CALEB Watts hit a super volley as Saints B picked up a point in a spirited away performance ending 1-1 against Division One Arsenal, in their opening Premier League Cup tie.

David Horseman’s young Saints faced one of the high-flyers in the Premier League 2 division above them as the prestigious under-23s cup kicked off.

The Australian starlet marked his return from injury just 16 minutes in to give his side the lead before Arsenal levelled just shy of first-half stoppage time through Mika Biereth.

Saints could have taken the lead in the final moments of the game through substitute Dom Ballard but for a brilliant save in the Gunners’ goal, while the hosts had the better of injury time too in and end-to-end contest.

The result means that Saints B still haven’t won a game this season, after struggling in the opening stages of the league, but this is a valuable cup point and dogged performance against a talented young outfit.

New arrival Dynel Simeu must be impressing within the camp after he picked up the armband in the absence of Oludare Olufunwa.

Saints also introduced several of the under-18s side to the starting line-up, who have won three out of three in their division.

Next up for Horseman’s B team is a trip to Fulham in Premier League 2 on Friday 10th September.