Ottery St Mary’s superb start to the season continued with a thrilling 2-1 Devon Intermediate Cup success over Honiton Town Reserves at Washbrook Meadow.

Given that the cup tie was a local derby, and contested before a good turnout of followers, the action certainly did not disappoint!

The visitors were a well-organised and physical outfit whilst the Otters this season have an approach to the game based on quick passing and high-tempo.

The first chance of the game came when Dale Strawbridge struck a venomous rising 25-yard shot that skimmed the top of the crossbar.

The next chance was fashioned by the industrious Sam Sharpe with a trademark left wing burst and saw him cut inside before rifling the ball towards goal. The Honiton glovesman made a fine save, but could only parry the ball and the quick-thinking Jordan Rogers pounced, took it round the keeper, only to be upended and Connor Swingler stepped up to tuck away the resultant penalty to give Ottery a half-time lead.

After the break their was similar fare with both teams creating chances. The visitors continued to press and were rewarded for their continued endeavours when they too won a penalty and scored it to level things up at 1-1.

The visitors enjoyed a period of ascendancy as the final quarter of the game was reached and twice the outstanding Ottery keeper, Duncan Smith, made point-blank saves.

At the other end the Otters went close when Nick Feeney broke through and shot over the bar.

There was just a minute remaining when Swingler picked the ball up 25-yards from goal. He steadied himself, took aim, and thumped the ball into the back of the net to roars of appreciation from the home followers.

The reward for manager Mike Dawe and his team is a third round home tie early next month against Tivvy Park Rangers.

On Saturday the Otters will have their Fresha League Division Six title credentials given their stiffest test to date when they travel to another side eyeing a title challenge, Kentisbeare (3pm).