Author: Jeff Richardson

RESILIENT MOUSEHOLE MAKE IT NINE WINS IN A ROW TO CLOSE IN AT THE TOP

Mousehole 3-0 Ashton & Backwell United

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 18th February 2023

At Trungle Parc

Scorers:  Callam Mconie 29’, Hayden Turner 37’, Josh Bissett 90’

SUMMARY

Facing the much-improved Somerset visitors, the second-place Seagulls had to work hard all over the pitch to extend their unbeaten League run to 20 games – and their 100% record since early November – with a first win in four attempts since both teams joined the Western League Premier Division last season

KEY POINTS

29’: Goal for Mousehole. The Seagulls have previously drawn two and lost one against The Stags, and have never even taken the lead against them.  But that is put right as some quick passing between Andy Elcock and Reece Thomson gives CALLAM MCONIE the chance to move inside two defenders on the right and drive left-footed past keeper Tom Roberts low into the far corner from 12 yards.  Mousehole 1-0 Ashton & Backwell United.

37’: Goal for Mousehole.  The visitors are looking dangerous on the break but HAYDEN TURNER helps calm the nerves with a sharp shot inside the near post from eight yards as Callam Mconie this time turns provider. 2-0 to the hosts.

The last 15 minutes:  Mousehole ‘keeper Ollie Chenoweth has single-handedly kept the visitors at bay with a vital one-on-one save – just like the two at Welton Rovers last Saturday – and three improbable point-blank saves as The Stags pile on the pressure.

90’:  Goal for Mousehole.  With quick wingers 17-year old Jack Symons and recent signing 19-year old Josh Bissett on as substitutes, as well as attacking midfielder Tallan Mitchell returning after breaking a collar bone six weeks ago, Mousehole have been looking to exploit the space at the back with speedy forays –  Tallan Mitchell is put through on the left and his pulled-back low cross is cleverly stroked past the wrong-footed Roberts by JOSH BISSETT from 15 yards to cap an impressive 20-minute appearance for the newcomer.

Final score:  Mousehole 3-0 Ashton & Backwell United

The win keeps Mousehole in second place in the table, six points behind Saltash with four games in hand, and two points ahead of Bridgwater with one game in hand.

MOUSEHOLE v ASHTON & BACKWELL (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Andy Elcock, Jack Calver (Capt), Reece Thomson (Tallan Mitchell 65’), Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 72’), Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner (Jack Symons 86’).

Other substitutes: Lewis Moyle, Steve Burt

MATCH OFFICIALS

Jonothan Green (Referee) with Kevin Knowles and Eric Sleeman (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  142

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Mousehole face a tough challenge between now and the end of March, with five of the next six fixtures away from Home, starting with the trip this Saturday to Buckland Athletic who have won five of their last six League games to rise up to 4th in the table.  This is followed by a Home “six-pointer” against third place Bridgwater United, and then four consecutive away games, before returning to Trungle Parc on 1st April to face Shepton Mallet again.

Saturday 25th February, 3pm

Away v Buckland Athletic (currently in 4th place)

SATURDAY 4th MARCH, 3pm

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED (3rd)

Tuesday 7th March, 7.45pm

Away v Millbrook (10th)

Saturday 11th March, 3pm

Away v Ilfracombe Town (14th)

Saturday 18th March, 3pm

Away v Shepton Mallet (6th)

Saturday 25th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington (15th)

SATURDAY 1st APRIL, 3pm HOME v SHEPTON MALLETT

IMPRESSIVE MOUSEHOLE WIN THE BATTLE OF THE TWO IN-FORM TEAMS

Welton Rovers 1-3 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 11th February 2023

At West Clewes

Hayden Turner 3’, 89’ (pen), Mark Goldsworthy 40’

SUMMARY:

On their longest journey of the season to Midsomer Norton in north-east Somerset, Mousehole put in a strong whole-team performance against tough opponents, enjoying a recent home record of six wins in a row dating back to mid-October, including a notable success against second-place Bridgwater United the previous Saturday.  The Seagulls’ victory extended their own unbeaten sequence to 19 games (15 wins and four draws), maintained their no-defeats away record, and maintained second place in the League table.

THE KEY MOMENTS:

Mousehole are without Mark Richards, Tallan Mitchell, Josh Otto, Josh Baxter, Jack Bray-Evans and Harry Bell, but still name a strong 16, testament to this season’s squad depth.

3’:  Goal for Mousehole.  The buoyant hosts were expected to start on the front foot, but it’s Mousehole who have seized the initiative.  Jack Calver surges into space inside the Rovers’ half, drives towards goal, squares the ball inside and HAYDEN TURNER converts from close range.  Just 2 minutes 21 seconds after kick off, t’s Welton Rovers 0-1 Mousehole.

34’: Equaliser for Welton Rovers.  WILL GOULD beats the offside trap to latch on to a simple ball forward and lob over the exposed Ollie Chenoweth. 1-1.

40’:  Mousehole regain the lead.  Hayden Turner speeds to the byeline and crosses low towards the near post where MARK GOLDSWORTHY has got ahead of his marker to find the roof of the net from six yards – a classic Mousehole goal.

At half-time Mousehole have a slender 2-1 lead, with Welton’s direct play well dealt with at the back, but Ollie Chenoweth has had to make a crucial one-on-one save from Gould.

89’:  Goal for Mousehole.  Minutes after Ollie Chenoweth makes a potentially game-changing save, Mousehole’s two substitutes Jack Symons and Reece Thomson combine to open up the home defence on the right with some sharp passing, giving Mark Goldsworthy a great chance ten yards out – the striker is fouled in the act of shooting and HAYDEN TURNER scores from the penalty.

At full-time it’s Welton Rovers 1-3 Mousehole, a well-earned win on the road which sets up an interesting last two months of the season.

Mousehole are now five points behind leaders Saltash with three games in hand, and two points ahead of Bridgwater with one game in hand.

With 13 games left to play, The Seagulls have five at home and eight away, with plenty more challenging fixtures including home and away against both Bridgwater (in 3rd place) and Shepton Mallet (in 6th place), and away matches at Buckland (4th) and Helston (7th).

This coming Saturday the visitors to Trungle Parc are Ashton and Backwell United (8th), with Mousehole looking to beat the west Somerset side for the first time in three attempts since promotion to the Western League.

*Mousehole’s senior teams recorded a trio of successes at the weekend, with the Development team beating St Agnes 7-2 to stay in contention at the top of the St Piran League, and the Women’s team winning 1-0 against RNAS Culdrose to move up to fourth place in the Cornwall Women’s Football League.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP AT WELTON ROVERS (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Steve Burt, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Andy Elcock (Reece Thomson 66’), Jack Calver (Captain), Paulo Sousa (Aaron Dilley 90+3’), Callam Mconie (Jack Symons 76’), Mark Goldsworthy (Josh Bissett 90’), Hayden Turner.  Other substitute: Lewis Moyle (GK)

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Will Payne (Referee) with Mark Oswin and Nigel Sykes (Assistant referees)

ATTENDANCE: 108

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE:

All Western League Premier Division, 3pm

SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED (8th)

Saturday 25th February

Away v Buckland Athletic (4th)

SATURDAY 4th MARCH,

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED (3rd)

LONG-SERVICE AWARDS

MOUSEHOLE’S LONG-SERVICE AWARDS PRESENTED BY WESTERN LEAGUE

The immense value of loyal volunteer support was fully recognised at Trungle Parc on Saturday as nine members of Mousehole AFC, with a combined total of 300 years’ involvement, were each presented with a long-service award by Western League representative Martin Painter.

Mousehole Chairman Deryk Heywood, announcing the awards before the match against Cadbury Heath, gave praise to a special group of people who were still serving the club in one form or another having been involved continuously for several decades.  Many had performed a variety of roles including player, team captain, manager, coach, club official, Committee member, match official and supporter.  He went on to say that without such selfless volunteers, there would be no club, and added that there were more people who would in due course be recognised for their long service to the club.

Saturday’s awards were presented to these members (with their years of service shown):

  • Brian Stephens (46 years)
  • Peter Robinson (45 years)
  • Mark Trevail (34 years)
  • James Prisk (34 years)
  • Jeff Richardson (33 years)
  • Darren Woodard (30 years)
  • Tim Richardson (25 years)
  • Jackie Robinson (25 years)
  • Jamie Liston (21 years)
Best Football Club in West Cornwall

MUCH TO CELEBRATE IN A GOOD DAY ALL-ROUND FOR MOUSEHOLE AFC

Mousehole 5-0 Cadbury Heath

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 4th February 2023

At Trungle Parc

Saturday was an important day for everyone connected with Mousehole AFC: 

  • The First Team beat Cadbury Heath to record their biggest winning margin of the season and move into second place in the League 
  • Before kick-off, nine members of the club were presented with long-service awards by the Western League
  • To complete a trio of weekend wins for the club’s Senior teams, the Development Team kept their promotion hopes alive with a commendable away win at Helston, and the Women’s Team achieved a notable away success at Bodmin in the Cornwall Women’s Cup to reach the semi-final.

MOUSEHOLE v CADBURY HEATH

Scorers:  Mark Goldsworthy 19’, Callam Mconie 23’, Jack Calver 38’, Mark Goldsworthy 52’, Hayden Turner 90+1’.

Key moments:

19’:  Mousehole have been on top since the start.  Jack Bray-Evans tries his luck with a low shot from 20 yards, Heath goalkeeper Jordan Schofield is out of luck as the ball runs free from his attempted save, and MARK GOLDSWORTHY is the first to react with a close-range finish.  1-0.

23’:  Half-way through the opening period, Jack Bray-Evans provides another assist with a powerful move into space on the left and a pass inside the box where CALLAM MCONIE drives into the net from 12 yards for 2-0.

38’:  Mousehole score again to make it 3-0 with a goal similar to the first – Hayden Turner shoots right-footed from 18 yards, Schofield half-stops it and captain JACK CALVER pounces.

At half-time it’s 3-0 to The Seagulls, who are in confident mood with lots of possession, quick passing and incisive movement

52’:  Young substitute Jack Symons makes a quick break deep into Heath territory and his perfectly-placed square ball leaves MARK GOLDSWORTHY to finish off the move from six yards – his second goal of the match and Mousehole’s fourth

90+1:  HAYDEN TURNER sprints 30 yards on to Andy Elcock’s defence-opening pass inside the full back, to slide the ball past the advancing Schofield to complete the scoring at 5-0.

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Andy Elcock, Jack Calver (Kyle Fraser 46’), Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 60’), Jack Bray-Evans (Jack Symons 35’), Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner. 

Other substitutes:  Lewis Moyle, Steve Burt.

Attendance:  118

Match officials:  Paul Kempen (Referee) with Dave Rowe and Alan Hoon (Assistant Referees)

Conclusions:

Saturday’s results – a big win for Mousehole and a defeat for Bridgwater United – mean that The Seagulls move into second place, their highest placing this season, with 14 games left, five at Home and nine Away.  They are now two points above Bridgwater United, with one game in hand and the same goal difference.  Leaders Saltash United are five points ahead of Mousehole but have played three games more.

Mousehole are now undefeated in their last 18 League games since mid-August, with 14 wins and four draws.

Fixtures for Mousehole

All Western League Premier Division

Saturday 11th February, 3pm

Away v Welton Rovers (currently in 10th place)

SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED (9th)

Saturday 25th February, 3pm

Away v Buckland Athletic (6th)

SATURDAY 4th MARCH, 3pm HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED (3rd)

CUP EXIT LEAVES MOUSEHOLE TO FOCUS ON LEAGUE

Buckland Athletic 2-0 Mousehole

Les Phillips Cup First Round

Tuesday 31st January 2023

At Homers Heath

For the second season running, Mousehole were knocked out at the first stage of the League Cup – named after a former long-standing Chairman of the Western League – by a strong and hard-running Buckland side who took their chances well despite being under pressure particularly in the first half.

The key points

The tie, originally scheduled for early November, has already been postponed several times because of Buckland’s involvement in the County Cup, together with two weather call-offs at Trungle Parc resulting in a reversal of the venue.

In last season’s first round,  a much-changed Mousehole side did well to hold Helston’s first-choice team to an away draw before losing on penalties; this time, manager Jake Ash fields a stronger 16-man squad.

34’:  Goal for Buckland Athletic.  Very much against the run of play, with Referee Ryan Cornelius having dismissed three penalty claims for desperate tackles on Callam Mconie (twice) and Jack Calver, a huge gap appears in the centre of the Mousehole defence as the hosts’ captain and centre-back ROB FARKINS strides through from the half-way line to drive low past keeper Lewis Moyle from the edge of the area.

54’: Goal for Buckland Athletic.  The hosts break up a Mousehole attack and transfer the ball quickly into loads of space on the left for the speedy Josh Webber, Lewis Moyle parries Ryan Bush’s shot but SCOTT CROCKER is first to the loose ball to convert from close range. The hosts lead 2-0.

57’: More problems as Mousehole concede a penalty, but Lewis Moyle keeps the deficit respectable by beating out Stockton’s fiercely struck spot kick.

63’: Two Mousehole substitutes – Hayden Turner and Jack Bray-Evans for Josh Bissett and Callam Mconie

78’: Final Mousehole substitute – 17-year old Ryan Townson replaces Mark Goldsworthy.

Full-time score:  Buckland Athletic 2-0 Mousehole.  The Bucks progress to meet the winners of Saltash v Torpoint at Home in the second round.

Mousehole’s remaining season now consists of 15 League fixtures, nine Away and six at Home, starting with the visit of Cadbury Heath this Saturday (4th February).

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes):

Lewis Moyle (GK), Harry Bell, Max Hill, Jack Calver (Capt), Kyle Fraser, Andy Elcock, Steve Burt, Jack Symons, Callam Mconie (Hayden Turner 63’), Mark Goldsworthy (Ryan Townson 78’), Josh Bissett (Jack Bray-Evans 63’).

Other substitutes:  Paulo Sousa, Aaron Dilley.

Fixtures for Mousehole (currently in 3rd place)

All Western League Premier Division

SATURDAY 4th FEBRUARY, 3pm

HOME v CADBURY HEATH (currently 18th)

Saturday 11th February, 3pm

Away v Welton Rovers (11th)

SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED (7th)

Saturday 25th February, 3pm

Away v Buckland Athletic (6th)

SATURDAY 4th MARCH, 3pm

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED (2nd)

AWAY WIN AT STREET KEEPS MOUSEHOLE ON TRACK

STREET 1-3 MOUSEHOLE

TOOLSTATION WESTERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

SATURDAY 28th JANUARY 2023

AT THE TANNERY GROUND

The Seagulls maintained their impressive Western League form to close in on the Division’s leaders with a convincing performance against a much-improved Street team, to make it 13 wins and four draws since their only defeat in mid-August, and retain the only unbeaten away record in the League

Scorers:

Mousehole – Callam Mconie (11’), Jack Bray-Evans (44’), Max Hill (82’)

Street – Harry Foster (17’)

KEY MOMENTS OF THE MATCH

11’: GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The hosts finished last season in the bottom three, but have improved significantly since then to occupy currently a mid-table position with plenty of games in hand.  But they have played just once in a weather-disrupted two months, and they fall behind to a well-worked opening goal, with Hayden Turner speeding down the left wing for CALLAM MCONIE to convert the low cross from 15 yards with a well-placed left-foot shot low past keeper Liam Norris into the corner.

17’:  GOAL FOR STREET.  Captain HARRY FOSTER is gifted his 17th goal of the season as he latches on to a too-short back-pass from the half-way line to slip past the advancing Ollie Chenoweth and equalise into an empty net.

44’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  HAYDEN TURNER is again the provider with a superb run to the byeline and a pull-back to the edge of the six-yard box where JACK-BRAY-EVANS gets in front of his marker to drive the ball inside the near post

45+2’:  At half-time it’s Street 1-2 Mousehole.  Lots of good football being played by both sides on a soft pitch.

65’:  Mousehole substitution – Andy Elcock for Jack Bray-Evans                      

71’:  Second Mousehole sub – ex-Hartpury University winger Josh Bissett, now on the books of Exmouth Town, replacing Callam Mconie

82’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  From a short corner routine, Hayden Turner is involved in another goal as he swings over a cross from the right and centre-back MAX HILL hooks an instant right-foot volley low into the corner of the net from 15 yards, to translate Mousehole’s second-half dominance into a clear winning position

90’:  Third Mousehole sub – Kyle Fraser is on for Hayden Turner, who’s provided the vital assists for all three goals

90+4’:  Final score is Street 1-3 Mousehole.  An important win for The Seagulls, which keeps them five points behind leaders Saltash with three games in hand, and moves them up to one point of second-place Bridgwater from the same number of games played, with two head-to-heads to come.  

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Jack Calver (Capt), Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 71’), Jack Bray-Evans (Andy Elcock 66’), Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner (Kyle Fraser 90’).  Other substitutes:  Charlie Willis, Lewis Moyle

ATTENDANCE: 116

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Tuesday 31st January, 7.30pm

Away v Buckland Athletic

Les Phillips Cup 1st Round

SATURDAY 4th FEBRUARY, 3pm

HOME v CADBURY HEATH

Western League Premier

Saturday 11th February, 3pm

Away v Welton Rovers

Western League Premier

SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED

Western League Premier

Saturday 25th February, 3pm

Away v Buckland Athletic

Western League Premier

SATURDAY 4th MARCH, 3pm

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED

Western League Premier

TEN-MEN SEAGULLS’ LAST-GASP WINNER KEEPS PROMOTION HOPES ALIVE

Mousehole 2-1 Welton Rovers

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 21st January 2023

At Trungle Parc

Mousehole scorers: Jack Bray-Evans 17’, Harry Bell 90+6’

Welton Rovers: Owen Punselie 88’

In only their third match since the beginning of December, third-place Mousehole were very nearly on the wrong end of an upset until a dramatic goal deep into added-on time gave them the vital three points against their hard-working north-east Somerset visitors

Key moments

15’:  Welton – remarkable for being the longest serving members of the Western League at 120 years, and on their longest journey of the season – have made an impressive start despite their 16th position in the table, while Mousehole have struggled to get their passing game going

17’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Mark Goldsworthy turns a forward pass ‘round the corner’ into space midway through the Welton half for JACK BRAY-EVANS to use his strength and pace to hold off his marker and slot a perfect left-foot shot low past giant keeper Dominic Oaks and just inside the far post from 15 yards.

30’:  At the half hour mark the play has become scrappy and stop-start as Referee Rob Fleetham annoys both teams with his decisions and spends time lecturing them

45’:  The half-time whistle ends a scrappy opening period with no time added on for the numerous stoppages.  Mousehole 1-0 Welton Rovers.

Second half

59’: Mousehole make three substitutes as they look to freshen up their options on a soft slippery pitch that has begun to cut up:  Reece Thomson, Paulo Sousa and Jack Bray-Evans are replaced by Andy Elcock, Callam Mconie, and ex-Hartpury University and now Plymouth Parkway forward Aaron Goulty

66’:  Red card for Mousehole.  Andy Elcock fouls Lewis Russell just inside the Welton half and Referee Fleetham surprises everyone by deeming it to be a sending-off offence.  The hosts now down to ten men for half an hour, and a good chance for the visitors to get back in the game.

75’:  Last substitution for Mousehole:  Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by recent signing from Liskeard Harry Bell, who goes into the back four with Steve Burt coming forward to strengthen the midfield

88’:  GOAL FOR WELTON ROVERS.  The visitors have already come close with an effort cleared off the line, and have looked dangerous mostly from set pieces.  This time a right-sided corner to the far post is headed back unchallenged for OWEN PUNSELIE to nod a simple header over the line.  Mousehole 1-1 Welton Rovers – a major dent in the home side’s promotion aspirations.

90+6’:   GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Fortunately for The Seagulls, the Referee has this time added on the necessary minutes for stoppages.  Captain and today’s ‘man of the match’ Jack Calver lofts a perfect free-kick from 30 yards out on the right deep into the box where second-half substitute HARRY BELL marks his debut appearance with a brilliant downward header past keeper Oaks.

90+7’:  The final whistle goes amid scenes of huge celebration as the ten men have grabbed an against-the-odds win that keeps their promising season on track. 

With the leaders and second-place teams out of action, Mousehole remain in third place, but are now only five points behind Saltash with three games in hand and a better goal difference; and four points behind Bridgwater with one game in hand and two head-to-head matches to come.

Mousehole have now stretched their undefeated League run to 16 games  since their one and only League defeat 21 weeks ago in mid-August (v Millbrook at home, 2-1). 

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Steve Burt, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Jack Calver (C), Reece Thomson (Aaron Goulty), Paulo Sousa (Andy Elcock), Jack Bray-Evans (Callam Mconie), Mark Goldsworthy (Harry Bell), Hayden Turner.  Other substitute: Jack Symons.

Next for Mousehole:

This Saturday, 28th January, 3pm

Away v Street

Western League Premier

Tuesday 31st January, 7.30pm

Away v Buckland Athletic

Les Phillips Cup 1st Round

SATURDAY 4th FEBRUARY, 3pm

HOME v CADBURY HEATH

Western League Premier

Saturday 11th February, 3pm

Away v Welton Rovers

Western League Premier

SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED

Western League Premier

Saturday 25th February, 3pm

Away v Buckland Athletic

Western League Premier

SATURDAY 4th MARCH, 3pm

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED

Western League Premier

Harry Bell Mousehole AFC

HARRY BELL BECOMES A NEW YEAR SEAGULL

Mousehole have moved quickly to strengthen their squad for the second half of the Western League Premier Division season with the signing of HARRY BELL from Liskeard Athletic.

The right-sided defender has an impressive pedigree, joining Torquay United at the age of 13 as a contemporary of Mousehole midfielder Tallan Mitchell, before moving to Yeovil Town Academy and latterly spending three successful years with high-flying Liskeard Athletic in the South West Peninsula League at Step 6.

Harry Bell explained his motivation for the move: 

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Liskeard and leave on good terms.  But I am excited to push myself at the level above and start taking my football seriously again.”

Mousehole Manager Jake Ash says he is really pleased to welcome the newcomer on board:

“I keep in touch with lots of managers in the Peninsula League and every single one I spoke to said Harry is the best there is at that level.”

“Having watched him on several occasions it is clear that he has so much potential: he’s strong, aggressive and can play.  For 22 years old, he has so many great attributes and he was obviously keen to progress and test himself at a higher level.  It’s good timing for us as well, given the injuries we’ve had defensively, and in Harry we have someone who is ready and capable to step straight in.”

Mousehole’s new arrival will be available for selection for their important League match at second-place Bridgwater United tomorrow (Saturday), with The Seagulls sitting seven points behind The Robins from two games fewer.  He will join the squad that achieved an excellent away win at Clevedon Town at the turn of the year with a second successive ‘clean sheet’, despite a growing injury list.

NEW YEAR WIN MAINTAINS IMPRESSIVE RUN AND PRESSURE AT THE TOP

Clevedon Town 0-2 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd January 2023

At the ‘Everyone Active’ Hand Stadium

Scorers:  Jack Bray-Evans (25’), Hayden Turner (45+3’)

Clinical finishing in a difficult tightly-fought contest enabled injury-hit Mousehole to gain the points that take them up to third place in the League table and put them in a good position to challenge for a promotion spot in the second half of the season

THE KEY POINTS

Today’s match has a distinct maritime theme as The Seagulls visit The Seasiders in north Somerset.

Continuous 70-mile traffic congestion all the way northbound up the M5 has significantly delayed Mousehole’s arrival, and the host club and referee have agreed to re-schedule the kick off to 3.30pm.

Both teams are on a commendable undefeated run of games, with Clevedon no doubt looking to be the first team this season to inflict a League defeat on the visitors.

Mousehole have four defenders unavailable today, so the ability to keep the home side at bay will be a real test of the squad’s strength and versatility.

It’s a cold, bright afternoon, and the pitch surface is soft.

……….

Goal for Mousehole on 25 minutes: Captain Jack Calver brings the ball forward from his central defensive position and passes left to Hayden Turner, who goes outside the full back to the byeline and chips a cross to the far post where JACK BRAY-EVANS has come in from the right to head home from inside the six-yard box – his debut goal for The Seagulls.

Goal for Mousehole on 45+3 minutes:  Seconds before half-time, great work on the right gives Reece Thomson the opening for a fierce drive from the inside corner of the penalty area, keeper Luca Smith parries the shot but the alert HAYDEN TURNER is first to the loose ball to convert high into the net from 8 yards.

At half-time Mousehole lead by 2-0 after a composed opening period.

54 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Jack Bray-Evans is replaced by Jude Boyd on the right-hand side of attack

71 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Reece Thomson is replaced by Andy Elcock in midfield

71 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell is fouled for a penalty as he jinks forward on the left in the box.  He’s clearly injured and in a lot of pain,  and play is held up for over two minutes as he receives on-field attention.

74 minutes:  Mousehole substitution – Tallan Mitchell is replaced by Callam Mconie

74 minutes:  Hayden Turner strikes the spot kick firmly and keeper Luca Smith makes a brilliant flying save – a replica of the penalty save he made against the same player at Trungle Parc last season

90+2 minutes:  Mousehole’s last substitute – Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by Aaron Dilley in a defensive midfield position, as Mousehole look to repel the wave of Clevedon attacks that have been coming at regular intervals since the penalty save

90+9 minutes:  The full-time whistle blows and it’s Clevedon Town 0-2 Mousehole, a great afternoon’s work in all departments – marred only by a serious-looking injury to Tallan Mitchell*.

*Thanks to Clevedon’s prompt help, Tallan Mitchell is taken to the local hospital where an X-Ray reveals a fractured collar bone.

CONCLUSION

Mousehole’s win is made all the sweeter by news of defeat for both leaders Saltash and second-place Bridgwater, and a draw for third-place Shepton Mallet. 

This moves The Seagulls up into third place in the table at the start of the second half of the League season, now just 8 points adrift of leaders Saltash with 4 games in hand, and 7 points behind second-place Bridgwater with two games in hand. 

Mousehole’s home and away games against Bridgwater – the first being away at Fairfax Park this coming Saturday – will be important – though, with another 15 games to play, not decisive

MOUSEHOLE line-up at Clevedon (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Steve Burt, Max Hill, Jack Calver (Captain), Kyle Fraser, Reece Thomson (Andy Elcock), Tallan Mitchell (Callam Mconie), Paulo Sousa, Jack Bray-Evans (Jude Boyd), Mark Goldsworthy (Aaron Dilley), Hayden Turner.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Michael Halford (Referee) with Callum Taylor-Barry and Andrew Davey (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  174

NEXT FIXTURES FOR MOUSEHOLE

Saturday 7th January, 3pm

Away v Bridgwater United (WLP)

TUESDAY 10th JANUARY, 7.45pm

HOME v BUCKLAND ATHLETIC 

Les Phillips (WL) Cup 1st Round

SATURDAY 14th JANUARY, 3pm

HOME v WELTON ROVERS (WLP)

Saturday 21st January, 2pm

Away v Millbrook (WLP)

Saturday 28th January 3pm

Away v Street (WLP)

Mouse vs Helston Boxing Day 2022

MOUSEHOLE WIN ‘LOCAL DERBY’ WITH SECOND-HALF SURGE

Mousehole 3-0 Helston Athletic

Western League Premier Division

Boxing Day, Monday 26th December 2022

At Trungle Parc

GOALS:  Hayden Turner 53’; Jack Rhead 80’, 89’

SUMMARY

A much-improved performance after the interval saw Mousehole reach the halfway point of the season with the win that extends their unbeaten League run to 14 games and 18 weeks, and keeps them handily placed in the top four places in the table

KEY POINTS

There’s a season’s-highest League attendance of 274 for this mid-day encounter between the two most westerly clubs in the Division, with Mousehole in 4th place and Helston just a few points behind in 7th from the same number of games played.

The pitch surface is soft and likely to cut up after the overnight rain.

Before kick-off a minute’s silence is held in memory of the Penlee Lifeboat crew lost a few days before Christmas 41 years ago, and the recent passing-away of long-standing Seagulls’ supporter Keith Richards.

After an end-to-end first half with both goalkeepers busy the score is 0-0 but Helston have created the better chances and looked the more likely to score.

GOAL for Mousehole on 53 minutes:  Debutant Jack Bray-Evans wins the physical battle with Josh Storey inside the visitors’ penalty area, his low shot is kept out by keeper Cory Harvey’s boot, and HAYDEN TURNER is unchallenged as he rolls the ball into the empty net from six yards.

Substitution for Mousehole, 72’:  Andy Elcock is replaced by Paulo Sousa in midfield

Substitution for Mousehole, 75’:  Jack Bray-Evans is replaced by Jack Rhead in an attacking role

GOAL for Mousehole on 80 minutes:  A very important goal for the hosts as the visitors were coming back strongly into the game.  Hayden Turner races in from the left behind his marker, his goal-bound low shot is only half-saved by ex-Mousehole keeper Harvey, and recent substitute JACK RHEAD is in the right place to sidefoot the loose ball home.  Scoreline 2-0 with two very similar goals.

Substitution for Mousehole, 84’:  Reece Thomson is replaced by Callam Mconie

GOAL for Mousehole on 89 minutes:  Hayden Turner again wins the sprint race on the left and his low cross is converted with great composure by JACK RHEAD for his second goal.  Now 3-0, with all the goals involving Hayden Turner and all scored from the edge of the six-yard box.  

Substitution for Mousehole:  Hayden Turner is replaced by Jack Symons

Full time whistle at 90+2 minutes.  Result: Mousehole 3-0 Helston Athletic

CONCLUSION

With League leaders Saltash losing and second-place Bridgwater drawing, today’s Mousehole win means they are 11 points behind Saltash with four games in hand, 10 points behind Bridgwater with two games in hand, and two points behind third-place Shepton Mallet with one game in hand.  Significantly, Mousehole have still to play both Bridgwater and Shepton Mallet twice in the second half of the season.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP v Helston Athletic (with used substitutes shown)

Ollie Chenoweth GK), Steve Burt, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Reece Thomson (Callam Mconie), Jack Calver (captain), Andy Elcock (Paulo Sousa), Mark Goldsworthy, Jack Bray-Evans (Jack Rhead), Hayden Turner (Jack Symons).

Other substitute:  Jude Boyd

MOUSEHOLE FIXTURES – JANUARY

Bank Holiday Monday 2nd January, 3pm

Away v Clevedon Town (WLP)

Saturday 7th January, 3pm

Away v Bridgwater United (WLP)

TUESDAY 10th JANUARY, 7.45pm

HOME v BUCKLAND ATHLETIC

Les Phillips (WL) Cup 1st Round

SATURDAY 14th JANUARY, 3pm

HOME v WELTON ROVERS (WLP)

Saturday 21st January, 2pm

Away v Millbrook (WLP)

Saturday 28th January 3pm

Away v Street (WLP)