NEWQUAY’S play-off hopes remain alive following a dramatic ending at Mount Wise on Saturday.

WITH the clock ticking over into the seventh minute of added time, the Peppermints’ hopes of sneaking into the top five were all but over in a game they needed to win.

The contest was only seconds away from finishing as a 1-1 draw which would have meant they couldn’t overtake Sidmouth Town who have just one game remaining.

But then big centre-half Harry Downing arrived in the penalty area to head the ball past Brislington keeper Hugo Kemnery for his first goal of the season at Mount Wise and spark wild celebrations.

It means Shaun Middleton’s side still have an outside chance to get into the play-offs in their first season at this level.

They need to win their last two games – home to both Helston Athletic on Wednesday and Shepton Mallet next Saturday – and hope Sidmouth lose at home to Helston on April 21.

That scenario would lift Newquay above the East Devon side on goal difference.

On Saturday the Peppermints made a great start, racing into a fifth minute lead through teenage attacker Allam Ahmed and they had several chances to extend their lead before half-time.

But in an open match, Brislington carved out plenty of their own but were denied on a number of occasions by Newquay keeper Ethan Elwell who did well in very difficult blustery conditions.

He was eventually beaten on the hour when Jordan Scadding struck to set up a nervy finale which saw both sides spurn opportunities before Downing’s late, late winner.

Speaking on Sunday, Newquay boss Middleton said: “Yesterday’s match was played in a torrid wind and it was very difficult to get the ball down and play.

“We scored an early goal and I feel we played well considering the conditions.

“I’m very surprised where Brislington are in the league as they are a good footballing side and came with a determination to win.

“The second half was very open with both teams creating loads of opportunities, but just couldn’t get the goal until Harry Downing found himself in the box and scored a great last minute header.

“I was really pleased how the boys dug in and got the win which still keeps our season alive.”

NEWQUAY: Ethan Elwell, Jamie Edlin (Calum McOnie, 78), Tom Moxham, Cam Turner, Harry Downing (capt), Ross Fallens (Lucas Potts, 65), Tom Shepherd, Allam Ahmed, Phil Lowry (Harry Richards, 52), Jack Bray-Evans, Louis Price. Subs not used: Ollie Butterworth, Aaron Dilley.

BRISLINGTON: Hugo Kemnery, Louie Millard, Owen Lingard, Ash Kington, Lewis Dunn, Charlie Ames, Jake Packham, Jordan Scadding, Spike Weaver, Lewis Saunders, Ben Withey.

Subs: Alvaro Ruiz Rente, Harrison Kyte, Frankie Chilcott, Matt Wearne, Jaden Neale.

Peppermints’ man-of-the-match: Ethan Elwell.

In the same division, Cornish rivals Helston Athletic, who visit Newquay tonight (7.30pm) continued their good form before their voluntary relegation as they saw off visiting Oldland Abbotonians 2-1.

The visitors scored from a corner in the first half and despite having several nervy moments as the Blues piled forward, they held out until George Newton levelled as the start of injury-time approached.

There was still time for a penalty to be awarded which Freddie Kemp put away, much to the disgust of the visitors.