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MOUSEHOLE’S NEW ANALYST HAS SUCCESS IN HIS SIGHTS

by Kevin Bishop

Mousehole AFC are thrilled to announce that Macauley Musgrave (twitter.com/maccacoaching) is joining our backroom staff as Lead Analyst for the 2023/24 season. Macauley, known as Macca, will provide expert video analysis of Mousehole’s matches this coming season as they begin their first Pitching In Southern League campaign following promotion from the Toolstation Western League.

Originally from Cumbria, Macauley has been coaching for 5 years and progressed from working in junior grassroots at Penrith Juniors to professional football over that short period. He has had spells at Workington AFC,  Lithuanian 2nd Division club FK Babrungas Plunge as assistant manager & analyst, Carlisle United as a YDP coach and at step 4 club Consett AFC.

Asked why he chose Mousehole, Macauley said: “I was completely sold. The project and the journey Mousehole want to go on are very much aligned with the journey I want to go on. I want to work at a club where everyone is striving for success and everyone is looking for the chance to develop.”

He is looking to push his career forward so put out a post on social media looking for a new position. Mousehole Manager Jake Ash has followed his progress online and believes he has a real future in the game. “Just speaking to him you can see how hungry he is to learn and develop. I feel he is such a brilliant personality and fit for what we try to do. I feel he can see in us a club that mirrors his ambition.”

Having worked at Step 4 before, Macauley feels he will bring a wealth of experience to the club. “There are a lot of ideas that me and the gaffer are going to discuss. We almost want to look at it as a coach-analyst hybrid role. In my opinion, all coaches should be able to analyze and all analysts should be able to coach.”

Jake describes his involvement with the club as being “as big as signing a new player”, adding that “he’ll get more out of the team but also help individuals develop and that’s a really important part of what we do”. He believes that, although Macca comes on board as an analyst, he is as big a part of the coaching team as anyone: “He’ll see things that perhaps we’ll miss in the energy and the emotion we have on the touchline. Being removed from that is like having another pair of eyes on things and a fresh view on how the team and players have performed. To be able to then relay that via video will be so beneficial, not only for the players but the coaching staff too.”

Macca added: “People might find it a strange appointment to get someone in from so far away who’s going to have so much input into the club. But the way I work – I don’t care if it’s Step 6,5,4 or Premier League. I prepare the same material for the coaching staff and players. I will genuinely leave no stone unturned to give everything I can to this club.”

As we welcome Macauley to Mousehole, the club would like to extend a huge vote of thanks to Kieran Stephens who has been providing excellent analysis for the club over the last few seasons. We wish him all success as he finishes his degree at John Moores University and an internship at Ipswich Town. Jake Ash said: “Kieran has been fantastic and contributed so much to what we do and how we work and I can’t thank him enough. We’d not have achieved the success we have without his valuable contribution.”

by Kevin Bishop

As Mousehole AFC prepare for their first season in the Pitching In Southern League, the Seagulls will be taking on a football club from East London with a remarkable history. Following on from matches against Exeter City (July 11th) and Dorking Wanderers (July 15th), Mousehole will welcome Upton Park FC to Trungle Parc on July 18th for a 19.45 kickoff.

Upton Park is an area of West Ham and played in West Ham Park, which is located next to West Ham’s former home, the Boleyn Ground in East London. They have been recently re-formed with the name and history of the original Upton Park FC who played in the very early days of football competition in England.

The original team were one of four teams who played in the first-ever FA Cup fixtures, losing3-0 to Clapham Rovers on 11th November 1871. In 1900, Upton Park were chosen to represent Great Britain in the inaugural Olympic soccer competition which took place as part of the Olympic Games in Paris. They won the gold medal beating a representative French team in the final 4-0.

Recently, Upton Park FC faced the Royal Engineers in the last-ever game at the Boleyn Ground, before the Hammers moved to the London Stadium.

The club’s manager Billy Jenkins has a long association with West Ham. His father and grandfather were both physios at the club. His father worked at the club from 1966 to 1990, during which time he treated the England World Cup captain Bobby Moore.

As a newly reformed club, Upton Park are not in any league system but look to keep the name of the original club alive. They aim to give good experiences for young players from the area to play alongside good amateur players – a bit of a Corinthian-Casuals of East London & Essex. Longer term they hope to build the team into one that can compete in a league system and eventually find a ground of their own to keep the Upton Park name alive.

The fixture came about as a result of a holiday Jon Hunter, who helps run the club, made to Mousehole shortly after lockdown. Hunter struck up a conversation with Mousehole groundsman (and West Ham fan) Billy Jacka while staying at the campsite that is part of the set-up at Trungle Parc. He thought at the time that it would be a great place to bring his team for a friendly and three years later that is about to happen.

Our first team, set to compete in the prestigious Southern League Division 1 next season, is in need of your expertise and support during both training sessions and match days.

We are on the hunt for a dedicated person who can join our team and provide crucial assistance in ensuring the well-being and optimal performance of our footballers. As a match-day physio/sports therapist, you will play a vital role in our journey!

If you are passionate about sports therapy and have the necessary qualifications, we want to hear from you!

To find out more about this exciting role, reach out to Adam Fletcher, our Head of Football, at 07969 626643 or via email adampaulfletcher@googlemail.com

Mousehole 3-0 Wellington

Toolstation Western League, Premier Division

Saturday 22^nd April 2023

At Trungle Parc

Scorers:  Andy Elcock 15’, Callam Mconie 29’ , Hayden Turner 81’

SUMMARY

In front of a massive crowd four times higher than the average, The Seagulls secured the necessary three points in the last game of the season to guarantee them top spot in the League and automatic promotion to the Southern League at Step 4 of the non-league pyramid – only the second Cornwall team ever to reach that level and a wonderful way to mark the first 100 years since the club was formed.

KEY POINTS

This is it!  By 5pm, either Mousehole or Saltash United will have become Champions.  For Mousehole, it’s deceptively simple: a win is needed, regardless of what Saltash do.  But if Mousehole only draw and Saltash win at home against Shepton Mallet by three clear goals or more, they will claim the title on goal difference.  Whoever comes runner-up, they still have a chance of promotion through a play-off tie next Saturday.

A big crowd is in place despite the wet weather – in expectation of something special happening this afternoon.

15’:  Goal for Mousehole.  A left-sided cross is cleared from the penalty area by the visiting defence where ANDY ELCOCK unleashes a low first-time drive from 30 yards that takes a slight deflection as it zips along the wet surface inside the far post.  Huge celebrations on the pitch as well as off it, as news comes through that Saltash are already three goals in the lead.

19’:  So close to a second goal!  Callam Mconie puts Josh Otto through on the right and Hayden Turner hits the low cross against the post

29’:  Goal for Mousehole.  Hayden Turner finds CALLAM MCONIE in space to the right of the penalty area and he brings the ball inside on to his left foot and drives an unstoppable dipping shot into the far top corner.  A goal worthy of this showpiece occasion.

At Half-time (45+3’) it’s Mousehole 2-0 Wellington.  Much to be satisfied with, but another goal will be vital to calm the nerves at the prospect of a Wellington come-back.

The second half

The rain has stopped and the sun is out!

62’:  Hayden Turner’s cross is volleyed goal-wards by Callam Mconie but somehow blocked by a defender for a corner

69”:  Wellington are having a good spell.  Kyle Fraser comes to Mousehole’s rescue by scooping a close-range shot off the line.

71’:  Mousehole benefit from the Referee’s decision to play on, as Mark Goldsworthy bumps into an opponent inside the home penalty area.  Word has it that Saltash are winning 4-0 – they’ve done their bit, so can Mousehole get it over the line?

81’:  Goal for Mousehole.  Yes, they can!  Substitute Reece Thomson’s low cross-shot is pushed out by the ‘keeper and HAYDEN TURNER is first to the loose ball to drive into the net from 15 yards.  The players’ celebration includes keeper Ollie Chenoweth who’s raced 100 yards to slide in.  Mousehole 3-0 Wellington – that should be enough?

83’:  Another substitute, Josh Bissett clatters the crossbar with an angled shot (or maybe a cross)

90+3’:  That’s the final whistle – Mousehole 3-0 Wellington.  MOUSEHOLE ARE CHAMPIONS!

It’s a big history-making moment as John Pool and George McCaffery of the Western League (Chairman and Secretary) present the medals and the magnificent 120-year old Champions’ Trophy amid scenes of jubilation, green flares, flags, congratulations and thanks all round.

The work to prepare for life in the Southern League starts immediately, with significant ground improvements at Trungle Parc required by the end of March.  

The teams Mousehole will face next season, and the travel distances and costs involved, will not be known for a while, after the positioning of clubs in the non-league pyramid – through promotion, relegation, lateral movement and other factors – has been decided by the FA.

For Saltash United, they will have to wait a few days before knowing who they will face in the play-off, with everyone at Mousehole hoping they can make it a double Cornish promotion.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP v Wellington (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Andy Elcock (Steve Burt, Jack Calver, Tallan Mitchell (Reece Thomson 70’), Callam Mconie (Jack Bray-Evans 64’), Mark Goldsworthy (Josh Bissett 80’), Hayden Turner (Paulo Sousa 83’)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Josh Eyre (Referee) with Darren Dayus and Nigel d’Arcy (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 648

📸 Photo credit and thanks to https://www.flickr.com/photos/198162317@N05/

Bridgwater United 2-2 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Tuesday 18^th April 2023

At Fairfax Park

Mousehole scorers:  Andy Elcock 88’, Josh Bissett 90+3’

SUMMARY

With time running out, Mousehole showed huge character to surge back from a two-goal deficit and secure a valuable point, which puts pressure on Saltash United as the two Cornwall clubs compete to be champions and gain automatic promotion.

KEY MOMENTS

The first half

At the half-way point Mousehole are looking well in control as they seek the win that would secure the title, but have yet to test The Robins’ goalkeeper Oliver Saunders

40’:  Goal for Bridgwater United.  In the only noteworthy incidents so far, Mousehole keeper Ollie Chenoweth has had to go full-length to save a low 30-yard free kick (35’), while at the other end Harry Bell has missed the target with a first-time volley from Hayden Turner’s cross to the far post (38’).  But the hosts take advantage of a misplaced pass out of defence to force a corner, which is delivered to the far post for centre-back JACOB SPENCE to head home under the crossbar – a ‘trademark’ Bridgwater goal.

At half-time it’s Bridgwater United 1-0 Mousehole.   Work to do for Mousehole if they are to get the three points, but Bridgwater are a strong side who look motivated to put the proverbial spanner in the works.

The second half

64’:  Goal for Bridgwater United:  Mousehole have made a bright start to the second period with Mark Goldsworthy stabbing just wide under pressure at the near post from Reece Thomson’s low cross (48’), but the home side have started to dictate proceedings, with Ollie Chenoweth making a great save to push a 30-yard shot out for a corner.  From the flag kick, JACOB SPENCE is completely unchallenged on the edge of the six-yard box and once again heads into the net to make it 2-0.  Two minutes later, it could have been 3-0 as Jack Thorne outpaces the stretched defence to create a one-on-one chance but fires over from inside the box – a goal that would have made it even more of an uphill battle for Mousehole.

88’: Goal for Mousehole.  Jake Ash has made all five substitutions to strengthen his attacking options, but the goal comes from midfielder ANDY ELCOCK who arrows a fierce and accurate 25-yard drive into the far top corner that zooms past Saunders’ outstretched dive to make the scoreline Bridgwater United 2-1 Mousehole.

8⃣8⃣ MINS AND WHAT A STRIKE

🎦 @ajmunro1607 pic.twitter.com/VZVYCwvjyg

— 𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗙𝗖 (@MouseholeAFC) April 19, 2023

90+3’:  Goal for Mousehole.  Jack Calver has been receiving on-field treatment for two minutes after a crude late tackle and the hosts are using every tactic to slow the game down, but Referee Williams is clearly indicating he’s going to add on a lot of time.  Two substitutes combine as Jack Bray-Evans muscles his way to the byeline and chips a cross into the middle where young JOSH BISSETT arrives with perfect timing and a great leap to head into the net for 2-2.

9⃣0⃣➕3⃣ AND THE EQUALISER @ajmunro1607 https://t.co/96GROF0ioV pic.twitter.com/LgmlogJlGz

— 𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗙𝗖 (@MouseholeAFC) April 19, 2023

There’s no time for celebration as the Mousehole players are quickly back for the re-start. Bridgwater are under severe pressure and take two minutes over a throw-in, but Mousehole look for a winner in the further added-on time with two corners, and Jack Bray-Evans goalbound low drive hits the keeper’s legs.  The final whistle goes on 90+9’, and a hectic last ten minutes ends with the scoreline Bridgwater United 2-2 Mousehole.  

The hosts have successfully prevented The Seagulls from capturing the league title on their own ground, but the away point has created a five-point lead over second-place Saltash United, who must now win at Ashton & Backwell United (Thursday evening) to take the race for the title into the final day – if The Ashes draw or lose, Mousehole will become champions with a game to play.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell (Josh Otto 61’), Adel Gafaiti, (Josh Bissett 79’) Max Hill, Kyle Fraser (Jack Bray-Evans 64’), Reece Thomson (Callam Mconie 64’), Jack Calver (Capt), Paulo Sousa (Andy Elcock 61’), Tallan Mitchell, Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner

MATCH OFFICIALS

Sam Williams (Referee) with Leo Martin and Toby Franklin (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  358

LAST-DAY FIXTURES – SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL

MOUSEHOLE v WELLINGTON Trungle Parc, 3pm

Saltash United v Shepton Mallet

Keynsham Town 0-3 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 15^th April 2023

At The AJN Stadium, Crown Fields

Scorers:  Tallan Mitchell 41’, Hayden Turner 44’, Paulo Sousa 68”

SUMMARY

After going ahead of Saltash United by one point to take over the leadership of the League on Easter Monday for the first time, Mousehole executed a near-perfect away performance five days later on Keynsham’s artificial pitch, the win extending their lead at the top and giving them every chance of becoming champions with just two games left.

KEY POINTS

The first half

Mousehole have dominated the first 20 minutes, with two very early near-misses by Hayden Turner (1’) and Mark Goldsworthy (2’)  and a Jack Calver 30-yard free kick hitting the woodwork (10’), but relegation-threatened Keynsham have started to come into the game with some good passing sequences but without providing much goal threat.

41”:  Goal for Mousehole.  A free kick is floated into the box, Hayden Turner and then Max Hill both have their shots blocked in front of goal and the ball comes out to TALLAN MITCHELL who drives a 20-yard first-time shot high into the net past keeper Joel Manning’s full-length dive.

44’:  Goal for Mousehole.  HAYDEN TURNER has just made a speedy 60-yard run culminating in a cross-shot that is inches beyond both Mark Goldsworthy’s lunge and the far post.  This time The Seagulls’ top scorer makes a similar run into space on the left, brings the ball inside and curls a low shot just inside the far post from 20 yards.

45+4’: Half-time score is Keynsham Town 0-2 Mousehole – so far so good for the visitors, but another goal would be helpful to dispel any nervousness among the sizeable group of away supporters

69’: Goal for Mousehole.  Keynsham have continued to play passing football, but the visitors have generally been in control, while also being denied a likely-looking penalty after Tallan Mitchell is bundled over in the act of shooting.  A third goal makes the contest more comfortable as PAULO SOUSA chases a long ball down the right, turns inside on to his left foot and fires a spectacular rising shot inside the far post for a 3-0 scoreline.

90+3”:  The full-time whistle goes and it’s Keynsham Town 0-3 Mousehole…..and it gets even better with the news that Saltash have lost to a last-minute goal at Clevedon, this now putting Mousehole four points ahead at the top. 

The maths is now a lot simpler: with Mousehole and Saltash each having two games left, a Mousehole win at third-place Bridgwater United on Tuesday evening, or in the last game of the season at home against Wellington on Saturday, will secure the Western League Premier championship – as would a Saltash defeat at Ashton & Backwell on Thursday.

Mousehole are therefore on the brink of a historic promotion to the Southern League, only the second Cornwall team ever to achieve that level. 

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti (Harry Bell 73’), Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Tallan Mitchell (Andy Elcock 65’), Jack Calver (capt) (Steve Burt 70’), Paulo Sousa, Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 65’), Mark Goldsworthy (Reece Thomson 68’), Hayden Turner.

MATCH OFFICIALS

John Reed (Referee) with Duncan Clarke and Dave Jones (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 125

MOUSEHOLE’S LAST TWO GAMES OF THE SEASON

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United *

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pmHOME v WELLINGTON – the last match of the ‘Regular Season’

Mousehole 2-0 Clevedon Town

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Easter Monday, 10^th April 2023

At Trungle Parc

Scorers:  Mark Goldsworthy 24’, Jack Calver 90+5’

Attendance: 324

SUMMARY

It was a great Monday afternoon at Trungle Parc:  the biggest home crowd of the season, Mousehole presented with the Toolstation Western League ‘Team of the Month’ award for March, mostly sunny Bank Holiday weather, two teams with a very watchable brand of football on a superb pitch surface, and the result in doubt right up to the end.  And, at 5 o’clock, a moment of history as Mousehole’s win enabled them for the first time to take over the Western League top spot, with the possibility of automatic promotion just two weeks away, but also guaranteeing them at least second place and a promotion play-off .

KEY POINTS

The first half

At the half-way point Clevedon have already had a couple of half-chances, keeper Ollie Chenoweth having to be alert to gather a loose ball in the first minute, and a long-shot from 30 yards just clearing the crossbar (10’)

24’:  Goal for Mousehole.  MARK GOLDSWORTHY – returning after a horrific shoulder injury sustained in the last home match against Shepton Mallet just nine days ago – puts himself in the way of a first-time clearance from the danger area by Sam Larkins and the ball cannons into the net.  Maybe a fortunate goal, but the direct result of actively sniffing out the most unlikely opportunities, as with his opening goal against Shepton. Mousehole 1-0 Clevedon Town.

At half-time it’s been a close encounter, with scorer Goldsworthy racing back 40 yards to thwart a dangerous Clevedon break from the half-way line (40’), and at the other end Paulo Sousa breaking through two tackles and driving forward to shoot against the inside of the post from outside the area (44’).

Second half

Into the last ten minutes and the score is still 1-0 to the hosts.  The game has ebbed and flowed, each side creating chances but the visitors stepping up the pressure in search of an equaliser.  Hayden Turner has put in some inviting crosses, while Mousehole keeper Ollie Chenoweth has once again kept his side in the game with a triple save (84’), and the visitors’ low cross into the danger area has eluded everyone and the far post (85’). 

90+5’:  Goal for Mousehole.  Two bits of impressive play – substitute Josh Bissett makes a jinking run towards the 18-yard line and draws a foul just outside the right-hand point of the box.  JACK CALVER walks up to the free kick and swerves a left-foot shot over the defensive wall which beats keeper Ryan Thacker for pace and accuracy as it goes into the near top corner of the net.  Mousehole 2-0 Clevedon Town.

90+6’: That’s the full-time whistle, the 2-0 win taking Mousehole above Saltash United into first position in the League, and also ensuring that the two Cornwall clubs, regardless of results elsewhere, will occupy the top two places at the end of the season – with the champions promoted automatically to the Southern League and the runners-up involved in a play-off with a lower-placed SL team.

The Seagulls stand one point ahead of the Ashes from the same number of games played and with the same goal difference.  Both teams will have to be at their best for the three-match run-in, with two consecutive matches away and one at home on the final Saturday (22^nd) of the regular season.

Mousehole face Keynsham Town on Saturday on their 3G pitch, with the Bristol side battling to avoid relegation, and then travel to Bridgwater United for a mid-week fixture with The Robins having a lot to prove after letting slip a sizeable lead at the top of the League in the first half of the season.  The last day sees Wellington visit Trungle Parc, the Somerset side being notorious for giving the top sides a hard time.  Details are below.

Meanwhile, Saltash travel to Clevedon Town, who put in a good performance at Mousehole on Easter Monday, and then face an equally tough challenge at Ashton & Backwell United just two days before their final match at home to the impressive Shepton Mallet.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP v Clevedon Town (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Reece Thomson (Andy Elcock 77’), Jack Calver, Paulo Sousa, Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 69’), Mark Goldsworthy (Tallan Mitchell 77’), Hayden Turner (Harry Bell 90’).  (Other substitute Jack Symons)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Paul Kempen (Referee) with Alan Hoon & Liam Bray (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 324

REMAINING FIXTURES FOR MOUSEHOLE

Saturday 15^th April, 3pm

Away v Keynsham Town *

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United *

*Seats on the team bus are available for supporters for these two away fixtures – 

contact Deryk Heywood 07969 625795 for details

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pm

HOME v WELLINGTON – the last match of the ‘Regular Season’