A five-goal second half spree gave the Under-18s an outstanding win against a strong Southampton team today at Woughton on the Green.

A hat-trick from Jamie England and goals from Sam Baldock and Tom Battams gave Mike Dove's team a thoroughly deserved victory against a Saints side that contained a number of England Youth internationals.

After a drab and wind-affected first half with few chances at either end, in which the Dons had defended resolutely, England opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a cracking left foot volley from 20 yards.

"I'm delighted with the character and quality shown by our young team today" Mike Dove Director of Youth and Community

Not long after, the young left-footer made it two when he scored direct from a corner moments after a previous similar delivery had been tipped over by visiting 'keeper Zach Jones.

The Saints then pulled a goal back after 72 minutes, Adam Lallana scoring into an empty net after Dons 'keeper Laurie Walker had been knocked over in a goalmouth collision.

England then restored the Dons advantage soon after with an outrageous free kick from just inside the Southampton half, which he deliberately struck to catch the wind and fly over the stranded Jones.

Things got even better for the Dons when Baldock added the fourth goal in the 85th minute, racing onto a through ball and confidently slotting home.

Then right on the final whistle, Tom Battams completed the nap hand with a glancing near post header from a Ted Day cross.

Youth Team manager Mike Dove said after the game: "I'm delighted with the character and quality shown by our young team today against a group of older and more experienced players.

"The resilience and work rate shown by our players in the first half set us up to deservedly claim the victory in the 2nd half. Outstanding."

Dons team: Flood (Walker), Kent, Collins, Day, Murphy (c), Nash, Kelly, Battams, Baldock, England, Muzsnyai (Thorne).