POPPIES will tonight be looking to continue their exploits in the FA Youth Cup when they host Exeter City at Victoria Park (7pm kick-off).

The club’s young guns have pulled out all the stops to reach the first round proper after seeing off strong opposition in two qualifying rounds.

An impressive 2-1 victory at Havant & Waterlooville was followed by a dramatic penalty shootout triumph over Oxford City.

Poppies, who received a walkover in the first qualifying round following AFC Totton’s withdrawal, eventually prevailed 5-4 on spot-kicks after the tie had finished locked at 3-3.

Exeter arrive in Dorset currently sixth in the south west division of the Football League Youth Alliance, the same league as Cherries under-18s.

The winners of tonight’s showdown will host either Oxford United or Kidlington in the second round later this month.

  • Swanage Town & Herston entertain managerless Hamworthy United in the first round of the Dorset Senior Cup (7.45pm.