Plymouth Parkway progressed to the quarter-finals of the Devon County Cup with a 3-1 victory over Exmouth Town at Bolitho Park on Tuesday evening.

Karl Curtis made several changes to the side following a demanding run of fixtures, with Jack Matthews, Joel Sullivan, Ed Harrison, Henry Donovan and Hayden Turner all coming into the starting line-up. Dual-registered Sam Pearson also started, while Jamie Lowry made his 43rd appearance for the club.

Parkway made a positive start and created several opportunities in the opening stages. Sam Pearson fired over from the edge of the box before Henry Donovan saw an effort deflected behind for a corner. Donovan continued to threaten, heading over from Joel Sullivan’s cross as the hosts looked to take control.

Despite Parkway’s bright start, it was Exmouth who opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Ben Steer was brought down inside the penalty area, and Tom Chastery converted the resulting spot-kick to give the visitors the lead against the run of play.

Parkway responded almost immediately. Jack Matthews produced some excellent footwork before lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to bring the hosts level, restoring parity just three minutes later.

The Yellows continued to create chances before the break, with Jensen Ireland coming close with a powerful effort from outside the box, while Donovan also headed narrowly wide from a corner. However, despite their pressure, Parkway went into half-time level at 1-1.

Exmouth started the second half with greater intent, but Parkway regained the lead in the 52nd minute. Donovan finally got the goal his performance deserved, drilling a low effort into the bottom corner to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.

Turner nearly extended the advantage shortly afterwards, his effort narrowly clearing the crossbar, while Jack Matthews and Ed Harrison also tested the Exmouth defence as Parkway searched for a third.

The visitors refused to give in and applied considerable pressure during the closing stages. Parkway goalkeeper Jamie Dudley was called upon to deal with the threat before being replaced by Jack Flower, while Will Sullivan produced a crucial goal-line clearance in the 84th minute to prevent Exmouth from drawing level.

Two minutes later, Parkway made sure of the result in style. Turner collected the ball and curled a superb effort into the top-right corner from distance, giving the goalkeeper no chance and giving the hosts’ a two-goal cushion.

The final whistle confirmed a 3-1 victory and Parkway’s progression into the quarter-finals of the Devon Bowl.

It was a productive evening for a much-changed side, providing valuable minutes for fringe players following a busy period, while maintaining the club’s progress in the competition. Attention now turns back to league action, with Parkway travelling to Basingstoke Town on Saturday.