REAL Milan have made progress in the Ken Gomm Challenge Cup after a battling 4-3 win against Pobbers at Farnham Park on Sunday.

The previous cup holders got back to winning ways in an exciting incident packed, rain-soaked round one cup tie.

It was the Pobbers who drew first blood when their skilful left winger Josh Birtwistle cut inside and, from outside the box, unleashed a rocket of a shot into the top corner.

Milan equalised just minutes later as Cheyenne Cripps latched onto a through ball from debutant Reece Warwick and hit a hard and low shot past the keeper.

Conrad Joseph then put the visitors in front with a classy left-foot strike from just inside the area, only for the unmarked Toby Crouch to bring Pobbers level again just before the break.

The Pobbers were driven on by midfield maestro James Betts in the second-half and got back in front with a well-taken Adam Smith penalty.

However, man-of-the-match Jermaine Payne scored with a great header and then produced another cool finish 10 minutes from time to win the tie for Milan. Payne has now scored four goals in two games against Pobbers this season.

Despite the win, Real Milan still have a lot of improvement to make and they will need to be on top form this Sunday when they travel to league champions FC Bentons (10.30am).

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