FORWARD Dom Ballard scored a hattrick on his return to Saints in a 5-0 win over Fulham under-21s on Friday evening.

Ballard was recalled from his loan spell at League One club Blackpool last week having scored once for the Tangerines.

The 19 year old has now scored a hattrick in three of his last four Premier League 2 games. He hit two last season before joining Reading on loan.

His third was set up by fellow starlet Sam Amo-Ameyaw, who had scored from outside the box just eight minutes prior.

Right-back Derrick Abu added the finishing touches to a convincing win against highflying Fulham at a cold Snows Stadium.

Hayden Mullins' side had started the game second in the PL2, joint on points with Manchester City and this was only their second defeat of the season.

Brazillian left-back Welington, 23, and French defender Joachim Kayi Sanda, 18, also took their first steps at Saints.

Welington battled hard in the first half before being withdrawn at the break while Kayi Sanda stayed on the pitch past the hour mark.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was between the sticks having completed a long period of rehab to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The Republic of Ireland international made an impressive reaction save late on, ensuring he marked his return with a clean sheet.

Senior boss Ivan Juric watched on from the stands alongside his entire coaching staff, including under-21s Simon Rusk.

Under-21s assistant Matt Etherington took charge of the game with Rusk currently still assisting Juric with the first team.