SAINTS B suffered a second-half collapse to lose 7-1 to Manchester City's Elite Development Squad.
City led 1-0 at half-time of the Premier League Two contest thanks to Liam Delap's strike.
But Enzo Maresca's side ran riot after the break with Delap completing his hat-trick, while Callum Doyle, Adrian Bernabe and Felix Nmecha (2) also got on the scoresheet.
Caleb Watts netted the consolation goal for Saints.
Saints named a strong line-up for the trip to the in-form league leaders with Kayne Ramsay, Alex Jankewitz and Dan N'Lundulu all returning having been on first-team duty in recent weeks.
But they were no match for City, although Watts did find the top corner in a rare moment of quality from Dave Horseman's side.
Saints sit 12th in the 13-team table ahead of a clash with Liverpool on Sunday.
Saints: Bycroft, Otseh-Taiwo, Ramsay, Tchaptchet, Ferry, Burnett, Jankewitz, Smith, Olaigbe, Watts, N'Lundulu.
Subs: Kpohomouh, Agbontohoma, Defise, Bellis, Scott.
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