NEWQUAY’S nine-game unbeaten run in the league was ended in spectacular style by second-placed Sidmouth in front of a crowd of 473 at Mount Wise on Saturday.

The visitors took full advantage of a rare off day by the Peppermints to pocket all three points from a complete performance.

It was Newquay’s first league defeat since September 13 and brought them crashing down to earth after winning 4-2 at Southern League Falmouth in the Cornwall Senior Cup in midweek.

Manager Shaun Middleton said: “First and foremost congratulations to Sidmouth – they were a very good team and completely dominated the game.

“Unfortunately we looked a shadow of the team that beat Falmouth the other night which is so frustrating as it shows a level of inconsistency.

“I felt we shied away from the ball, made some naive decisions and ultimately paid the price for a poor performance.

“Although we didn't play great we had two stonewall penalties turned down at crucial moments of the game.

“The boys have had a tough few months and have done well; we’ve had plenty of games and a week off now comes at a good time for us to regroup and go again.”

Sidmouth made a confident start and came close to a 10th minute opener when Zack Williams found Jack Mills inside the penalty area but his low drive flashed just wide.

Newquay felt they should have had a penalty after 23 minutes when Rhys Simmonds went down under a challenge but the referee waved play on and Sidmouth were ahead seven minutes later.

Again Williams created the opportunity wide on the left and this time his ball inside was fired low into the net by Nathan Copper.

Simmonds came close to a 34th minute equaliser with a mazy run by Simmonds which ended with a curling shot which finished a yard wide.

But the visitors were well on top and doubled their lead a minute before the break through Mills, who had been given too much room after a corner had not been cleared properly.

The second half followed a similar pattern and it was 3-0 just after the hour with a goal of real quality. Right back Harry Drew-Cull played an excellent one-two with Williams before advancing into the penalty area and beating Brodie Cole at the near post.

And it was 4-0 three minutes later when Craig Veal finished off a left wing attack at the near post from close range.

To their credit Newquay kept going and rewarded with a goal in the 76th minute when Lucas Potts got the final touch on a Phil Lowry shot from the edge of the area.

But the home side’s bad day at the office was complete when the usually reliable Louis Price lifted an 89th minute penalty high over the bar after Simmonds had been tripped by Drew-Cull.

Newquay: B Cole, J Edlin (O Butterworth 68), T Moxham, C Turner, H Downing, R Fallens (L Potts 54), T Shepherd (A Dilley 68), R Simmonds, H Richards (S Fearn 68), J Grange (P Lowry 54), L Price.

Goal: L Potts (76).

Yellow cards: P Lowry (61), T Moxham (85).

Referee: T Milburn.

Attendance: 473.

Men of the Match. Newquay – Lucas Potts; Sidmouth – Zack Williams.