SAINTS missed out on qualification for the Premier League 2 playoffs after a 6-3 defeat to Manchester United on the final day.

It meant Saints finished 17th, after results elsewhere, and outside the threshold for qualification to next month's playoffs. 

It took just 17 seconds for Sam Amo-Ameyaw to open the scoring at Staplewood, with his sixth goal in 12 league appearances.

However, a quickfire double from recent Man United senior debutant Ethan Wheatley put the visitors in control at half-time. 

Adam Asghar's side responded and drew themselves level through Luke Pearce, who enjoyed a touch of fortune with his initial shot rebounded.

Man United reasserted themselves on the tie with further strikes through Sam Mather and Ethan Williams just two minutes apart.

They repeated the trick in the closing stages, with Williams adding his second in the 80th minute and Charlie McNeil making it six soon after.

Will Merry, back from his loan at National League Eastleigh, grabbed a consolation goal to make the score 6-3 and was then denied a second.

The defeat left the door open for Aston Villa, who travelled to Newcastle United later that evening needing a win.

Saints could have finished as high as 13th had they beat and leapfrogged Man United, while a point would have been enough. 

As a result, Villa knew three points would move them above Saints into 16th and the final playoff spot for the first season of the revised Premier League 2 format.

They beat the Magpies 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal, despite missing a penalty after the break to make sure of the result.

Saints finished 17th on 24 points from their 20 matches, one point behind Villa on 25.

It means Villa will visit league-leaders Tottenham Hotspur in the round of 16, with Saints eliminated from the competition.