Asa Hall admitted he could not believe his luck when a rebound fell kindly for the midfielder to seal Oxford United's win at Plainmoor.

With the game in the balance after Torquay United had pulled a goal back to trail 2-1 going into the final 15 minutes, Hall had a chance to strike.

The substitute was played through on goal by James Constable, but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Martin Rice.

To Hall’s delight the ball bounced back into his path and the 26-year-old made no mistake with the second opportunity, which was lashed into the net.

“I was surprised (Constable) passed it to be honest,” he said. “I hit the first one quite nicely and it came straight back to me.

“My eyes lit up a bit, I couldn’t believe it fell like that and it’s always nice to get on the scoresheet. I think it was important because it killed them off a little bit.

“The conditions weren’t nice, but I think we earned the right in the first half to play a bit in the second half and get the win.

“We were pleased to get in on level terms and it gave us a chance to go again in the second half.”

Hall began the game on the bench, but was thrust into the action after 24 minutes when Sean Rigg came off with a hamstring injury.

Despite the lack of notice, the on-loan Shrewsbury midfielder had no problems with the sudden introduction.

He said: “I think you are always ready as a substitute and when something does happen like that maybe getting thrown in is better than if you know for a few minutes that you’re coming on.

“You just have to react and get in the game.”