Newton Poppleford claimed a superb extra-time victory over East Devon neighbours Fluxton to book a berth in the next round of the Firewatch Devon Senior Cup.

The Popples, still buzzing from the 8-2 victory they had recorded seven days earlier to make Bill Slee Cup progress, made the worst possible start, falling behind as early as the fifth minute, succumbing to a log throw into the area and a tap in at the far post!

Thirty minutes into the contest interim manager Shepherd made a change putting Liam Liddel out on the left and bringing Jarek Solomonow into a more central midfield berth.

It paid instant dividends as a Solomonow strike cannoned back off the upright and fell invitingly to master marksman Liddel to level things up.

At the break Liddel, who had picked up a first half injury, made way for Stephen Craft.

The second half was packed with action at both ends of the pitch. Matt Rasmussen had a number of opportunities to win it for Popples and, with five minutes of normal time remaining, Fluxton saw a shot strike the crossbar!

Popples made a flying start to extra-time and straight from the restart took the lead when a long ball from Matt Tett and a delightful flick-on by Matt Rasmussen saw the ball land at the feet of Craft and his sweet lobbed shot sailed over the glovesman and in!

The lead lasted just two minutes as Fluxton hit back to make it 2-2.

In the second period of extra-time Popples’ Man of the Match Solomonow arrived at the far post to net following a header back into the area by Mark Hadley and then Solomonow curled a shot from the edge of the box into the top corner to put a polished seal on a 4-2 success.

Next up in the County Cup for Popples is a meeting with Honiton Town reserves.

This Saturday (September 19 the Popples entertain University.