SAINTS manager Russell Martin labelled his young squad an "exciting" group to coach after their 4-0 win over Walsall. 

Ryan Fraser had a hand in three goals as Saints swatted aside League Two Walsall in the FA Cup third round.

Winger Fraser produced two fine finishes and set up Sekou Mara as Saints eased to a 19th match unbeaten – one off a club record 20 games without a loss in all competitions since joining the Football League in 1920. 

Che Adams jumped off the bench to slide in a fourth and confirm progress to the fourth round and avoid a copy of last year’s exit to fourth-tier opposition.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin said: "I was a bit frustrated at half-time. We started so well but took our foot off the gas a little bit.

"I said to this team that position is king so you need to play your position, you're the best one for it and that's why you're playing. 

"I understand why because they want to impact the game and show myself, the coaches, and the supporters that they deserve to be on the pitch.

"They needed to do less in the second half but less in terms of running around and more in terms of doing way more in their position. 

"We had a big scare early on in the second half and that was almost like a wakeup call for the players. I told the players that Walsall would feel they had a chance." 

Martin made nine changes from his team that drew 1-1 with Norwich City on New Year's Day, with only Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jack Stephens keeping their place.

Fraser is likely to start when Sheffield Wednesday visit St Mary's next week, but it could be nearly as many switches again for the league fixture. 

Martin continued: "No matter how many changes we make, where we are playing or who are the opposition, we want to be the same team we want to be.

"There were so many moments where we were and if you look at the team there is so much quality there, so it is exciting for us as coaches.

"There is a lot of growth to be had and improvement we can make with so many of the players. Charly Alcaraz was a different player in the second half.

"Sekou Mara was good all round and I really liked Will Smallbone's performance. Shea Charles looked a completely different player after the break. 

"It is because they are so coachable, they listen and they are brave."