GOAL hero Alfie Jones hailed Saints under-21s’ confidence building Checkatrade Trophy group stage win at Cambridge United.

The centre-back and team captain scored a header on 36 minutes to seal a 1-0 victory at the Cambs Glass Stadium.

The result gives Saints a big chance to qualify for the competition’s knockout stages as they head in to the final southern group H match against League One side Northampton Town next month.

The academy team are currently in third place, level on points with second placed Peterborough and a point behind leaders Northampton. The top two from each group go to the next round.

Jones said: “It was very hard, obviously they were a physical team full of grown men. I thought we dealt with that well, we didn't concede and dealt with the long ball.

“I don't get many goals, so to get on the scoresheet is always good. Especially to score the winner and earn three points for the team.

“Good performance overall, we needed it. It was professional, we wanted a game where we could get the ball down and play. We got stuck in and ground the win out, defensively we were solid.

“With that performance today it shows we can mix it, and physically compete. That gives us confidence going in to the final group game.”