HARTPURY FC booked their place in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy with an impressive 4-1 victory over Exmouth Town at the KMM Energy Stadium on Saturday.

Goals from Kian Davies, Morgan Ewing, Billy Osborn and Louis Manning helped the Acorns overcome an early setback and secure a convincing first qualifying round win.

Exmouth had the perfect opportunity to take an early lead when they were awarded a penalty after three minutes, but Seth Locke produced a strong save to deny Matt Wright.

Hartpury threatened through Nathan Jenkins and Keon Sanniola before the visitors eventually broke the deadlock after 13 minutes, Ben Steer lifting his effort over Locke.

The response was swift, with Jenkins' delicate pass releasing Davies, who turned his defender and found the bottom corner five minutes later.

Hartpury completed the turnaround just four minutes afterwards as Ewing reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and drilled home for 2-1.

Exmouth almost levelled immediately after half-time when Steer's effort struck the crossbar, while goalkeeper Matt Wonnacott produced a series of saves to keep Hartpury at bay.

However, the Acorns extended their advantage on the hour when half-time substitute Osborn squeezed an effort home from close range.

Captain Sol Kent then made an important block at the other end before Manning effectively settled the contest after 70 minutes.

The Hartpury attacker drove beyond his marker, rounded Wonnacott and calmly rolled into the empty net to make it 4-1.

Exmouth continued searching for a response and Iestyn Harries struck the crossbar late on, while Hartpury's Joao Silva was denied a fifth when his effort was inadvertently blocked by teammate Sanniola.

Hartpury will return to Southern League action on Saturday with a trip to newly-promoted Paulton Rovers.