U23 Report: Saints 3-0 Newcastle

Marcus Barnes’ first-half double lit the blue touch paper for a comfortable win, as they followed up their away victory over Swansea City last time out in the competition.

Olufela Olomola completed the scoring when he converted from the penalty spot, after Lloyd Isgrove was fouled inside the box by Curtis Good.

Martin Hunter handed a first start to Armani Little following his recent injury, with Barnes making his first start of the campaign having also returned from injury in recent weeks.

The hosts started with a good intensity and Isgrove caused problems down the left, before his cross was met by Thomas O’Connor, who saw his header comfortably saved by Freddie Woodman.

Saints were rewarded for ther start on 26 minutes, when Barnes rose highest to meet O’Connor’s inch-perfect corner and head beyond Woodman.

At the end of the first-half it was a similarly well-worked set piece routine that would help to double the advantage.

Callum Slattery’s inswinging corner from the opposite side to the first goal was headed home emphatically by Barnes, which took his personal tally to two.

The visitors looked to respond early in the second-half. Callum Roberts saw his weaving run halted by Slattery, before curling the resulting free-kick past the post.

Moments later, defender Curtis Good met Liam Gibson’s cross from the left, but his goalbound header was cleared off the line.

But as the game approached the final ten minutes, Saints made sure of victory when Olomola converted from the spot after Isgrove was fouled in the box.

The victory leaves Saints on six points from their opening three Premier League Cup group games.