NEWQUAY were left feeling disappointed after they were held to a draw on Saturday in their pursuit of a place in the promotion play-offs.

But fourth-placed Barnstaple, who are almost certain to feature in the play-offs at the very least, are a tough nut to crack and this may turn out to be a good point at the end of the campaign.

The Peppermints started strongly but they went behind in the 10th minute with a headed goal from Luke Mortimore, who was a constant threat for the visitors.

Cam Turner, playing in spite of a foot injury, equalised two minutes before half-time to send Newquay in at the break with renewed hope of turning the game around.

The second half was hotly contested with half chances at both ends but the main feature of the 45 minutes was a red card for each side in separate incidents.

Newquay midfielder Aaron Dilley was given his marching orders for a high foot challenge while Barnstaple’s Joe Grigg followed soon after for an off the ball offence.

Peppermints boss Shaun Middleton said: “It was a really good game against arguably the best team in the league. I felt we matched them in every department and were unfortunate not to snatch a late winner.

“The boys have had a heavy schedule in the last month and although we’ve not gained the points we wanted we have can be proud of the effort from all.

“We go back to Saturday games now where hopefully we can recharge and give it one last push towards the end of the season.”

Newquay: B Cole, J Edlin, T Moxham, C Turner, H Downing, M Searle (R Fallens 80), A Dilley, A Ahmed (J Grange 75), C McOnie (T Shepherd 35), J Bray-Evans, L Price (L Potts 65).

Goal: C Turner (43).

Red card: A Dilley.

Barnstaple; O Saunders, B Montague, T Rogers, N Slateford, A Hill, L Gardiner, L Mortimore, R Keates (O Knight), J Grigg, G Rogers, J Parry (A Mitchell).

Goal: L Mortimore (10).

Red card: J Grigg.

Attendance: 316.

Men of the Match. Newquay – Matt Searle; Barnstaple – Lee Gardiner.