SAINTS forward Sekou Mara’s quickfire second-half double in the 3-0 FA Cup replay victory over Watford booked a fifth-round trip to Liverpool.

The Frenchman grabbed two goals in six minutes before fellow striker Che Adams put the game beyond doubt with a neat close range finish.

Saints were twice denied a fourth goal by the woodwork during a rampant and improved second half display.

Here is how we rated every Southampton player’s performance on Tuesday evening…

Joe Lumley - 7.

Didn't have much to do, awkward delivery dealt with well. Played his part in Southampton goal by building from the back.

Shea Charles - 7.

Filling in at right-back to give Kyle Walker-Peters a rest. Looked strong. Wanted a penalty when brought down in the box - was not given.

Jack Stephens - 7.

Looks much better at centre-back than he does a right-back. Commanding performance from the captain.

Jan Bednarek - 8.

Clipped some good balls over the top in the absence of Taylor Harwood-Bellis  Ensured Tyler Dibling got his flowers after Southampton’s second goal.

Jayden Meghoma - 8.

Continues to look comfortable at the senior level. Managed to find space time after time. Combined well with Sam Edozie on the left. One for the future.

Flynn Downes - 7.

Kept his place in the team as a rare regular starter among a rotated side. Popped up in forward positions a few times.

Will Smallbone - 7.

Won the ball high for the first good Saints chance. Booked for a professional foul in the first half. Dropped into the number six role in the second half. Tidy passing. 

Joe Rothwell - 8

Caught the eye with a driving run through the heart of the Watford midfield. Excellent cross to set up Che Adams for his goal. Continues to get to grips with Russell Martin's system.

Tyler Dibling - 8. 

Involved plenty, looked lively, strong and could hold off his man in the box. Had lots of ideas. Good drive for Sekou Mara's second. Good night. 

Sekou Mara - 9 

Lacked early aggression. Should have done better with a chance but took too long - equally should have had an assist for a good setup on Adams. Came alive after the break with two emphatic finishes. Vastly improved and ended up being the match-winner. 

Che Adams - 8.

Chance from close range saved brilliantly by Bachman's feet. Good touch on for Mara's opener. Also transformed after the break - grabbed two assists and a goal. Calm finish to wrap up the game.

Substitutes 

Sam Edozie - 7.

Missed chance for comeback goal with a poor touch. Continued to be a threat with driving runs. Frustrated not to score when he struck the post.

Adam Armstrong - 7.

Played in midfield as he did much earlier in the season. Full of energy to attack and defend. Was searching for a ball in behind to Mara.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw - 7.

Another impressive cameo from the teenage winger. Confident when one-on-one. Denied first senior goal by the post.

Stuart Armstrong - 7.

The third of a triple changed alongside A Armstrong and S Armstrong. Kept Saints ticking in midfield.

Cam Bragg - N/A.

Trusted to play the final seven minutes as a holding midfielder. Good to see another youngster given a chance.