Andrew Surman and Grzegorz Rasiak ensured Southampton avoided an embarrassing FA Cup exit as League Two Bury were beaten 2-0 at St Mary's.In the Saints' first game since the departure of manager George Burley, it looked like becoming another entry in this season's catalogue of giant-killings. But Surman struck 20 minutes from the end to put the home side in front before Rasiak bundled home the killer second on the rebound in the 80th minute after unlucky Bury goalkeeper Jim Provett saved his penalty.

Burley appeared to have made an astute decision in upping sticks and leaving the south coast for the Scotland job if Saints' disjointed display was anything to go by.

They survived a scare in only the second minute when Richie Baker hit the post, while Andy Bishop could have secured a deserved replay for the side lying 88th in the Football League with a second-half header which hit the crossbar.

In between, Bury were the better side and made a mockery of the 55-place gap between the teams.

John Gorman and Jason Dodd were tasked with steering Saints into the fifth round while Bury are also managerless, with caretaker Chris Brass at the helm.

The lowly visitors almost took a shock lead when Darren Powell upended Baker 30 yards from goal.

Baker picked himself up and hit a curling free-kick which had Kelvin Davis beaten but cannoned off the foot of the post.

Five minutes later the dozy hosts gifted Bury another chance, allowing Baker to run unchecked through the midfield, but Davis made a diving save.

The rebound landed back at Baker's feet but, off balance, the midfielder could only prod the ball wide.

The minnows, who saw off Championship opposition in Norwich in the third round, continued to worry the Saints defence, with 13-goal striker Bishop shooting wide and Wayne Thomas having to clear a goalbound Ben Futcher header.

Saints threw on Inigo Idiakez for defender Andrew Davies at the break and finally forced a meaningful save from Provett in the 47th minute when Surman fired in a low shot.

But the hosts remained jittery at the back and only a lucky deflection prevented Bishop from latching onto Futcher's header in front of goal.

Southampton could have gone ahead shortly before the hour mark when Rasiak met Gregory Vignal's cross, but the Polish frontman shot across goal and wide.

Rasiak then set up Hammill, whose angled drive was well blocked by Provett, before Surman finally made the breakthrough.

The England Under-21 midfielder collected the ball 20 yards out and sent in a low shot which deflected off Bury skipper Paul Scott and past the wrong-footed Provett.

Bury nearly came up with an immediate reply, but Bishop's header from Nicky Adams' cross came back off the bar.

And Bury's plucky resistance came to an end shortly afterwards when Scott pushed substitute Stern John in the area.

Rasiak's initial effort was saved, as was his second, but the ball landed at his feet a third time and he finally guided the ball past Provett.

Still Bury went forward, though, and Davis was at full stretch to keep out Bishop's stoppage-time effort.

More Football News from TEAMtalk