NEWQUAY chose a bad time to produce arguably their most ineffective performance of the season as their FA Vase campaign ended with a whimper at Hallen on Saturday.

The Peppermints never recovered from a poor start where they found themselves 2-0 down after 26 minutes with goals from Sam Iles (16 minutes) and Elliot Gardner.

A wonder strike from Louis Price on the stroke of half-time reduced the arrears, but failed to provide a spark for the second half as Newquay continued to struggle to find their usual rhythm.

And a 70th minute goal from midfielder Cory Thomas Barker put them out of their misery.

The result brought to an end a seven-match unbeaten run which included five wins and 27 goals scored. It was their first defeat since losing 2-0 to Paulton Rovers on September 13.

Newquay boss Shaun Middleton said: “Unfortunately we didn’t do ourselves much good; we started very slowly, we were sloppy, couldn’t keep possession and we were second best in all areas.

“I’m hoping it was a one-off because it was well below the levels we have set.

“But we have a chance to put it right this Wednesday against an in-form St Blazey at Blaise Park in the Les Phillips Cup.”

He added: “Hallen deserved their win so no complaints; we have to crack on and go again.”

Newquay return to league action on Saturday with a trip to Bridgwater and are also on their travels the following weekend to Shepton Mallet.

Peppermints supporters will have to wait until November 8 to see their team at Mount Wise, against Wellington.

NEWQUAY: Brodie Cole; Ollie Butterworth (Jamie Edlin, 58), Harry Downing, Cam Turner, Tom Moxham; Lucas Potts (Harry Richards, 58), Ross Fallens (Ben Shaw, 82), Rhys Simmonds, Phil Lowry (Al Ahmed, 65), Jack Bray-Evans, Louis Price. Sub not used: Johan Allen.

HELSTON are the only team from Cornwall left standing in the FA Vase after a comprehensive victory over Hellenic League Premier Division basement club Lydney at Kellaway Park on Saturday.

Dan Bua’s side cruised through to the second round proper with goals from Max Hill, Liam Eddy, Olly Redd and George Marris.

They now face a trip to another Hellenic side, mid-table Cinderford Town, on Saturday November 8.

On Saturday the Blues were ahead after only three minutes with Hill heading home a Redd corner. The corner had come after Eddy was denied by a superb save from Lydney keeper Alex Causon.

Eddy was not to be denied for too long – he reacted first to a loose ball in the penalty area to finish off from 10 yards to double the home side’s lead.

Redd, who was a constant threat with his pace, added Helston’s third goal just after the hour and Marris completed the scoring 16 minutes from time.

Lydney, who went into this tie with only one win in 13 league games, rarely offered a threat and their miserable afternoon ended with substitute Sean McKeon being sent to the sin-bin.

HELSTON ATHLETIC: Morgan Jones; Matt Searle, Kyle Marks, Tom Whipp (Blake Gordon-Dunn, 70), Max Hill, Josh Storey, Olly Redd, George Marris, Liam Eddy (Ethan Jorey, 65), Fin Costa (Jake Warman, 70), Jude Tripconey. Sub not used: Freddie Kemp.