Saints Under-18s battled to a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on Saturday morning at Staplewood.

The visitors caught Southampton’s defence out with a ball over the top that was tucked in for a lead shortly after the quarter-hour mark.

After a sluggish opening 25 minutes from the hosts, Jason Dodd’s side began to get into their rhythm and create inviting chances that were wasted through stopped and wayward shots.

Dan Demkiv was introduced into affairs after the break and was pivotal in Saints levelling terms with just over ten minutes remaining.

The midfielder cut inside from the flank and crossed beyond Boro defenders, who failed to react to JOSH SIMS racing in behind to bundle the ball over the line.

That proved to be the catalyst for a flurry of late attempts in the dying stages that lacked a clinical edge as Saints were forced to settle for a draw.

FULL-TIME: MIDDLESBROUGH U18s 1-1 SOUTHAMPTON U18s

Coach Dodd rued the lack of a ruthless streak in the final third when Saints were pressing for the winner and admitted certain players struggled to replicate encouraging training-ground work.

“We weren’t switched on enough for the ball over the top which led to their goal,” the U18 boss conceded. “We were chasing the game at first because the boys weren’t doing what we asked of them.

“We then started creating numerous chances; we had about eight in the last ten minutes.

“We just lacked that quality required and our decision-making in the box was poor. The standard wasn’t up to what we expect when we do so well to make those opportunities.

“It highlighted key areas that we have to work at, which we will certainly be doing next week.”

Southampton U18s: Alexander Gogic, Colm Deasy (Ollie Cook 53), Josh Debayo, Alfie Jones, Will Wood, Niall Mason, Charlie Higgins (Dan Demkiv 46), George Mells (Callum Slattery 60), Jake Hesketh, Josh Sims, Marcus Barnes. Unused substitutes: Chris Regis, Owen Evans.