Struggling in midfield, Shepton Mallet were left with too much to do as visiting Newquay's strikerJackBrayEvans bagged a hattrick and secured all three points for the Cornish side.

From the 6thminute the hosts were on the back foot, when a fortunate rebound put the ball at BrayEvans's feet and he fired past keeper DanJackson from 12yards. With midfield weakened by absences and injuries, Shepton found it hard to dominate possession or create in the final third. MontyBurgess, JaySutherland and JoelSisson stood firm at the back, while MattMorris and ConradPeck worked hard in midfield.

Newquay nearly doubled their lead after 30minutes when a JamieLowry freekick rattled the bar, but the second did arrive in the 37thminute. Jackson did well to parry a header from Lowry — only for BrayEvans to pounce on the loose ball and tap in from a yard out.

Shepton rallied around halftime with JakeSloggett forcing a fine save from Newquay keeper BrodieCole and firing narrowly wide shortly afterwards. A slick move from JJLittlewood and Peck then saw Peck force another strong stop from Cole.

But midway through the second half, the decisive moment came. After BrayEvans stirred again and Jackson made a good save, he popped up around the 80minute mark to latch onto a cleared ball and slide one beyond Jackson from 10yards for his third. RhysSimmonds then broke clear only for Jackson to race off his line and deny him, and a late surge from Littlewood and Peck was thwarted again by Cole.

Despite the grit shown late on, Shepton had to accept the superiority of their opponents. Sponsors Jools and Anne chose Burgess as Shepton's Man of the Match, ahead of Peck, Sisson and Sutherland. Attendance:170.

Shepton's1stTeam were due to face ClevedonTown at home in the LesPhillipsCup on Tuesday4November, but the match was called off after a pitch inspection. The next outing is away to BucklandAthletic on Saturday15November, kickoff3.00pm. The Reserves host Banwell at home on Saturday8November, kickoff2.00pm.

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