SAINTS under-21s Premier League 2 playoff hopes suffered a blow as they drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest on Friday.

Luke Pearce’s goal midway through the second half looked to be the winner until defender Zach Awe turned the ball into his own net. 

Pearce had drilled a half volley in moments after Sam Amo-Ameyaw was denied a stunner.

Adam Asghar’s side are now unbeaten in five games heading into their last two fixtures of the season, against Chelsea and Manchester United.

This latest result drops Southampton to 15th in the table, one point clear in the playoffs.

Finishing in the top 12 would ensure Saints a place in next season’s Premier League international.

Saints took on Celtic, Lyon, Valencia and Dinamo Zagreb in this season’s edition of the tournament.

The game at Staplewood started slowly as both sides struggled to penetrate the box.

The first real chance of the game fell to Forest when Awe’s misplaced pass found Joe Gardner.

The Forest man's attempt to dink Josh McNamara from distance was tipped over the crossbar by the former Man City keeper.

Forest’s deep line continued to cause Saints problems as chances fizzled out before they could get an effort on goal.

The hosts were denied a penalty shout early in the second half as Tyler Dibling looked to be tripped. 

McNamara was again called upon to make a key save when he bounced across goal quickly to turn Ben Perry’s header wide.

In response to Forest putting men behind the ball, Amo-Ameyaw took matters into his own hands.

A quick turn of pace created space for a curling effort, which Aaron Bott managed to palm over.

Southampton capitalised on the resulting corner when Pearce powered home from Sonnie Davies’ recycled cross.

Asghar’s young charges were unable to hold on for all three points as Awe turned his own net under pressure from Esapa Osong.