SWINDON Town lost their opening fixture of the Milk Cup 4-2 to Premier League outfit Southampton this afternoon.

The Saints took the lead after eight minutes but Town rallied and equalised just after the quarter-hour mark when Will Christopher's free-kick was spilled by the Southampton keeper and Albi Hopkins slid home the rebound.

Level at the break, Town went behind again moments into the second period before the Saints doubled their lead. Jordan Morris reduced arrears for the Robins but Southampton soon grabbed their fourth and Swindon couldn't force a late comeback, despite Ullas Akkus and Sol Pryce coming close.

Swindon Town: Declan Lehmann, Jack Stanley, Harry Hillerby, Mason Hathaway, Will Christopher, Jordan Young, Callum Gunner, Albi Hopkins, Sam Beaumont, Jordan Morris, Scott Twine.

Substitutes: Alex Hallett, Aaron Holloway, Luke Haines, Sol Pryce, Jayden Mitchell, Ullas Akkus, Ollie Rejek.

Swindon play Santa Marta de Liray from Chile at 1.30pm tomorrow.