SAM Bellis scored a late consolation as Saints B ended their EFL Trophy campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Newport County.

The result meant three defeats in the competition for Dave Horseman’s young side, after facing League One sides in Forest Green Rovers and Exeter City previously.

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jayden Meghoma made an under-21s debut for Saints, a month on from confirming the 16-year-old’s move to Staplewood Campus.

Omar Bogle opened the scoring early on after intercepting a Nico Lawrence back-pass, being brought down by goalkeeper Oliver Wright and dispatching the penalty past him.

Wright later prevented Bogle from picking up his second before Dom Ballard saw an effort well saved at the other end.

After Exeter’s 4-1 defeat at Forest Green in the early kick-off, Saints knew they needed a two-goal winning margin to progress to the knockout rounds.

Any hope was diminished when James Waite finished a rebound from a strong Wright save to give the home side breathing space.

Bellis was alert to nod home from close-range with the game entering the closing stages after a misjudged defensive header.

Saints B travel to Newcastle United in a return of Premier League 2 action on Sunday, October 23 (2PM). 

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