EDDIE Pepperell’s progress in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship was halted by late dropped shots today.

The Abingdon golfer shot a level-par 72 at Carnoustie despite a superb start.

Pepperell got off to a flier with birdies at three of the opening five holes.

A bogey at the eighth hindered his progress, but he picked up another shot at the par-five 14th to lie in a share of sixth.

However, dropped shots at the next three holes saw him plummet down the leaderboard, before a par at the last stopped his slide.

Pepperell plays Kingsbarns tomorrow, and St Andrews on Saturday after which the cut is made for the final round.