SAINTS' hopes of FA Youth Cup glory were dashed after a surprise 1-0 home defeat to Burton Albion.

The only goal of the contest came in the 62nd minute through Ben McLean, as Saints under-18s were edged out at St Mary's.

Ramello Mitchell and Kazeem Olaigbe went close to breaking the deadlock early in the first half, before home keeper Oliver Wright was called into a low stop at the other end.

Wright was called into action again to keep Said Idouarab at bay, before Ryan Finnigan, who made his first-team debut earlier this season, forced Burton stopper Greg Lewis into a fine save.

Saints turned the screw at the start of the second period with Lewis again on hand to thwart Olaigbe, Jayden Smith and Mitchell.

But that triple save seemed to spark the visitors into life and they broke the deadlock just past the hour mark.

A lofted ball in towards the back post was eventually nodded home by full-back McLean.

Saints battled to try and find a leveller, but the Brewers defence held firm.