Andy Williams has already broken Southampton's hearts once this season – and he would love to do it again in the FA Cup tonight.

The Bristol Rovers marksman says he will never forget the dramatic ending he supplied to a memorable League One meeting between the clubs at St Mary's less than six weeks ago.

The Pirates were trailing for the second time when Williams entered the fray from the bench just after the hour mark – and within a couple of minutes, the visitors were back on level terms through Jo Kuffour.

But Paul Trollope's side were in no mood to settle for a point and Williams, who had tormented the home team's tiring defence ever since his introduction, conjured up the most spectacular of winners deep into stoppage-time when he cut in from the flank to smash a dream strike into the top corner with his left foot.

In that one dramatic moment, the former Hereford striker was transformed from supersub to hero – but, as 3,000 travelling Gasheads chanted his name at the final whistle, the modest matchwinner had to be pushed in front of the jubilant away fans by his team-mates

"It was definitely the best moment of my career so far," said Williams. "Hopefully, I can re-enact something like it tonight."

Rovers fans will need no reminding that the 3-2 triumph was their team's last victory and after failing to take a point from the next five games, tonight's first-round tie at the Memorial Stadium could be a welcome diversion from league action for a side desperately in need of a win.

Williams is one of those who believes the competition still has a magic all of its own.

"It's a big thing as far as I'm concerned – it's a massive competition to be part of," said Williams.

"I was lucky enough to be at two FA Cup finals – I watched Liverpool play Manchester United when Eric Cantona scored, which wasn't so great for me because I'm a Liverpool fan.

"But I was also at the Liverpool v Arsenal game when Michael Owen scored a couple.

"People remember those games because it is such a big competition."

Unbeaten in the six outings since their defeat by Rovers, Southampton will arrive in Horfield as favourites to progress – and represent one of the toughest possible draws for Trollope's side.

"Being at home is always important and we have got that, so you can't really be too fussy about who you are drawn against," said Williams.

"Southampton are obviously one of the better teams in our league, although they are in a false position because of their points deduction.

"It's one of the hardest games we could have got, but we've beaten them before so hopefully we can do it again."

"They are a good side who move the ball around well and are a passing team, so hopefully that will suit us and it should be a good spectacle for people to come and watch.

"When we played them away, it was a very open game. They were the home side that night so whether they will come with a different mentality this time, with it being a one-off cup game, I don't know.

"But I think both sides like to get the ball down and play, so it should be a good game."

Williams even upstaged former Rovers' hero Rickie Lambert at St Mary's and hopes the Scouse marksman is again left empty-handed this evening.

"It was good for everyone to see Lambo again when we went down to Southampton because everyone here got on well with him and he's a good lad," said Williams.

"I don't know what sort of reaction he'll get from the crowd, but certainly all the boys will be pleased to see him and will shake his hand."