NEWQUAY stretched their unbeaten league run to nine games, which includes six wins, with an excellent performance to see off Wellington in a thriller at a packed Mount Wise.

The result moved the Peppermints up to seventh place, only six points off a promotion play-off position with two games in-hand on Paulton Rovers in fifth.

Wellington’s hopes of making it three league wins on the bounce were dashed as the Cornishmen came from behind to claim victory.

Jack Bray-Evans helped himself to two goals and others came from Rhys Simmonds and Cam Turner with one of his trademark free-kicks as the majority of the 530-strong crowd went home happy.

Newquay boss Shaun Middleton said: “It was a really positive display as we played some top football after a wobbly start.

“Once we settled into the game our football was top class. Wellington really were a difficult team with some extremely good players, so to score four goals was great.

“Big shout out to all the people who came and watched as there was a really good atmosphere at Mount Wise yesterday.”

The visitors made the perfect start after two minutes. A cross from the right found Oscar Albano, whose initial shot was blocked, but Douglas Camilo was quickest to react, forcing home the rebound.

Newquay responded swiftly and were level on 11 minutes when Jake Haggerty was judged to have fouled inside the area and Jack Bray-Evans made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Two minutes later, the home side turned the game on its head as Bray-Evans broke down the right and squared for Rhys Simmonds to tap in to make it 2-1.

Wellington had their moments before the break, but Newquay looked the more likely to extend their advantage, with Bray-Evans twice going close; first firing over from close range, then being denied by keeper Jack McAndrews.

Trailing at the break, the Somerset side came out with renewed purpose after the restart and were rewarded on 52 minutes.

James De Selincourt’s header found Alfie Slough, whose cross was expertly tucked away by Albano to bring the scores level at 2-2.

Moments later, Sam Towler clipped the post with a free-kick as the visitors pressed for the lead.

The game was finely balanced and McAndrews pulled off a fine save to keep the sides level.

But Newquay regained control on 67 minutes when Cam Turner’s low free-kick found its way through a crowded box and into the net.

As Wellington pushed for an equaliser in stoppage-time, Newquay broke clear and Bray-Evans grabbed his second of the afternoon with a tidy finish at the far post to seal the points.

Newquay host Barnstaple Town on Wednesday night (7.45pm) in the Western League Les Phillips Cup, before Saturday’s league encounter sees Middleton’s men visit second bottom Oldland Abbotonians (3pm).

NEWQUAY: Brodie Cole; Jamie Edlin (Ollie Butterworth, 85), Harry Downing (capt), Cam Turner, Tom Moxham; Aaron Dilley, Harry Richards (Lucas Potts, 65); Rhys Simmonds, Allam Ahmed (Jacob Grange, 75), Jack Bray-Evans; Phil Lowry (Tom Shepherd, 60).

Sub not used: Ethan Elwell (gk).

WELLINGTON: Jack McAndrews; Josh Lukins, Jake Haggerty, Tom Stone, Mark Cornish, Sam Towler (Jack Alcock, 84), Miles Quick, James De Selincourt, Oscar Albano, Douglas Camilo, Alfie Slough (Dan Conway, 84). Sub not used: Cris Amponsah.

Peppermints’ man-of-the-match: Aaron Dilley.