A SUPERB brace from Chris Flood helped Basingstoke Town to their first giant killing of this season's FA Cup, as they knocked out National League visitors Torquay United.

When these sides last met in this famous competition back in 1989, the Devon side won 3-2, but this time they were outclassed by a super Town display and were soundly beaten 3-0.

The victory booked Basingstoke a place in the first round draw, which is live this evening on BBC Two at 7pm.

The Dragons will be number 66 and would no doubt love a tie against the likes of Portsmouth (36) or Sheffield United (39).

Whoever they draw Town will hope to keep their great run in this competition going, and striker Flood will be hoping to add to the six goals he had already scored during this campaign.

Nearly 800 packed into the Camrose for the fourth round qualifying tie and the home side gave a debut to former Eastleigh midfielder Glen Southam.

Town were soon in control of the contest taking the lead in the third minute as Will Salmon leaped as he met Louie Soares' corner with a bullet header.

The National League side tried to get themselves back into the contest, but the Dragons roared on by the home fans kept them at bay.

The home side were trying to play some nice stuff and one move started by James Harper saw Tom Bird and Flood combine, with the striker going close.

Soon after, Town went 2-0 up as a Harrison Gilkes shot took a deflection off a defender and fell to Flood, who made no mistake as he sent the ball into the net via the underside of the bar.

The visitors needed a lifeline and Courtney Richards, so nearly got them back into the game, but Aaron Howe pushed his shot away.

Then a lovely turn in the box from Alexander Fisher saw his effort go over the bar as it remained 2-0 at the break.

After the interval, Angus McDonald headed just wide and sub Louis Briscoe hooked a shot just wide after good build-up play.

Town had their own chances, and added goal number three after Shaun McAuley won a corner.

Soares sent in the flag kick, which was only cleared as far as Flood and even with four players in front of him, the striker scored at the near post with excellent finish to make it 3-0 just before the hour mark.

Torquay went close soon after as Butler’s shot was saved by Howe and cleared by Jay Gasson and Town’s Harper glanced a header just wide.

The visitors threw bodies up front, but only in the last minute did they carve out a good chance from Ashley Yeoman, but Howe made the save, but by then everyone was thinking who would be next for Basingstoke in the first round proper.

Town return to league tomorrow night, when they entertain high flying Whitehawk, who also made it into the first round draw after a 2-0 win over Poole.

Basingstoke are expected to reshuffle their line-up for the visit of the Sussex outfit.

Basingstoke: Howe, Salmon, Bird, Harper, Gasson, Ray, Gilkes, Southam, McAuley, Flood (sub Macklin 71 mins), Soares. Subs (not used): Enver-Marum, Williams, Smart, Dunn, Hallahan, Smalley.

Torquay: Spiess, Butler, Fenwick (sub Briscoe 52 mins), McDonald, Marsh, Murombedzi (sub Hancox 77 mins), Richards, Fisher (Yeoman 67 mins), Smith, Heslop, Berry. Subs (not used): Lavercombe, Chaney, Gerring.

Attendance 793 Gazette Star man – Chris Flood Took both his goals really well and always looked a danger.