TWO goals from Leon Best helped Saints Reserves to a comfortable 3-1 win over Leicester at Staplewood last night.

The goals were Best's seventh and eighth for the reserves this season following a spell in the first-team after injuries to James Beattie, Kevin Phillips, Peter Crouch and Marian Pahars.

Arron Davies was also on target for Saints, with Leicester only scoring a consolation penalty in the dying minutes.

Reserve team manager Stewart Henderson opted to partner 18-year-old Best with Trinidad international Kenwyne Jones up front.

It was a new role for Jones, but he used his height and strength to excellent effect.

"He's done well in the middle of the park and he looked very useful up front," said Henderson.

"He's a big lad, he's got good potential, he's athletic, good in the air. I don't think he has been brought up in a specific position.

"I think I'll have to give him another go up front. He has got fantastic spring and considering he had very little experience there I thought he did very well."

Of the return to action of Matthew Oakley, Henderson added: "He has always been a good footballer. He has that bit of quality, good passing ability and is a very good midfielder.

"When he is 100 per cent match-fit it will be a huge bonus to have him available for selection."

Saints' first goal came on 33 minutes, when Best just got enough on Jones' through-ball to beat Conrad Logan from close range.

For Leicester, Trevor Benjamin went close on 41 minutes with a volley, but the visitors never troubled keeper Alan Blayney in the opening period.

Saints started the second half strongly and added the second when Davies surged clear following a mistake from Richard Stearman. The Welshman coolly rounded Logan before slotting home.

Leicester had their chances and Benjamin was denied when the ball bounced up on to the crossbar after he looked to have beaten Blayney with a header.

But on 65 minutes Best made it 3-0 when he flicked the ball home from Andrew Surman's corner.

Jones then almost made it 4-0 as he powered past Conrad for a header only to be denied by the bar.

Blayney made a good save in the 73rd minute to tip over Tommy Wright's effort, before Benjamin picked himself up to score Leicester's consolation after Alaeddine Yahia was penalised for what looked a routine aerial challenge.

Saints: Alan Blayney, Chris Baird, Simon Gillett, Matthew Oakley (Andrew Surman 45), Alaeddine Yahia, Matthew Mills, Arron Davies (Theo Walcott 75), Kenwyne Jones, Leon Best (David McGoldrick 84), Yoann Folly, Leandre Griffit. Subs: Michael Poke, Eddie Anaclet. Booked: Best. Att: 574