Marcus Barnes and Tyreke Johnson, who are both expected to return to the Saints squad for tomorrow night’s clash against Derby County, responded to their omission at Leicester City by helping the U23s go level on points at the top of Premier League 2’s second division.

Fellow striker Sam Gallagher was preferred on the first-team bench at the King Power last Saturday, despite the registering of Barnes as a Premier League player on Friday.

But Barnes responded positively, setting up the first goal before Johnson netted the second as the U23s came from behind to win 2-1 at Heritage Park, the home of Darlington FC.

Radhi Jaidi’s side went behind to a tenth-minute free-kick from Ben Liddle, but Barnes provided the assist for the equaliser during the best move of the match.

He beat his man on the right flank before setting up Jonathan Afolabi, who found the bottom corner to make it 1-1 in the 63rd minute.

Winger Johnson, who has made two substitute appearances under Ralph Hasenhuttl, scored the 78th-minute winner from the penalty spot after being brought down.

Saints U23s are behind division two leaders Reading on goal difference ahead of their next match away to their Leeds United counterparts on Monday.

Saints U23s: Cull, O’Driscoll, O’Connor, Jones, Olufunwa, Smallbone, Hamblin, Vokins, Barnes (Enzo Robise 86), Afolabi, Johnson.