Axminster Town booked their place in the second round of the Walter C. Parsons Cup away to Bridport last night (Tuesday) - but it was a closer scoreline than expected with 16 places separating the two clubs in the South West Peninsular Premier East division.

Bridport were relegated from the Western League after a number of barren years and are struggling in their first season in the Peninsular, having shipped 18 goals with only five scored in their first six fixtures.

In contrast, Axminster are flying high at the top of the table, occupying second place to Ivybridge, and a goal feast was expected at St Mary's Field before a crowd just shy of 150.

The Bees started briskly and opened the score in the 17th minute when their lively No 7, Yu Bosley Yang, latched on to a delightful through ball after after waltzing around the Tigers' young keeper Shay Allen to put Bridport in an unexpected lead.

Later in the half Allen limped off the pitch after suffering a leg injury inflicted in a brave goalmouth scramble. He was replaced by Scott Wells-Burr.

Axminster hit back with a well placed drive from outside the box by the irreplaceable Jamie Price . And it was a Price header that gave the Tigers a 2-1 advantage at the interval.

Axe came out after the break without influential centre-back Chris McGarth, who was carrying an injury, but continued to put the young Bees under pressure and a header from goal-machine Caig Veal increased their lead to 3-1.

Axminster supporters thought this might open the flood gates but give Bridport their due, their heads didn't drop and they were back in the picture with a glorious 40-yarder which flew into the top corner of the net from the impressive youngster, Owen Peart.

Axe pretty much sealed their second round place with a penalty which was slammed home by Veal to make it 4-1.

But with just six minutes left to play, a Josh Hunter header narrowed the gap and Bridport might well of snatched an equaliser in the last minute had it not been for a goal-line clearance to save the match going to penalties.

Axminster were without two influential players, Josh Wadham and Charlie Wilson, but they just about deserved the victory, although manager Dan Prettejohn might not be pleased that they conceded three goals to a side that had only scored five in their last six matches.

After the match Prettejohn said: "This was a classic cup tie when league form meant nothing. I always felt we kept them at arms length but credit to Bridport for a couple of fantastic goals. Injuries are a concern as are suspensions, but we travel away on Saturday knowing we will create chances."

One supporter went on line saying Axe were letting in too many goals. Prettejohn replied: "Agreed but soon to be sorted."

Axminster face another testing encounter next Tuesday with a home derby against Honiton Town (kick-off 7.30pm) to maintain their second place in the Premier East division.