LUCKLESS midfielder Paul Hughes limped off with a groin strain as Saints Reserves went down 2-0 at Tottenham last night.

Hughes, on a six month extended trial after signing from Chelsea last season, was playing his second game on the comeback trail following a five-week lay-off with a knee problem.

He has impressed in his rare outings this season but saw his progress put on hold when he was replaced by Chris Baird on 65 minutes.

The better news for Saints was that Matthew Le Tissier, Mark Draper, Francis Benali and James Beattie all came through unscathed to put themselves in contention for Monday's Premiership game at home to Manchester City.

It was the sixth defeat in seven games this season for Dennis Rofe's side who found themselves behind after just four minutes.

The goal stemmed from their own throw-in upfield where Le Tissier of all people scuffed a crossfield ball and Spurs broke up the left and squared for Ciaran Toner to slot home a good finish.

Beattie had two chances, the best when the keeper pushed the ball out and the striker failed to hit the target.

The second half was even until another break saw former Saints trialist Willem Korsten fire the second on 65 minutes to seal the game.

Saints Reserves: Moss, Hughes (Baird 65), M Davies, Monk, Benali, Ashford, Gibbens booked, foul), Draper, Le Tissier, Beattie, Caceres (Huxley 75). unused subs: Blayney, Gray, Madgwick.