U23 Report: Saints 6-2 Notts County

Eight goals were had at Staplewood, six for the hosts, with a brace each for the impressive figures of Tyreke Johnson, Dan N'Lundulu and pick of the bunch, Josh Sims.

Radhi Jaïdi's side, who were on the front foot from word go, take their group stage tally to ten points, which is a point shy of leaders Newcastle, but importantly, a point more than rivals Leeds.

They're fate, in terms of qualification, is out of their hands as they await the result of Monday's corresponding fixture between the Magpies and Leeds; but nevertheless, it was a performance to be proud of and six goals of the highest quality to match.

In terms of finishing, it was a masterclass from Saints. Each goal resembled a move from the training ground, and managed to get progressively better as the tie went on, culminating in Sims' deft chipped finish for the game's finale.

But it was Johnson who made the initial breakthrough. The clock had barely ticked over two minutes before Sims had pulled the ball back for Johnson centrally, who applied a first-time finish to a perfectly weighted pass.

The second arrived 20 minutes later, but not before Notts had drawn themselves level courtesy of a solo run from winger Sam Osborne in the 12th minute - which, in truth, was well finished.

Sims, provider turned scorer, made no mistake from Nathan Tella's flick on in the 25th minute, finishing beyond Max Culverwell - who had by that point pulled off a plethora of fine saves to deny Saints a second.

The floodgates opened thereafter, as the hosts raced into a 3-1 lead before the break. A quick-fire double meant Saints were well in control by half time, with Johnson on the scoresheet once more.

Substitute Dan N'Lundulu, who entered the fray at half time, rounded off a lovely team move in the 64th minute to give Saints a three-goal cushion. Alex Jankewitz had advanced well down the left, and picked out the run of the striker, who had held his position on the penalty spot and side-footed home.

A minute later, County forward Will Patching had pulled a goal back, but the boys in red and white never looked to be too troubled. The strike was tidy from Patching, who curled an effort around Harry Lewis from the edge of the box.

But Saints, relentless in their pursuit of more goals, were once again on the prowl in the 66th minute, as N'Lundulu completed his double. The assist, which was equally as impressive as the finish, was provided by Sims, who had the awareness to flick the ball into the path of the forward, whose low finish was emphatic.

There was time for one more. The spectators at Staplewood were being spoilt with goals, and it was the tireless Sims who had the final say. Anticipating a ball over the top from Kayne Ramsay, the forward used his pace to beat everyone to the ball, before lobbing Culverwell from 18-yards.

A fine night's work rounded off by yet another well-executed strike, and now Saints must await the result of Leeds vs Newcastle to know if they'll make the Premier League Cup's knockout phases.