Western League Premier, Easter Monday 10th APRIL 2023

 

Helston Athletic 2-0 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Friday 7^th April 2023

At Kellaway Park

SUMMARY

It was not a good Friday for Mousehole as they put on their least convincing performance of the current campaign against ‘local derby’ rivals Helston Athletic who, with two quick-fire second-half goals just before the hour mark, inflicted the season’s first League away loss on The Seagulls, ended their superb 27-game unbeaten League run dating back to August, and temporarily denied them the opportunity to take over the top spot.

KEY POINTS

The first half

The hosts have fielded a strong side just three days before their appearance in the Cornwall Senior Cup Final and with the wind at their backs have looked the more impressive of the two sides, with the visitors probably glad to hear the half-time whistle with the score 0-0.  Hayden Turner has mis-hit a clear chance from 8 yards (10’)  but Ollie Chenoweth has kept Mousehole in the game with a fine tip-over from Ruben Wilson (30’).

The second half

58’: GOAL FOR HELSTON.  The home side have already come close with Ruben Wilson scuffing a shot in front of goal (51’) and Sam Carter driving just over from 18 yards (52’).  This time left-back TEIGAN ROSENQUEST wins a press on the touchline half-way into Mousehole territory and has an unchallenged 30-yard run into the penalty area where he slides the ball past Ollie Chenoweth to open the scoring.

59’:  GOAL FOR HELSTON.  It’s two goals inside two minutes as The Blues drive forward strongly and cut through Mousehole’s defence with ease, leaving SAM CARTER to place an accurate 15-yard shot low inside the far post.

In the final stages Mousehole have had more possession as Helston sit back and absorb pressure, with keeper Mike Searle making a flying save from Callam Mconie’s 20-yard drive (80’) and Hayden Turner putting a chance wide of the near post (81’).

At full time (90+7’), the score is Helston Athletic 2-0 Mousehole, a fully deserved victory for the home side which avenges their 3-0 loss at Trungle Parc on Boxing Day and extends their own good run of form to 13 games.

For Mousehole, playing their third game in six days, they move on quickly to Easter Monday, knowing that – regardless of results elsewhere – one win from the last four games will mathematically guarantee them second place and a promotion play-off opportunity, and that winning all four will guarantee top spot and automatic promotion to the Southern League.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Jack Calver (capt) (Kyle Fraser 68’), Steve Burt, Andy Elcock (Paulo Sousa 68’), Reece Thomson, Tallan Mitchell (Josh Bissett 68’), Jack Bray-Evans (Callam Mconie 46’), Hayden Turner.  (Other substitute: Josh Otto)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Ross Wilcox (Referee) with Neil Pitt and Scott Coutts (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 416

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

EASTER MONDAY, 10^th APRIL, 3pm

HOME v CLEVEDON TOWN

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 three away fixtures – 

contact Deryk Heywood 07969 625795 for details

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

 

 

 

 

Wellington 1-3 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Tuesday 4^th April 2023

At North Street

Mousehole scorers: Max Hill 21’, Hayden Turner 31’, 52’ (pen)

SUMMARY

With four changes and several positional tweaks from Saturday’s starting line-up against Shepton Mallet, promotion-chasing Mousehole came from a goal down to overcome a spirited display by Wellington – the only current side in the Western League Premier they had not beaten since promotion – the win meaning they have not lost in the League for 27 games and remain the only side with an undefeated away record.

KEY POINTS

11’:  Goal for Wellington.  In their first attack, a long throw is nodded on in front of goal and centre-back GLEN WRIGHT somehow scrambles the ball over the line.

21’: Equaliser for Mousehole.  The hosts have had two good chances (13’ and 15’) to increase the lead with quick forward balls, and Mousehole have sprung into life with a trademark four-man passing move requiring ‘keeper Shay Allen to tip Reece Thomson’s swerving 18-yard shot over the bar (20’).  This time Hayden Turner delivers an in-swinging corner from the left and MAX HILL rises the highest to power a header into the net from six yards.  Score now 1-1.

31’: Goal for Mousehole.  The game has continued to fluctuate, with Andy Elcock clearing a low Wellington shot off the line after a corner (23’), while at the other end Reece Thomson has headed against the bar (26’), and Hayden Turner put clean through by Tallan Mitchell has seen his effort blocked by the keeper.  Another corner arrives at the far post where HAYDEN TURNER makes amends with a great touch and balance to drive into the narrow gap at the near post.  2-1 to Mousehole.

At half-time it’s Wellington 1-2 Mousehole, the visitors coming back strongly in the later stages, including a moment of excitement a s keeper Allen races back to palm over Tallan Mitchell’s 35-yard lob after being hassled out of possession by Jack Calver on 41’.

Second half

52’:  Goal for Mousehole.  After some quick and incisive passing, Josh Bissett draws a foul just inside the home penalty area and HAYDEN TURNER converts from the spot.  Wellington 1-3 Mousehole. 

75’:  Mousehole have now largely nullified Wellington’s forward momentum – although Ollie Chenoweth has had to go full length to grasp a dangerous-looking long shot by Tom Burt (70’) – and have kept the home defence busy with threats of their own, Harry Bell charging through to head home Jack Calver’s free kick only to be declared offside (72’).

At Full-time the score remains Wellington 1-3 Mousehole.  A welcome win against a team who spoilt the party for The Seagulls in their very first Western League match with an injury-time goal in the 3-3 draw at Trungle Parc, and then foiled Mousehole’s late-season promotion ambitions with a home 2-2 draw after being two goals in arrears.

As it stands, Mousehole are in a good position to join fellow Cornwall side Saltash United in finishing in the top two places – the Champions gaining automatic promotion to the Southern League and the runners-up involved in a play-off.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Reece Thomson (Paulo Sousa 86’), Andy Elcock, Jack Calver (Capt) (Steve Burt 88’), Tallan Mitchell, Hayden Turner (Jack Symons 79’), Josh Bissett (Callam Mconie 62’).

Other substitute: Josh Otto

MATCH OFFICIALS

David Middleton (Referee) with David Trevaskus and Peter Horton (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 105

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Good Friday, 7^th April, 12-noon

Away v Helston Athletic

EASTER MONDAY, 10^th APRIL, 3pm

HOME v CLEVEDON TOWN

Saturday 15^th April, 3pm

Away v Keynsham Town *

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United *

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pm

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

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

contact Deryk Heywood 07969 625795 for details

————————-

IMPORTANT WIN KEEPS MOUSEHOLE IN THE HUNT FOR PROMOTION

Mousehole 2-0 Shepton Mallet

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 1^st April 2023

At Trungle Parc

Scorers:  Mark Goldsworthy 40’, Josh Bissett 89’

SUMMARY

Mousehole’s patient and powerful performance gained them a vital three points against one of the best sides in the League, with the finishing line of this absorbing season just three weeks and six matches away

KEY POINTS

• Mousehole’s biggest League attendance of the season (282) are here – the first Home match for a month – to help The Seagulls continue their impressive run of form as they challenge for a promotion spot. 
• It’s a dry, windy day, with the pitch surface on the soft side but in remarkably good condition after the recent huge amount of rain. 
• Jake Ash’s side will be looking to put behind them the disappointment of conceding a 96^th minute equaliser in the 3-3 draw away against the same side two weeks ago.

40’:  Goal for Mousehole.  With Hayden Turner having already hit the woodwork (16’) and Callam Mconie denied a plausible penalty (22’), the hosts’ misfortune turns as MARK GOLDSWORTHY shows the value of chasing apparently lost causes.  The alert Shepton keeper Tom Easterbrook comes out to gather a through ball but lets it slip from his grasp and Mousehole’s number 9 is on hand to pass the ball coolly into the empty net from 15 yards.

At half-time it’s Mousehole 1-0 Shepton Mallet, with Hayden Turner having just set up Callam Mconie for a shot superbly cleared off the line by visiting captain Matt Wood.

50’:  Mark Goldsworthy stretches for a header in front of goal but falls awkwardly and looks seriously injured.  There’s a seven-minute delay as the Referee sensibly allows medically-trained supporters to help with the on-field treatment.  The Mousehole scorer is led painfully off the field to generous applause all round, including from the Shepton Mallet players.  Jack Bray-Evans comes on in the striker’s role.

64’:  Mousehole are in control but have only a one-goal advantage.  As in many previous games, keeper Ollie Chenoweth is called into action to make a vital double save, firstly from a fierce long shot and then blocking the close-in attempt from the rebound.  Still 1-0, but only just.

89’:  Goal for Mousehole.  The hosts get the second goal their play has deserved, after Jack-Bray Evans has twice come close to extending the lead and keeper Easterbrook has atoned for his first-half error with a series of agile saves.  Youngster JOSH BISSETT has been on the field for nine minutes before he capitalises on Hayden Turner’s pass into space behind the defence on the right, advances speedily on goal, brings the ball on to his left foot and plants a low shot into the far corner.

At full-time (on 90+9’) it’s Mousehole 2-0 Shepton Mallet, with the hosts having broken the visitors’ commendable resistance and coming close to scoring more in added time.

The 2-0 win takes The Seagulls’ unbeaten League sequence to 26 games and sees them now just two points behind leaders Saltash United with two games in hand.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Jack Calver (Capt), Tallan Mitchell, Steve Burt (Kyle Fraser 90+6’), Reece Thomson (Andy Elcock 87’), Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 80’), Mark Goldsworthy (Jack Bray-Evans 57’), Hayden Turner (Paulo Sousa 90+3’)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Will Annear (Referee) with Eric Sleeman and Sam Doble (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  282

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Six games of the ‘Regular Season’ left – two at Home and four Away

Tomorrow, Tuesday 4^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Wellington *

Good Friday, 7^th April, 12-noon

Away v Helston Athletic

EASTER MONDAY, 10^th APRIL, 3pm

HOME v CLEVEDON TOWN

Saturday 15^th April, 3pm

Away v Keynsham Town *

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United *

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pm

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

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

contact Deryk Heywood 07969 625795 for details

If Mousehole finish the season:

• as Champions, they will be promoted automatically to Step 4 – the Southern League Division One South
• in second place, they will face an away Step 4 / Step 5 play-off match on Saturday 29^th April against a third- or fourth-bottom team in the League above, to decide which of the two teams will play at Step 4 next season

The club is proud to have been awarded Three Star Accreditation by the FA for the 2023/24 football season.

Shepton Mallet 3-3 Mousehole (half-time 0-0)

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 18^th March 2023

At West Shepton Playing Fields

Uncharacteristically poor defending from three set pieces left The Seagulls with just a single point, and although the draw ends an exceptional 13-match winning run, it extends the unbeaten sequence to an amazing 26 and maintains pressure at the top of the table

The key points

In a goalless opening session that lacked cohesion on a soft bumpy pitch, both sides have had their chances, with the hosts looking slightly the more threatening.

54’:  GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  A corner is swung in from the right and it somehow goes all the way to the far post where the unmarked DANNY CONSTABLE has the simple task of prodding the ball into the net.  That was a gift for Shepton, who could be on their way to being the first team to beat Mousehole on their travels in the League.

69’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The to-and-fro nature of the game has continued.  Jack Calver sends in an angled free kick from 25 yards, keeper Easterbrook appears to lose the flight of the ball in the sun, it bounces off his knees and MARK GOLDSWORTHY is more alert than anyone to drive the ball home from ten yards.  Another mistake but a welcome equaliser for The Seagulls.

73’:  GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  A much-disputed free kick is awarded centrally 20 yards out, it’s floated leftwards, headed back across goal and JOSH JENKINS is in space and completely unchallenged as he converts with a first-time low shot from ten yards.  2-1 to Shepton Mallet.

77’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE:  In a rare passage of quality play, Hayden Turner is set free on the left edge of the hosts’ penalty area, and his chipped cross into the six-yard box is headed in by REECE THOMSON.  One of the better goals of the afternoon.  Now 2-2.

90’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The visitors have dominated the last ten minutes, with a penalty claim waved away after Easterbook brings down the advancing Josh Bisset, Reece Thomson volleying Jack Calver’s cross just wide, and the home keeper scrambling back to prevent Hayden Turners half-stopped shot trickling over the line.  This time Jack Calver surges forward into the area on the left and is clearly tripped by Joel Sisson near the byeline before he can cross.  This time Referee Bugg points to the penalty spot, and HAYDEN TURNER duly puts Mousehole into the lead.  Shepton Mallet 2-3 Mousehole.  Prolonged celebrations on the pitch.  The 14^th straight win – which would put The Seagulls top of the table for the first time – looks in sight.

90+5’:  GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  Referee Bugg decides a coming-together merits a Shepton free kick – and it’s in a similar position to the one he awarded before their second goal.  After a delay, the free kick is driven into the crowded box and looks to have been cleared, but the loose ball is immediately returned from the right and ANDY MARTIN stoops to head home (on 90+6’) from close in front of goal, to spark jubilation both on and off the pitch. 

Full-time straight after the re-start:  Shepton Mallet 3-3 Mousehole.  A six-goal second half, plenty of controversy, poor defending and a dramatic ending – but Mousehole’s point could prove its worth in the final reckoning.

Conclusion

These were the first points dropped by Mousehole since Bonfire Night, and only the second time in 29 League games they have conceded as many as three goals.

Mousehole now have seven matches left (details below) and will need to perform better than this when Shepton Mallet – no doubt motivated by ending The Seagulls’ long winning run today –  visit Trungle Parc for the return fixture in two weeks’ time. Leaders Saltash are two points ahead of Mousehole but have played two games more – and that will be three more, after their home fixture this midweek against top-three chasing Barnstaple Town.

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Jack Calver (Capt.), Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell (Andy Elcock 66’), Reece Thomson (Paulo Sousa 90+3’), Jack Bray-Evans (Callam Mconie 68’), Mark Goldsworthy, (Josh Bissett 79’) Hayden Turner.  (Other substitute: Kyle Fraser)

Match Officials:

Daniel Bugg (Referee) with Ian Diamond and Jamie Carpenter (Assistant Referees)

Attendance: 313

Remaining fixtures for Mousehole:

This Saturday, 25^th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington

SATURDAY 1^st APRIL, 3pm

HOME V SHEPTON MALLET

Good Friday, 7^th April, 12-noon

Away v Helston Athletic

EASTER MONDAY, 10^th APRIL, 3pm

HOME v CLEVEDON TOWN

Saturday 15^th Aoril, 3pm

Away v Keynsham Town

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pm HOME v WELLINGTON

Ilfracombe Town 0-4 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League, Premier Division

At Marlborough Park

Saturday 11th March 2023

Scorers:  Jack Bray-Evans (43’, 51’), Hayden Turner (67’), Reece Thomson (90’)

A goal each side of half-time set Mousehole up for a dominant second half, with players of both sides  – and the match officials – deserving great credit in terrible conditions overhead and underfoot

KEY POINTS

43’:  Goal for Mousehole.  On a very wet pitch, with continuous rain and a strong wind, a moment of real quality as Mark Goldsworthy collects a forward ball, turns and places a perfect ball inside the full back for the sprinting Hayden Turner to cross to the edge of the six-yard box where JACK BRAY-EVANS arrives to head powerfully into the net.  A timely goal to break the deadlock.

At half-time it’s Ilfracombe Town 0-1 Mousehole, with home keeper Jimmy Thorne having somehow just kept out Jack Bray-Evans low shot from 18 yards.  The pitch is increasingly soggy but both sides have overcome the conditions with some determined play, though with different styles.

51’:  Goal for Mousehole:  JACK BRAY-EVANS makes it 2-0 – his second headed goal in seven minutes of playing time – with a sharp downward header from Callam Mconie’s right-sided corner.

67’:  Goal for Mousehole:  Mark Goldsworthy repeats his assist for the first goal – this time HAYDEN TURNER is in a slightly more central position and he drives an unstoppable shot into the net from 15 yards for 3-0.

90’:  Goal for Mousehole:  In the second half, The Seagulls have been dominant on a surface more suited to their winged namesakes, with Ollie Chenoweth having just one serious save to make – now two substitutes continue the ruthless attacking, Paulo Sousa’s twisting run dumping two defenders in the mud, keeper Thorne blocking the low shot and REECE THOMSON converting from close range.

Full-time score:  Ilfracombe Town 0-4 Mousehole.  Congratulations are due to both clubs and to the Referee for agreeing to this game going ahead when it might have been easier to call for a postponement.  Players of both sides responded with a commendably wholehearted performance, and the spectators got good value in the circumstances.

CONCLUSION

• This was Mousehole’s third win in a week, each in markedly different conditions: a hard-fought encounter with third-place Bridgwater, a win at Millbrook on a hard bumpy pitch, and a muddy success today.
• The current form guide in the League says 13 wins in a row and 24 matches since the season’s only loss in mid-August (2-1 at Home v Millbrook). 
• This has set up an interesting run-in to this season, with eight games remaining – three at Home and five Away – with The Seagulls three points behind leaders Saltash United with three games in hand.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Olllie Chenoweth(GK), Harry Bell (Josh Otto 86’), Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Jack Calver (Capt), Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Jack Bray-Evans (Reece Thomson 65’), Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 68’), Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner (Paulo Sousa 78’).  (Other substitute: Andy Elcock)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Andrew Heapy (Referee) with Krzysztof Wegrzynowski and Colin Selley (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 89

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Saturday 18^th March, 3pm

Away v Shepton Mallet *  

Saturday 25^th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington *

* Seats for supporters are available on the team coach for all away fixtures

– for details: Deryk Heywood (07969 625795)

NEXT HOME GAME:

SATURDAY 1^st APRIL, 3pm

HOME v SHEPTON MALLET

MOUSEHOLE’S EARLY GOAL ENOUGH TO SECURE IMPORTANT WIN IN EAST CORNWALL

Millbrook 0-1 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League, Premier Division

Tuesday 7^th March 2023

At Jenkins Park

On a difficult evening on the banks of the Tamar – a bitterly cold wind, a bumpy pitch, a sparse crowd (with away supporters in the majority) and a resolute home defence – it was a case of “job done” as Mousehole banked another three points to keep them in contention for promotion with just nine games to go.

Scorer:  Jack Bray-Evans (2’)

KEY MOMENTS

2’: Goal for Mousehole.  Although in 14^th place in the table, Millbrook have gained some impressive wins at home against higher-placed sides, but on this occasion it’s Mousehole who seize the initiative, as Hayden Turner chases a long ball down the left, Jack Calver surges into the area and with a square pass gives JACK BRAY-EVANS the perfect opportunity to score with a low shot from 15 yards.

At half-time it’s 1-0 to Mousehole, who have dominated possession but been denied by a series of close offside decisions.

Into the last ten minutes, it’s still 1-0, with Millbrook defending manfully to keep Mousehole at bay, and the hosts must be thinking they can step up to get something from the match

At full-time the scoreline remains Millbrook 0-1 Mousehole, a game played in unpleasant conditions with few clear-cut chances, and from the visitors’ point-of-view the three points are the key outcome

CONCLUSION

That win is The Seagulls’ 12^th in succession in the League, in an unbeaten sequence of 23 games.  They are now just three points behind leaders Saltash United with three games in hand, and nine points ahead of third-place Bridgwater United with one game in hand.  Nine games are left, of which just three are at home, while the six away include three in a row for the rest of the month.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Lee Roberts (Referee) with Robbie Aitken and Martin Sanders (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 61

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Reece Thomson, Steve Burt, Jack Calver (Capt), Jack Bray-Evans (Callam Mconie 70’), Mark Goldsworthy (Josh Bissett 76’), Hayden Turner (Tallan Mitchell 85’). 

Other substitutes:  Jack Symons, Paulo Sousa

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Saturday 11^th March, 3pm

Away v Ilfracombe Town *

Saturday 18^th March, 3pm

Away v Shepton Mallet *  

Saturday 25^th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington *

* Seats for supporters are available on the team coach for all away fixtures

– for details: Deryk Heywood (07969 625795)

NEXT HOME GAME:

SATURDAY 1^st APRIL, 3pm

HOME v SHEPTON MALLET

Mousehole 2-1 Bridgwater United

Toolstation Western League, Premier Division

Saturday 4^th March 2023

At Trungle Parc

Scorers:  George King (Bridgwater) 14’, Adel Gafaiti 45+2’, Own Goal (Jacob Spence) 71’

SUMMARY

In front of their fifth 200+ home attendance of the season, the second-place Seagulls faced the third-place Robins in an afternoon of hotly contested refereeing decisions, frequent stoppages, a flurry of yellow cards, two sendings-off, game-changing missed chances and a decisive ‘own goal’ – the victory extending Mousehole’s excellent winning sequence and keeping them handily placed for the last seven weeks of the current campaign.

KEY POINTS

14’: Goal for Bridgwater.  Mousehole have already missed a clear one-on-one chance but the visitors have started strongly and take a deserved lead, as a miscued defensive header in the windy conditions opens up space for GEORGE KING to stride forward and drive into the far corner from 15 yards.

45+3’: Equaliser for Mousehole.  Both sides have come close, with Mark Goldsworthy’s shot blocked in front of goal with Referee Shaun Edge turning away penalty appeals, and Conor Hartley denied by Seagulls’ keeper Lewis Moyle when clean through on goal.  With the half-time whistle coming, Jack Calver lofts a free kick from the right into a crowded area, it’s cleared as far as Hayden Turner on the left of the box, who controls in an instant, turns his marker the wrong way and chips in an inviting cross for ADEL GAFAITI to rise and send a downward header past Jake Viney in the Robins’ goal.

45+4’:  There’s a lot of added-on time in a half of frequent stoppages and disputes over decisions.  As Referee Edge blows for the interval, he’s involved in prolonged conversation with visiting captain Mark Armstrong, which ends with a Red card being shown.  The second half of Bridgwater’s season has been dogged by a poor disciplinary record and the former League leaders are now down to ten men for the whole of the second half.  Half-time score: 1-1.

The second half:

63’:  Bridgwater are handed a lifeline as Mousehole’s Andy Elcock is shown a Red card after reacting to a sin-bin dismissal.  The Seagulls’ advantage has disappeared and it’s now ten versus ten for the last half hour. 

71’:  Goal for Mousehole.  Hayden Turner drives a left-sided corner towards the near post where centre-back JACOB SPENCE gets ahead of a trio of Mousehole attackers but crashes a header into his own net for a spectacular own goal.  Mousehole 2-1 Bridgwater United.

10 minutes to go:  Bridgwater have had a dangerous period since conceding – they’ve stepped up the pace to gain a much-needed something from this game, and have exposed gaps in the home defence, with Jack Taylor and Jack Thorne each coming within inches of scoring.

90+4’:  At the full-time whistle, Mousehole have held out against a strong Bridgwater comeback.  A game of tenacity, character, controversy and the narrowest of margins – and a hugely important three points for The Seagulls.

CONCLUSION

Mousehole’s win – their 22^nd unbeaten League game in a row and their 11^th straight win since Bonfire Night – puts them six points ahead of Bridgwater with two games in hand, and keeps them six points behind leaders Saltash with four games in hand.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes):

Lewis Moyle (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Andy Elcock, Tallan Mitchell (Steve Burt 85’), Jack Calver (Capt), Callam Mconie (Reece Thomson), Mark Goldsworthy (Jack Bray-Evans 77’), Hayden Turner.  Other substitutes:  Josh Otto, Josh Bissett.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Sean Edge (Referee) with Ken Swift and Neil Rudkin (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  222

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Jake Ash’s team have 10 games remaining –

• 3 at Home: Shepton Mallet, Clevedon, and Wellington
• 7 Away: Millbrook, Ilfracombe, Shepton Mallet, Wellington, Helston, Keynsham and Bridgwater

The next five fixtures are:

TOMORROW, Tuesday 7^th March, 7.45pm

Away v Millbrook 

Saturday 11^th March, 3pm

Away v Ilfracombe Town 

Saturday 18^th March, 3pm

Away v Shepton Mallet  

Saturday 25^th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington 

SATURDAY 1^st APRIL, 3pm

HOME v SHEPTON MALLET

Buckland Athletic 1-4 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 25^th February 2023

At Homers Heath

Scorers:

Ryan Bush (Buckland) 24’, 1-0

Hayden Turner 31’, Half-time 1-1

Mark Goldsworthy 47’, Hayden Turner 88’, Reece Thomson 90+2’

SUMMARY:

The Seagulls’ strong second-half performance saw off the challenge of an in-form Buckland side undefeated at home in the League, the well-earned points taking Mousehole to ten straight wins and their overall unbeaten run to 21 games stretching back to August.

AS IT HAPPENED:

24’:  Buckland Athletic take the lead as RYAN BUSH is put through one-on-one to chip the ball past Ollie Chenoweth, with Mousehole’s protesting in vain at the absence of an offside flag.

31’:  Mousehole equalise as HAYDEN TURNER drives in a low free kick from near the corner of the hosts’ penalty area and the ball evades everyone in the box to nestle inside the far post.

At half-time, it’s 1-1, The Bucks having started positively but The Seagulls working their way back into the match to exert more control up to the interval.

47’:  Mousehole go in front barely a minute after the resumption, Andy Elcock finding Callam Mconie in space on the right and the wingman’s fierce left-foot shot half-saved by keeper Andy Collings, with the alert MARK GOLDSWORTHY first to the loose ball to score from close range.  Buckland Athletic 1-2 Mousehole.

88’:  Just as in the last three games, Ollie Chenoweth has made a couple of vital saves in the last ten minutes to preserve his side’s advantage, and Ryan Bush has hurriedly fired wide from inside the six-yard box – at the other end, Andy Elcock again exploits space in the Buckland defence, giving HAYDEN TURNER the opening for a goalbound shot from the edge of the box which diverts off Tom Strike to wrong-foot Collings.  Now 1-3 to the visitors.

90+2’:  Mousehole’s speed and movement provides a fourth goal – Andy Elcock (yet again) and fleet-footed substitute Josh Bissett combine to rip open the Buckland back line, Hayden Turner takes the ball past his marker and pulls the ball back from the bye-line for REECE THOMSON to convert first-time into the roof of the net from six yards.

Full-time (on 90+8 minutes): Buckland Athletic 1-4 Mousehole – memories of last season when it was 1-5, with all Mousehole goals then coming in the second half. 

CONCLUSION:

With leaders Saltash United not in action and third-place Bridgwater United only drawing at home against Ashton & Backwell, Mousehole’s win sees them handily placed just three points behind Saltash with three games in hand, and four points ahead of Bridgwater with one game in hand.  Both Saltash and Bridgwater have mid-week League games before an interesting fixture on Saturday when Bridgwater visit Trungle Parc.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Tallan Mitchell (Reece Thomson 70’), Andy Elcock, Jack Calver (Capt), Callam Mconie (Jack Symons 90’), Mark Goldsworthy (Josh Bissett 79’), Hayden Turner (Aaron Dilley 90+3’). Other substitute:  Steve Burt.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Mike Lazarus (Referee), with Shaun Mann and Gary Hammon (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 221

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE:

The month of March will be a testing time for Jake Ash’s squad, with just one home game (against Bridgwater) and four consecutive away fixtures (at Millbrook, Ilfracombe, Shepton Mallet and Wellington), before returning to Trungle Parc to play Shepton Mallet on April 1^st.

SATURDAY 4^th MARCH, 3pm

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED

Tuesday 7^th March, 7.45pm

Away v Millbrook

Saturday 11^th March, 3pm

Away v Ilfracombe Town

Saturday 18^th March, 3pm

Away v Shepton Mallet  

Saturday 25^th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington

SATURDAY 1^st APRIL, 3pm

HOME v SHEPTON MALLET