Southampton manager George Burley hailed match-winner Grzegorz Rasiak as a 'natural goalscorer' after he claimed both goals in the 2-0 FA Cup third-round win at Torquay.

Rasiak's brace took him to 18 for the season, beating his own previous scoring record of 17 and ensuring the Saints did not slip up against the Football League's bottom club.

Rasiak pounced on a mistake by rookie Torquay keeper Martin Horsell two minutes before half time, before heading home his second after 72 minutes.

Burley said: ''Grzegorz is a natural scorer.

''He's scored consistently all season and 18 goals at this time of year is a great record.

''I was looking to rest one or two, but injuries meant I had no option but to play our strongest available team".

The Saints boss admitted he was prepared for a fight against the Gulls but was happy with his side's performance.

''When you come to a ground like this in conditions like this, it's very tricky,'' said Burley.

''The first goal was always going to be vital, and thankfully we got it.

''Once we got the first goal, I always thought we would go on and finish it.

''It wasn't ideal for passing, but both teams tried hard to do it.

''You know what these FA Cup ties can be like - it's David and Goliath and people look for upsets. Thankfully there wasn't one here.'' Torquay manager Lubos Kubik also hailed Rasiak's performance.

''We made two mistakes and Southampton punished us,'' said the Czech coach.

''Rasiak was everywhere - our young goalkeeper played very well, but made one mistake and Rasiak was there.

''In the second half they had one good cross and Rasiak was there again.

''We had three very good chances and no goal, but that's our problem at the moment, not only in this game.

''We must now concentrate on the league, and I am convinced we can still stay up.'' For the best report, reaction and pictures from Plainmoor, don't miss tomorrow's Daily Echo.