SAINTS kept their hopes of winning the Under-18 Premier League title alive by beating West Ham United 4-2 on Tuesday.

Forward Nick Oyekunle scored his 24th and 25th league goals of the season to ensure Southampton stayed in the hunt alongside Chelsea, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Arsenal.

The hosts stormed to a two-goal lead at Staplewood Campus through Korban McMullan and Oyekunle but were level again before the half-hour mark.

West Ham fired back with goals from Joe Scanlon and Joshua Landers, the second of which came at the end of a brilliant team move.

Free-scoring Saints, who have now hit 32 goals in their last eight games, demonstrated their mentality and quality after the break.

Harry Gathercole scored his ninth goal in five games to restore their lead before Oyekunle grabbed his second of the day to guarantee all three points.

Having won the penalty, the 18 year old stepped forward and converted from the spot in the 97th minute.

Saints, under the interim charge of Andrew Surman and Ricky King, have two games left this season, against Reading and Leicester City.