mary's last night.

Siph Mdlalose, Callum Slattery and Olufela Olomola were all on the scoresheet, with an own goal completing the rout, as Saints confirmed a home draw.

Martin Hunter's side also defeated Colchester United 2-1 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and drew 0-0 with Charlton Athletic in their group games.

They face a Reading side that made it through to the knockout round as runners-up in Southern Group A.

Reading lost to Group A winners Yeovil Town 2-0 on Wednesday night, but gained passage to the next round thanks to a draw with Portsmouth and a victory over Bristol Rovers.

Saints have already defeated Reading's academy this season.

Josh Sims netted a brace and Alfie Jones struck one of his own in a 3-1 triumph at Staplewood.

The game will take place at St Mary's on the week of December 5.