Cheltenham Town twice came from behind before powering to a 6-2 victory over Buxton in the FA Cup Second Round.
Early on, the visitors created the first opportunity after winning a free kick on the left, but Luke Brennan’s strike was dealt with and cleared.
Misfortune struck Cheltenham soon after when Ryan Broom went down injured, prompting Arkell Jude-Boyd to come on as his replacement.
Soon afterwards, the Robins carved out their first clear chance when Isaac Hutchinson curled a well-placed effort just wide of the far post.
Buxton then moved in front in the 13th minute as Tai Sodje pounced on a defensive error, gliding into the penalty area before calmly finishing to make it 1-0.
Almost immediately, there was a chance for a response when Jordan Thomas fired the ball across the box, though no Cheltenham player was able to get a touch.
Moments later, Joe Young was called into action as Buxton produced a neat move, forcing a strong save from Hakeeb Adelakun’s strike before Thomas sent the rebound wide.
Continuing to threaten, Buxton again went close from a set piece in the 26th minute when Max Bardell directed a header narrowly wide of the target.
Cheltenham responded just four minutes later as Hutchinson kept his composure to slot home after being played through by Adelakun.
Buxton almost regained their lead immediately from a corner, where Kirby met the delivery and forced the keeper into a save before it was gathered safely.
The visitors restored their advantage late in the first half when the captain whipped a free kick into the area and George Ward rose to head it in.
After the interval, Cheltenham returned with far greater purpose and came close to levelling when Adelakun found room but lost his footing and struck off target.
Adelakun continued to threaten soon after, drawing a sharp near-post save from Young.
Hutchinson linked up with Robbie Cundy shortly afterwards, whose cushioned header set him up for an effort that drifted just over the crossbar.
Fortune favoured Cheltenham in the 58th minute when Cundy’s deflected attempt looped into the net to make it 2-2.
With momentum building, Cheltenham claimed the lead for the first time in the 62nd minute as Thomas cut inside and curled a composed finish into the corner.
Hutchinson then secured his second goal of the afternoon with 15 minutes remaining, driving into the box and smashing his shot beyond the keeper.
Substitute Ethon Archer made an immediate impact by tapping in from close range for Cheltenham’s fifth of the match.
Finally, Thomas completed the scoring late on, guiding the ball into the side netting to round off a dominant second-half display and make it 6-2.
