DAVID Howell turned in a sublime performance to sweep into the third round of the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay with a dominant 6&4 success over David Drysdale this afternoon.

Swindon ace Howell was put through the wringer in his first round defeat of Daniel Brooks on Thursday but it was much more plain sailing at a windy Murcar Links Golf Club today.

The Broome Manor pro shot straight into the lead in Aberdeen when Drysdale took a bogey at the opening hole, although an eagle at the next saw the Scotsman hit straight back.

Howell then produced a run of superb holes to turn the screw on his opponent and take a commanding advantage.

A birdie at three saw the two-time Ryder Cup winner retake the lead before three straight victories starting from the fifth saw him 4-up at the turn.

Back-to-back victories on 10 and 11 ensured Howell increased his advantage further before a bogey on the 13th did at least allow Drysdale to stop the rot and cut the gap to five.

However, the Swindon ace swiftly set that right by winning the next to complete a comprehensive triumph and head back to the clubhouse early.