JACK Bray-Evans helped himself to a hat-trick as Newquay made it six wins in their last eight games with another imperious away performance on Saturday.

The Peppermints’ top scorer, who now has 14 league goals and 16 in all, gave them a great start with a sixth minute strike, doubled the lead after 36 minutes and completed his treble eight minutes from time.

Newquay created many more opportunities to add to their tally with Rhys Simmonds particularly unfortunate not to come away with a couple of goals.

He had a couple of one-on-one chances but found Mallet keeper Dan Jackson in good form as the home side’s last line of defence.

Another teenage striker, Allam Ahmed, continues to look a real find from the club’s youth system and on another day might have added a couple of goals.

Manager Shaun Middleton said: “It was another really strong performance on the road. We played some lovely football in challenging conditions.

“JBE scored a great hat-trick, causing them problems all afternoon. Defensively we looked solid and midfield was in our control with Jamie Lowry and young Harry Richards so commanding.

“Harry is playing great at the moment and the forward boys are looking hungry so I’m really happy and it sets us up nicely for a tough Senior Cup tie at Falmouth on Tuesday.”

From the opening whistle, Newquay asserted their dominance on the pitch and their cohesive passing and sharp movement unsettled the opposition, leading to early chances on goal.

The first breakthrough came after only six minutes when a Shepton defender attempted to clear the ball from his own half. Unfortunately Newquay’s Jack Bray-Evans was hunting him down and the attempted clearance ricocheted off Bray-Evanswho chased the loose ball and calmly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper.

As the match progressed, Newquay’s midfield continued to control the tempo, dictating play and thwarting any attempts at a comeback.

The second goal arrived before half-time, thanks to an expertly delivered cross into the box which was met at the far post by Phil Lowry who headed the ball back across the goal where Bray-Evans needed no invitation to snap up a second goal.

The second half was for the most part one-way traffic in the Cornish side’s favour and whenever Shepton did get forward, any threat was quickly snuffed out.

It was game, set and match in Newquay’s favour in the 82nd minute when Bray-Evans found the corner after being set up by Ahmed.

It meant Newquay made it nine games without defeat, while they will look to continue their play-off push on Saturday when they welcome Wellington to Mount Wise (3pm).

But with momentum firmly on their side, Newquay’s blend of experience and youthful energy has set a strong foundation for continued success this season, and who knows, maybe a spot in the end of season play-offs which would be some achievement in their first-ever campaign at Step Five.

NEWQUAY: Brodie Cole; Jamie Edlin, Harry Downing, Cam Turner, Tom Moxham; Harry Richards (Ross Fallens, 69), Jamie Lowry (Aaron Dilley, 69), Rhys Simmonds; Allam Ahmed (Ollie Butterworth, 81), Jack Bray-Evans (Lucas Potts, 81), Phil Lowry. Sub not used: Shaun Middleton.

Peppermints’ man-of-the-match: Jack Bray-Evans.