FANS' FAVOURITE Francis Benali made a winning start to his managerial career as Saints Reserves won 2 -0 at Coventry last night.

Benali took charge of a side containing the likes of Chris Marsden, Jo Tessem, Brett Ormerod and Danny Higginbotham as manager Steve Wigley was away on England Under-21 duty.

Welsh Under-20 international midfielder Arron Davies and Tessem struck either side of half-time to earn Saints the victory.

Davies, who featured for Saints' senior team in pre-season friendlies against Millwall and Parma, opened the scoring 10 minutes before the break. It was his third reserve team goal in as many matches after netting in previous wins against West Ham and Leicester City.

Benali, who retains a playing registration for this season despite moving into a coaching career, insisted: "The players did everything I asked of them and as a coach you cannot really ask for much more than that."

With Second year academy scholar Michael Poke making his debut in goal, Benali added: "Michael coped with everything that he had to very competently, he will be delighted."

Saints' next reserve match is against Arsenal at St Mary's next Tuesday (7pm).

Saints: Poke, Cranie, Hunt, Higginbotham, Williamson, Davies, Folly, Marsden, Griffit, Ormerod, Tessem.