Mousehole’s Western League campaign has received a big boost with the arrival this week of striker Jack Bray-Evans.

The 27-year old first came to prominence at his home-town club Newquay, before joining Falmouth Town in October 2021, where he went on to be a ‘Golden Boot’ winning member of their treble-winning squad.

Last season, Falmouth won the League, League Cup and Senior Cup, together with promotion to the Western League Premier Division.  JBE scored an impressive total of 42 goals:  34 in the League and League Cup (10 for Newquay), one in the FA Vase, and 7 in the Senior Cup – scoring in every Round including the winner in the Final.

Asked what had prompted the move to Mousehole, Jack Bray-Evans explained: 

“The club made an approach for me and after having a meeting with the Manager (Jake Ash) and the Director of Football (Adam Fletcher) I feel this is the direction I need to go in with my football.  The set up and professionalism is top quality and as a player with a real desire to progress, I feel this is the best environment for me right now.  I have only fond memories at Falmouth Town, it’s a fantastic club and I leave on good terms with everyone involved there, but I couldn’t say no once this opportunity came my way and I can’t wait to get to work with the rest of the squad.” 

When asked what he hoped to bring to Mousehole, he went on to say:

“Firstly, I hope to bring a good personality to have around the club and in the changing room.  I will also bring with me a huge level of commitment and desire to be successful.  Being a striker, I obviously want to continue in the same form I’ve had across the past year in scoring goals, and also bringing some additional quality to the final third of the pitch.  The club already has a very talented squad of players and I’m pleased to be a part of this and hopefully add something extra to the team.”

Mousehole Manager Jake Ash is clearly delighted with the new signing:

“Getting Jack is a huge bonus for us. With the success he has had at Falmouth, and of course their tremendous support, we knew it would be difficult to persuade him to come across.  But he is really good mates with a few of our Newquay-based boys and they all stressed how hungry he is to improve.”

“Fletch and I were so impressed when we met Jack – I’m not sure I’ve sat down with many people who are as driven as he is.  At 27, he is in his prime and he has such a clear idea of what he wants to do and what he can bring us.  With Louis Price going away for a period, and Andy Watkins taking a step back, we needed some more attacking options and Jack will absolutely give us that.  It’s really clear his ambitions align with ours and I’m really confident he’s going to love being amongst the group here and bring so much to us, both on and off the pitch. 

I’d also like to thank Falmouth and in particular Westy (Manager Andy Westgarth) for their help in making this happen.”

The new signing will be immediately available for selection for Mousehole, who sit in fourth place in the League table after an unbeaten 13-match run since mid-August, and with several games in hand over the teams above.  Their next match is at Welton Rovers on Saturday – however, there is some doubt about that fixture going ahead, with below-zero temperatures forecast in north-east Somerset overnight.  The following match is on Saturday 17^th, away at Wellington, before the Boxing Day clash at home against Helston Athletic (12-noon) – which now has even more added interest.

Mousehole 3-2 Keynsham Town

Toolstation Western League, Premier Division

Saturday 3^rd December 2022

At Trungle Parc

Mousehole were made to work hard by a youthful and spritely Keynsham team, the victory extending The Seagulls’ unbeaten League run of 13 games stretching back to mid-August and keeping them in fourth place with games in hand on the teams above

5’: Keynsham are gifted an early goal through OWEN BRAIN, who takes advantage of a miskick by stand-in goalkeeper Jimmy Weeks to slot into an open goal from 10 yards

28’:  Mousehole equalise as JACK CALVER bursts forward on to a chance created by Jack Symons and Tallan Mitchell to poke low past the advancing keeper from 15 yards

33’:  Mousehole substitute – the injured Josh Otto is replaced by striker Mark Goldsworthy, with Jack Calver dropping back into central defence

63’:  Second Mousehole substitute as Jack Symons is replaced by Paulo Sousa in midfield

68’: Mousehole take the lead after Callam Mconie puts in a long bouncing cross from the left and MARK GOLDSWORTHY races in to get in front of keeper Joel Manning and touch the ball inside the far post.  Mousehole 2-1 Keynsham Town.

71’:  Just three minutes later, TALLAN MITCHELL extends Mousehole’s lead, turning inside the penalty area on the right and sending in a low right foot shot inches inside the far left-hand post.  Now Mousehole 3-1 Keynsham Town.

78’:  To their credit, the visitors get themselves back in the game, TYLER LINTON just keeping himself onside on the edge of the box to take the ball round keeper Weeks and fire into the net.  Now 3-2.

89’:  Mousehole’s third substitute – Callam Mconie is replaced by Jonny Ludlam.

FINAL SCORE:  MOUSEHOLE 3-2 KEYNSHAM TOWN

Design by Mousehole AFC

MILLBROOK v MOUSEHOLE

WESTERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

TUESDAY 22^nd NOVEMBER 2022 (7.45pm)

AT JENKINS PARK (PL10 1EN)

Mousehole have several good reasons to take a winning mentality to their East Cornwall rivals on Tuesday night.

The Seagulls currently stand in 3^rd place behind second-place Bridgwater United and leaders Saltash United, with a 15 and 16-point gap but having played three and four games fewer, respectively.  This is therefore an important ‘game in hand’, with the potential to close the gap on the top two.

Jake Ash’s side will be aiming to preserve their unbeaten away record in the League this season – the only team in the Division with no away defeats – having won four and drawn three so far.

Mousehole will also want to gain an element of revenge for their one and only League defeat this season (a statistic shared with Saltash and Bridgwater) – at home against Millbrook in mid-August, when the visitors took away all three points from Trungle Parc with a late winner after a well-organised performance.

Last Saturday, after defeats in the Senior Cup and the FA Vase, Mousehole got back to winning ways in the League with a fine 4-1 win at Sherborne Town, while Millbrook surprisingly went down 2-1 at bottom club Keynsham Town, leaving them in 10^th place in the table. 

However, The Brook have showed they can potentially beat anyone on the day, as shown by home wins in the last few weeks against Helston Athletic and (significantly) Bridgwater United.

SHERBORNE TOWN 1-4 MOUSEHOLE

TOOLSTATION WESTERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

SATURDAY 19^TH NOVEMBER 2022

AT RALEIGH GROVE

After exiting from the Senior Cup and FA Vase in consecutive matches, The Seagulls returned to League action and maintained their season’s unbeaten away record to achieve a ‘double’ over The Zebras, with Reece Thomson notching a hat-trick

KEY MOMENTS

2’:  GOAL MOUSEHOLE.  MARK GOLDSWORTHY from Adel Gafaiti’s knock-down header from a far post corner

20’:  GOAL MOUSEHOLE.  REECE THOMSON after quick and incisive passing creates the opening

Half-time:  Sherborne Town 0-2 Mousehole.

47’:  GOAL MOUSEHOLE.  REECE THOMSON converts Mark Goldsworthy’s low cross for 0-3

59’:  GOAL SHERBORNE TOWN.  ALEX MURPHY heads in from a right-wing cross.  Now 1-3.

71’:  Mousehole sub – Kyle Fraser off, Paulo Sousa on

80’:  Serious knee injury to Mark Goldsworthy – carried off and replaced by sub Steve Burt

88’:  GOAL MOUSEHOLE.  REECE THOMSON with his hat-trick goal with a low shot from 15 yards.

90+1’:  Third Mousehole sub – Callam Mconie off, Ryan Townson on.

90+5’. Full time: Sherborne Town 1-4 Mousehole

MOUSEHOLE TEAM SHEET (with used substitutes)

Lewis Moyle (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser (Paulo Sousa 71’), Andy Elcock, Reece Thomson, Jack Calver, Callam Mconie (Ryan Townson 90+1), Mark Goldsworthy (Steve Burt 83’), Hayden Turner

ATTENDANCE:  142

MATCH OFFICIALS:  Matt Eva (Referee) with Stuart Griffiths and Louis Cross (Assistant Referees)

MOUSEHOLE LEAGUE RECORD:

Overall:  Played 16, Won 9, Drawn 6, Lost 1, Goals 40 v 17 (GD +23), Points 33, Position 3rd, Points ratio 69%, Points-per-game 2.06

Home:  Pl 9, W 5, D 3, L 1, Goals 19 v 9

Away:  Pl 7, W 4, D 3, L 0, Goals 21 v 8

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES:

This Tuesday, 22^nd November, 7.45pm:  Away v Millbrook, WLP – the only team to have beaten Mousehole in a League match this season

Mousehole 1-2 Hartpury University

Isuzu FA Vase Second Round

Saturday 12^th November 2022

At Trungle Parc

SUMMARY

In one of Trungle Parc’s best games seen in recent years, played between two evenly matched footballing sides, Hartpury University lived up to their growing reputation by knocking Mousehole out of the Competition in a contest of fine margins.  

MATCH PREVIEW

When the draw was made three weeks ago, the reaction in the Mousehole camp was that this could be the most difficult of all the possible opponents at this stage of the competition, given the visitors’ impressive recent track record.

Gloucester-based Hartpury College and University is one of the foremost sports development institutions in the country, perhaps best known for the rugby union side who play in the same Championship Division as Cornish Pirates.  The football club was officially formed just three seasons ago and in that time they have lost a mere four League games.  In 2021/22 they had a 100% winning season and gained promotion to Step 6.  They now occupy another possible promotion place this season, and have already beaten higher-league opposition in the previous Round of the FA Vase.

Nicknamed ‘The Acorns’, they benefit from full-time training and coaching, with professional-level science, technology and psychology support, as an integrated part of their sports-related degree studies.  Over recent years more than 30 ex-students have gone on to become professional footballers, and others have forged a career in sports-related fields.

While the visitors are first-time entrants to the FA vase this season, Mousehole are in their third campaign in a row.  So far this season The Seagulls have recorded two good away wins, 5-1 at fellow Western League Premier side Shepton Mallet, and 3-1 at Hellenic Premier League team Lydney Town.  Victory today would see them reach the Third Round for the first time ever.

This promises to be an enthralling encounter between two teams with very similar footballing philosophies.  If the scores are level at full-time, the tie will be decided at that point by a penalty shoot-out. 

Before kick-off there’s a minute’s silence with a dual purpose: to honour the life of local football ‘legend’ Tony Claypole, and in remembrance of all those who have lost their lives in wars.

THE KEY POINTS OF THE MATCH

2’:  Hartpury make a quick start.  They cleverly create space for a shot by Justin Hall from 25 yards and it’s not far over the bar.

5’:  The hosts on the attack.  Tallan Mitchell sweeps in from the left and drills a right-foot shot at goal which keeper Stephen Sarcodie spills and then gathers

10’:  The visitors are awarded a free kick near the outside angle of the penalty area. Josh Beadle unexpectedly swerves a shot towards the near post which hits the side netting with keeper Lewis Moyle covering it at full stretch

13’:  Now Mousehole come close.  Reece Thomson turns on to a right-sided low cross, shoots from inside the area and it’s cleared off the line

14’:  Jack Calver is out of luck as he hammers a loose ball goalwards from 20 yards but it skims past the far post

16’:  Referee Kaymaz turns down Mousehole appeals for handball as Adel Gafaiti heads down Callam Mconie’s corner at the far post

17’:  Brave and alert goalkeeping from Sarcodie, who gets in front of Mark Goldsworthy as the striker looks to pull the trigger from six yards – the keeper is injured but not seriously

20’:  Mousehole have created a few half-chances so far,  but Hartpury look dangerous on the attack with pace and movement.  Home keeper Lewis Moyle makes a smart catch at his near post to cut out a threatening moment.

21’:  Speedy striker Morgan Mahoney is causing The Seagulls’ defence a few problems and this time he tries to exploit a mistake deep in defence, forcing Lewis Moyle into a sprawling save with a shot inside the box

22’:  Hartpury again look menacing – Adel Gafaiti makes a vital clearance with a diving header in front of goal

Half-way through the first half:  Hartpury are demonstrating their credentials!

27’:  GOAL FOR HARTPURY UNIVERSITY.  A quick break on the right deceives the Mousehole defence, a fierce shot comes in from inside the area, Lewis Moyle parries the ball and MORGAN MAHONEY is in the right place for a tap in.

At the half-hour point:  Hartpury are looking energised while Mousehole are not being allowed to create much from open play

35’:  Callam Mconie’s corner kick finds Max Hill six yards out, but the tall centre back is under enormous physical pressure and can’t direct his header

37’:  Morgan Mahoney has a glorious chance to make it 2-0 for the visitors after another defensive slip, but he fires hurriedly wide of the near post on the run

38’:  From another Mconie corner, keeper Sarcodie’s aerial challenge with Reece Thomson forces the header to go too high

40’:  Mousehole have a great breakaway opportunity from half-way led by Tallan Mitchell, but he over-runs the ball 25 yards out and it’s cleared

43’:  Mousehole at last put together a trademark forward passing move, with Tallan Mitchell releasing Paulo Sousa for clear chance from 15 yards – it’s a let-off for the visitors as the left-foot shot misses the angle of near post and bar

45+2’:  GOAL FOR HARTPURY UNIVERSITY.  In massively controversial circumstances, LUCA ROBINSON makes it 2-0 just before half-time.  Tallan Mitchell appears to be fouled by two defenders just outside the corner of the visitor’s penalty area, the Mousehole players stop for the expected whistle, Hartpury pump the ball forward and the speedy winger takes advantage of an over-stretched back line to score one-on-one.  The Referee is unmoved by the long protests from the home bench.  A potentially decisive fifteen seconds?

45+4’:  Tallan Mitchell is sent to the sin-bin for continuing to express his surprise at the officials’ decision

At 45+5’ it’s half-time – the visitors were well worth a one-goal lead, but have benefitted hugely from some good fortune to double their advantage.

The second half:

Mousehole will be playing with ten men for the first nine minutes.

46’:  Mousehole substitute – Steve Burt is replaced by Louis Price, as the hosts reinforce their much-needed attacking options

53’: Louis Price sends in a low cross from the left which bounces off keeper Sarcodie as Mark Goldsworthy closes in, but the loose ball is hacked away

55’:  It’s back to 11 v 11 as Tallan Mitchell is allowed to return

58’: A big chance for Hartpury as a pass inside the six-yard box isn’t converted from close range

60’:  The visitors force another mistake in midfield with their determined pressing, but Luca Robinson misses the target with a clear opening

62 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Paulo Sousa is replaced by Andy Elcock as the hosts aim to seize the initiative in midfield

64’:  Mousehole’s best chance of the second half is created by Callam Mconie for Tallan Mitchell, who has time and space but drives way over the bar from 18 yards

67’:  We’re at the half-way point of the second period, and Hartpury come very close to a third goal after a swift and skilful break, with keeper Lewis Moyle somehow diverting Justin Hall’s shot on to the upright and out 

72’: Tallan Mitchell’s mazy run into the box ends with a shot deflected wide by last-ditch defending

73’: Mousehole substitute – Josh Otto is replaced by Josh Baxter

75’:  The visitors have looked dangerous going forward on the break and look as likely to score as do Mousehole, but now they decide to pull back into a more defensive formation – which might give the home side more space and time in midfield.  The intensity shown by both sides is outstanding.

78’:  Louis Price latches on to a smart one-two on the edge of the box but fires wide left-footed under severe pressure

80’:  Hartpury clear a corner off the line twice in quick succession as Mark Goldsworthy and Josh Baxter try to nudge it home

81’:  Off the line again!  This time Tallan Mitchell is denied from Callam Mconie’s short free kick

82’:  Keeper Sarcodie makes a scarcely believable reflex save on the line to keep out Tallan Mitchell’s attempt

85’:  Suddenly it’s all Mousehole.  A goal now would set up a rousing finish.  Louis Price’s overhead kick from a long throw is saved by the watchful Sarcodie.

87’:  A promising moment for Mousehole, with a free kick right on the 18-yard line, but Jack Calver’s left-foot drive is deflected for a corner

88’:  Keeper Sarcodie rescues his side with an impressive catch high under his crossbar

89’:  Hartpury break forward at speed and full-back Ben Baxter is in an advanced position to shoot from an angle, with Lewis Moyle saving at full stretch by his near post

90+2’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Tallan Mitchell aims for goal with a left-sided free kick, Sarcodie for once can’t hold on and REECE THOMSON is quickest to the loose ball to poke it over the line.  A just reward for 15 minutes of constant pressure – but is it too late?

90+7’: There’s the full-time whistle.  Hartpury contain the late Mousehole onslaught with admirable resilience, their earlier play in effect creating the win to take them into the next Round. 

Knocked out of two Cup competitions this week, it’s back to League priorities for The Seagulls, knowing that today’s type of performance should see them do well – and that they won’t be facing too many opponents with this level of quality!

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes):

Lewis Moyle (GK), Josh Otto (Josh Baxter 73’), Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa (Andy Elcock 62’), Tallan Mitchell, Reece Thomson, Jack Calver (C), Steve Burt Louis Price 46’), Callam Mconie, Mark Goldsworthy

Other substitutes:  Kyle Fraser, Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Magin  

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Murat Kaymaz (Referee) with David Sellars and Adam Davies (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  172

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE:

POSTPONED

Tuesday 15^th November v Buckland Athletic, Les Phillips Cup (visitors involved in County Cup tie)

Saturday 19^th November, 3pm

Away v Sherborne Town, WLP

Tuesday 22^nd November, 7.45pm

Away v Millbrook

Saturday 26^th November, 3pm

HOME v Ashton & Backwell United, WLP

Saturday 3^rd December, 3pm HOME v Keynsham Town, WLP

Saltash United 5-3 Mousehole

Cornwall Senior Cup Second Round

Tuesday 8^th November 2022

At Waterways Stadium

Thirteen-games unbeaten Mousehole were on the wrong end of a high-scoring eight-goal Cup tie in east Cornwall on a very wet evening – both overhead and under-foot – at the appropriately named Waterways Stadium.

The match was given the go-ahead less than an hour before kick-off after three pitch inspections following torrential rain at 6pm.

Saltash United are serial Senior Cup winners and stand second in the Western League Premier Division, while Mousehole, in third place, were knocked out of the County Cup last season and also in the Final five seasons ago – both by The Ashes.

Three goals were scored in the first eleven minutes in this tie, with the hosts then building a commanding-looking 4-1 lead at half-time.  But Mousehole came back strongly after the interval, dominating possession and creating a glut of chances, but time ran out with the deficit proving too big.

The goals as they happened:           

6’:  Saltash 1-0 Mousehole.  A corner is not cleared properly and Mike Smith scores with an easy chance from six yards.

10’: Saltash 1-1 Mousehole.  Tallan Mitchell drives in a fierce free kick from the left which bounces down off the crossbar and Adel Gafaiti taps in from close range

11’:  Saltash 2-1 Mousehole.  The equaliser is immediately wiped out as Mike Smith’s low cross from the right is converted by Adam Carter sliding in unchallenged at the far post

31’:  Saltash 3-1 Mousehole.  A slip on the wet surface gives Callum Martindale the chance to measure a lofted cross to the far post where the unmarked Adam Carter heads home for his second goal

34’:  Saltash 4-1 Mousehole.  A low cross from the left is allowed to travel all the way to the far post where Dave Barker has the space and time to fire into the roof of the net.

78’:  Saltash 5-1 Mousehole.  It’s been all Mousehole since the interval – they’ve hit the post, had several near-misses, been thwarted by last-ditch clearances, and found keeper Duffy in inspired form – but in a rare breakaway Saltash take advantage of an unforced error and Adam Carter is gifted a one-on-one chance for his hat-trick.

82’:  Saltash 5-2 Mousehole.  Former Ashes man Reece Thomson makes a great turn on the left and his cross is driven high into the net by Callam Mconie from 15 yards.

90’:  Saltash 5-3 Mousehole:  Mark Goldsworthy’s close control on the left takes him past a defender and the advancing keeper, with Max Hill getting ahead of his marker to poke the low inside pass over the line.

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes):

Lewis Moyle (GK), Steve Burt (Mark Goldsworthy 67’), Adel Gafaiti (Josh Otto 46’), Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Tallan Mitchell, Reece Thomson, Andy Elcock, Jack Calver ©, Callam Mconie, Louis Price (Calum Ferguson 80’).

Other substitutes:  Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Paulo Sousa    

Match officials:

James Long (Referee) with Barry Bottrill and Steven Godfrey (Assistants)

Next for Mousehole in November:

Saturday 12^th, 3pm

HOME v HARTPURY UNIVERSITY

FA Vase 2^nd Round

Tuesday 15^th, 7.45pm

HOME v BUCKLAND ATHLETIC

Les Phillips / Western League Cup 1^st Round

Saturday 19^th, 3pm

Away v Sherborne Town, WLP

Tuesday 22^nd, 7.45pm

Away v Millbrook, WLP

Saturday 26^th, 3pm

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED, WLP

Cadbury Heath 1-1 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 5^th November 2022

At Springfield

Mousehole scorer:  Reece Thomson (62’)

SUMMARY

Despite having a huge share of possession and numerous goal chances, Mousehole had to be content with just a single point against their hard-working and resilient hosts – though on the positive side they increased their unbeaten run to 13 games and stand in third place with all the top three having lost just one League game this season

MATCH PREVIEW

Mousehole today make the long-distance journey to the eastern suburbs of Bristol to face a tricky encounter with South Gloucestershire side Cadbury Heath who, despite their relatively lowly position in the League table, have lost only once in the last six matches and by all accounts are looking strong at Home.

Mousehole are currently on an unbeaten run of 12 games in all competitions, including four consecutive wins, and they are undefeated in away League games so far this season.

The Heath’s season has been bolstered by the arrival of Bristol Rovers loan signing Josiah McKayle, the 17-year old central striker having scored six goals in his first nine appearances.

After a period of very wet weather, the pitch is on the soggy side, but perfectly playable.

KEY POINTS OF THE MATCH

1’:  Adel Gafaiti makes an important interception inside the Mousehole penalty area as the hosts make a quick start

2’:  The home side’s Matt Isaacs shoots wide of the upright from 20 yards

3’:  Callam Mconie drives wide from just outside The Heath’s box in Mousehole’s first attack

5’:  Tallan Mitchell makes a penetrating run and stings home keeper Jordan Schofield’s hands with his shot

8’:  Cadbury Heath’s captain and centre-back Ewan McMillan is up for a free kick and his downward header goes just past the near post

14’:  Home keeper Schofield makes a good save to keep out Callam Mconie’s angled drive aimed at the far top corner

16’:  Tallan Mitchell fires narrowly over from 25 yards as Mousehole look to get a foothold in the match

19’: Ewan McMillan hits a low 25-yard shot towards the corner of Lewis Moyle’s net, but the young keeper does well to get down to push it out for a corner

Half-way through the first half:  Cadbury Heath looking strong in the tackle, while quick and direct to break forward.  Mousehole putting passes together, keeping possession and finding spaces

25’:  Andy Elcock drives at the home goal from fully 35 yards and it’s not far over the bar

26’:  Mousehole earn three corners in a row as Mark Goldsworthy, Tallan Mitchell and Jack Calver all have a go.  Finally, Schofield drops the ball in front of his line, but it’s promptly booted away

30’:  Callam Mconie has a great chance with the ball on his left foot inside the area, but the shot is blocked by equally great defending

32’:  GOAL FOR CADBURY HEATH.  Harry Goldspink crosses from the left and JOSIAH McKAYLE gets to the ball first to find the net with a perfectly placed header from 10 yards

35’:  Mousehole have a near miss, as Callam Mconie’s free kick from the right zips through to Josh Baxter but he can’t keep the ball down and it clears the crossbar from close range

42’:  Tallan Mitchell shoots over from 20 yards, and moments later Jack Calver drives wide on his left foot from a similar distance

45 minutes:  Another close shave for The Heath, who are indebted again to keeper Schofield as he keeps out Callam Mconie’s low cross shot with his outstretched boot

45+3’:  The half-time whistle goes with Cadbury Heath holding a 1-0 lead, thanks to a good goal and a defiant defensive performance

The second half

47’:  Mousehole are soon on the attack, Tallan Mitchell’s low shot from the edge of the area forcing Schofield into a full-length save

49’:  Callam Mconie’s short corner gives Jack Calver a sight of goal but his left-footed drive from 20 yards is too high

62’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Tallan Mitchell makes a spectacular direct run at the right side of the home defence and REECE THOMSON converts the short inside pass with a firm low right-foot shot from 10 yards into the far corner for a fully deserved equaliser.

66’:  Reece Thomson is very close to giving The Seagulls the lead with a lob from near the corner of the penalty area – it drops just wide of the far post

71’:  Mousehole substitute – One Josh for another, as Baxter is replaced by Otto, returning after a long injury lay-off

77’:  Jack Calver drives a shot at goal but it’s straight at Schofield, who makes a safe save

78 minutes:  In a rare forward venture by The Heath, Josiah McKayle prods a loose ball just over the bar from inside the area

79’:  Tallan Mitchell darts through a gap to give Mark Goldsworthy a one-on-one chance – Schofield half-blocks the shot and Will Boyer completes the clearance as the ball spins towards the vacant goal

80 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Reece Thomson is replaced by Louis Price as Mousehole continue to search for a winning goal

85 minutes:  The visitors have won a succession of corners – from this one, Adel Gafaiti heads goal-wards and it’s scraped off the line by a defender

87 minutes:  A threaded pass through a crowded Heath area finds Callam Mconie with a clear chance to the right of goal – but the shot is on his weaker right foot and goes wide of the near post

88’:  The one-way traffic continues and Callam Mconie’s 15-yard drive, this time with his left foot, brings out a sharp diving save from the hosts’ man-of-the-match keeper Schofield

89’:  An inswinging Mconie free kick is just too high for the leaping Louis Price at the far post – and misses the upright by inches.

90+10’:  After a lot of added time, Mousehole have done everything but score.  At full-time it’s 1-1, with Cadbury Heath holding out against a second half onslaught – and it’s quite telling that they celebrate as if they’ve won the match! 

Mousehole now move on to two Cup games in the space of five days, with the Senior Cup tie at Saltash United on Tuesday, followed by the big – and intriguing – FA Vase Second Round tie at home against the unfamiliar but massively talented Hartpury University on Saturday, with a history-making place in the Third Round at stake.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Lewis Moyle (GK), Josh Baxter (Josh Otto 71’) , Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Tallan Mitchell, Reece Thomson (Louis Price 80’), Andy Elcock, Jack Calver (C), Callam Mconie, Mark Goldsworthy

Other substitutes:  Steve Burt, Kyle Fraser, Jack Symons

MATCH OFFICIALS

Dan Bugg (Referee) with Bobby Tutton and Theo Gordon (Assistants)

ATTENDANCE:  79

NOVEMBER FIXTURES FOR MOUSEHOLE

Tuesday 8^th, 7.45pm

Away v Saltash United

Cornwall Senior Cup 2^nd Round

Saturday 12^th, 3pm

HOME v HARTPURY UNIVERSITY

FA Vase 2^nd Round

Tuesday 15^th, 7.45pm

HOME v BUCKLAND ATHLETIC

Les Phillips / Western League Cup 1^st Round

Saturday 19^th, 3pm

Away v Sherborne Town, WLP

Tuesday 22^nd, 7.45pm

Away v Millbrook, WLP

Saturday 26^th, 3pm HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED, WLP

Mousehole 3-0 Torpoint Athletic

Western League Premier Division

Tuesday 1^st November 2022

At Trungle Parc

Scorers:  Hayden Turner 40’, Jack Calver 90+2’, Kyle Fraser 90+6’

SUMMARY

Two goals in added time were the icing on the cake as Mousehole deservedly overcame their east Cornwall opponents to record a League double, a clean sheet, a twelfth game unbeaten and a confirmed third place in the table

MATCH PREVIEW

The 80-mile length of Cornwall separates the two clubs, but any match between the County’s teams in the wide expanse of the Western League is classed nowadays as a ‘local derby’!

This is the third had-to-head of the season, each team having one win to their name: Mousehole’s 5-1 away League success on the opening day of the season followed by Torpoint’s 3-2 home success three weeks later in the FA Cup.

Torpoint are newcomers to the WLP this season, gaining promotion after an amazing 2021/22 campaign in which they won 33 games out of 38, reached 100 points, and scored 150 goals.  Results to date have been disappointing, however, and they arrive at Trungle Parc with just two wins in 14, none away and a last-but-one place in the table.

The hosts are on a run of 11 games unbeaten in all competitions, their last defeat being that very FA Cup game ten weeks ago at Torpoint – so there’s an extra incentive to do well this evening.

Mousehole gained a remarkable 6-2 away win at Barnstaple Town on Saturday, while Torpoint went down 4-2 at fellow-promoted Welton Rovers.

At kick off, the day’s terrible wet and windy weather has relented, but it looks as though it’s deterred many supporters from turning out on an evening when there’s also live European football on TV.

KEY POINTS OF THE MATCH

Mousehole are kicking towards the Solomon Browne Stand

5’:  Hayden Turner’s low cross from the left is well cleared right in front of the visitors’ goal

8’:  Mark Goldsworthy’s run draws the Torpoint defence out of position and his pass inside gives Hayden Turner a shooting chance, his left-footer whistling inches over the far angle

20’:  New Seagulls’ signing Josh Baxter has made a bright start, operating as a wing back on the right.  He’s in an advanced position to pick up a loose ball on the edge of the box and his low left-foot drive goes just wide of the far post.

Half-way through the first half:  Torpoint are defending in numbers, but they’ve already picked up  yellow cards for over-physical challenges

24’:  Mark Goldsworthy’s shot is blocked and Hayden Turner fires over the bar

26’:  Adel Gafaiti puts a superbly-judged pass through to Hayden Turner who swerves inside the full-back and drives a fierce shot goal-bound which keeper Tyler Coombes pushes out smartly for a corner.  The flag kick swirls in and it’s cleared off the line.

33’:  Adel Gafaiti makes a vital interception in front of his own goal to snuff out a dangerous low cross from the right by Curtis Damerell

38’:  Another great Torpoint clearance inside the six-yard box from Hayden Turner’s cross

42’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Tallan Mitchell shows great control and speed to get to the byeline on the right and his low cross is touched in by HAYDEN TURNER at the far post, for his 13^th goal in 16 games this season

43’: Josh Baxter breaks powerfully into the area on the right and his cross is again well defended

45+1’:  The youngster does important work at the other end, a sharp timely tackle ending Curtis Damerell’s incisive run before he can shoot from eight yards

45+2’:  At half-time, Mousehole have dominated possession, but have just the one goal to show for it, while Torpoint have defended valiantly and given occasional glimpses of dangerous forward moves

The second half:

48’: Hayden Turner puts over a long cross from the left and Mark Goldsworthy’s athletic volley at the far post is miraculously kept out by keeper Coombes

59’:  Josh Baxter is alert to sudden danger inside the Mousehole penalty area and makes a swift interception

60’:  Curtis Damerell flicks a near-post corner goalwards and Lewis Moyle grabs the ball low down.  That’s two promising chances in as many minutes for the visitors

63’:  Mousehole substitute – Andy Watkins is replaced by Callam Mconie, making his 50^th appearance for the club

70’:  Mousehole substitute – Steve Burt is replaced by Andy Elcock

71’:  Josh Baxter surges past a couple of opponents from the half-way line and supplies a pass for Hayden Turner running in from the left, but somehow the strikers’ shot is blocked by a determined defender

Twenty minutes left:  It’s still 1-0 – Torpoint will fancy their chances of getting something from the match

78 minutes:  Hayden Turner has space on the run some 35 yards out and tries a speculative drive which flashes wide

80’:  Tallan Mitchell’s low free kick from the side of the penalty area is smacked against the near post by Hayden Turner, with Adel Gafaiti prodding the rebound against the outside of the other post.  Very close to the all-important second goal.

82’:  Now it’s very close indeed for Torpoint – Josh Baxter makes another vital interception as Curtis Damerell has the goal at his mercy but gets another shot in with Lewis Moyle making an agile save from close range

85’:  Callam Mconie gets the ball on to his left foot 25 yards out and his fierce drive is too close to the keeper, who collects the ball safely on the slippery surface

86’:  Mousehole substitute – Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by Louis Price

88’:  A big chance for Torpoint as Mousehole make a mess of their passing out from the back, presenting Darren Hicks with the chance to move in on goal – but he scuffs his shot past the far post.  Definitely a warning of what might happen!

90+1:  Hayden Turner slips at the wrong moment as he’s through one-on-one with the keeper

90+2’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Keeper Coombes’ low clearance from the edge of the box is collected with great skill by JACK CALVER some 40 yards out and the quick-thinking Seagulls’ captain instantly sends in a lofted left-footed shot, with the keeper desperately back-pedalling but not able to get enough on the ball to keep it out.  A sense of relief now felt.

90+4’:  Adel Gafaiti makes an outstanding headed clearance from Lewis Pacey’s dangerous cross from the right

90+5’:  Mousehole substitute – Jack Calver is replaced by Kyle Fraser

90+6’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Barely 20 seconds after coming on, KYLE FRASER scores the third from six yards as his left-footed shot is blocked and his right foot finishes it off, after excellent work by Louis Price on the left

90+7:  At full time it’s Mousehole 3-0 Torpoint Athletic, patience and persistence the key to victory against opponents who played a lot better than their lowly League position would suggest.

MOUSEHOLE TEAM SHEET (with used substitutes)

Lewis Moyle (GK), Josh Baxter, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Tallan Mitchell, Jack Calver (C) (Kyle Fraser 90+5’), Steve Burt (Andy Elcock 70’), Andy Watkins (Callam Mconie 63’), Mark Goldsworthy (Louis Price 86’), Hayden Turner.  Other substitute:  Jack Symons

MATCH OFFICIALS

Jonothan Green (Referee) with Neil Rudkin and Max Davies (Assistants)

ATTENDANCE:  73

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE:

Saturday 5^th, 3pm

Away v Cadbury Heath, WLP

Tuesday 8^th, 7.45pm

Away v Saltash United

Cornwall Senior Cup 2^nd Round

Saturday 12^th, 3pm

HOME v HARTPURY UNIVERSITY

FA Vase 2^nd Round

Tuesday 15^th, 7.45pm

HOME v BUCKLAND ATHLETIC

Les Phillips (Western League) Cup 1^st Round

Saturday 19^th, 3pm

Away v Sherborne Town, WLP

Tuesday 22^nd, 7.45pm

Away v Millbrook, WLP

Saturday 26^th, 3pm

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED, WLP

Barnstaple Town 2-6 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 29^th October 2022

At Mill Road

Mousehole scorers: 

Hayden Turner (2), Mark Goldsworthy (2), Tallan Mitchell, Andy Watkins

SUMMARY

Mousehole and their sizeable band of supporters enjoyed a treat in North Devon with a commanding six-goal performance to see off their close rivals, extend their unbeaten run to ten weeks, and reach their highest League position of the season

MATCH PREVIEW

These two teams had never played each other before this season, but oddly today is the fourth time they’ve met in just the first three months of the current campaign.

After relegation from the Southern League, Barnstaple stand in 6^th place in the Western League Premier Division with an unbeaten home record.  Mousehole are one place and three points above, with an unbeaten away record.  So, unless it’s a draw today, something’s got to give. 

In the three earlier head-to-heads, Mousehole drew 1-1 at Mill Road in the FA Cup, before winning the replay at home five days later by 3-2 after extra time, while in the League game at Trungle Parc at the beginning of this month the contest ended level at 1-1.  All three games were very tight affairs, which could have gone either way, demonstrating that the two teams are evenly matched.

Last Saturday in the FA Vase First Round, Barnstaple were surprisingly eliminated 1-0 away at fellow WLP side Wellington, while Mousehole won 3-1 at Lydney Town of the Hellenic League Premier.

Mousehole, with new signing Josh Baxter on the bench, will be playing in their highly visible light-turquoise and yellow kit.  They are on a run of ten games undefeated in all competitions.

Barnstaple have the familiar ex-Helston trio of Stuart Bowker, Billy Tucker and Ryan Turner in their line-up, accompanied by several promising youngsters formerly with the club’s highly successful U18s.

There’s plenty of grass on the pitch and it’s a dull but dry afternoon.

KEY POINTS OF THE MATCH

1 minute:  Stuart Bowker sets up Billy Tucker for an early attempt from 20 yards which misses the post by some distance

4 minutes:  Jack Calver is tackled fiercely after a run towards the home goal, but it’s not a foul and The Seagulls’ captain is injured

5 minutes:  Stuart Bowker turns Adel Gafaiti and breaks away some 50 yards on the left, with his inside pass well cut out by Steve Burt inside the box

6 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Reece Thomson latches on to a chipped forward pass some 35 yards from goal and as keeper Liam Kingston comes out the tall midfielder coolly touches the ball sideways for HAYDEN TURNER to stroke into the empty net. 

15 minutes:  Stuart Bowker’s 18-yard drive is deflected and creeps slowly past the post for a corner

16 minutes:  Liam Kingston has been good at spotting spaces behind his defenders – as Reece Thomson nods the ball on for Mark Goldsworthy the keeper races out fully 30 yards to boot away the danger, the third time he’s done that in the opening quarter hour

17 minutes:  Stuart Bowker dispossesses Adel Gafaiti and shoots just wide of the far post from an angle on the left

20 minutes:  It’s a re-run of the race between Mark Goldsworthy and keeper Kingston – the striker however this time wins the ball in the 50/50 challenge and fires towards the open goal, but a defender has got back to clear

21 minutes:  An unpleasant incident goes un-noticed by the officials as Billy Tucker appears to stamp on Tallan Mitchell as they contest the ball on the halfway line

23 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The Seagulls double the lead as HAYDEN TURNER breaks through a tackle and homes in on goal from the left before curling a magnificent right-foot shot into the far top corner from just inside the box – a similar strike to his FA Vase double at Lydney last Saturday

24 minutes:  Stuart Bowker this time gets a shot on target, with keeper Lewis Moyle diving full-length to tip the ball round the post for a corner.  Across comes an in-swinging flag-kick – and it’s scrambled off the line.

25 minutes:  A bit of drama as Hayden Turner is in the hunt for a hat-trick, but hits the bar from Tallan Mitchell’s low cross – and then the Assistant Referee’s flag is raised for offside

28 minutes:  RED CARD FOR BARNSTAPLE.  Reece Thomson’s headed flick puts Tallan Mitchell through on goal and as the ball is pushed past the advancing keeper the Mousehole man is adjudged to have been fouled by centre-back David Slade.  The home side now down to ten men for an hour, and 2-0 down as well.

40 minutes:  RED CARD FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Two-goal Hayden Turner is involved in a momentary tussle with Callum Laird over a disputed throw-in, with the nearby Referee having no hesitation in levelling up the numbers.

42 minutes:  Adel Gafaiti makes an athletic and timely clearance in front of goal to prevent Tor Swann pulling the trigger

45+4 minutes:  The half-time whistle goes with Mousehole 2-0 in the lead, but with the scorer of both goals sent off.  Maybe both red cards were a little harsh in the circumstances, but now there’ll be 10% more space on the pitch.  As always at 2-0, the next goal could be significant.  Which team will make the most of the extra space?

The second half

50 minutes:  Max Hill does well under pressure to clear away Billy Ticker’s awkward in-swinging corner

57 minutes:  GOAL FOR BARNSTAPLE. The visitors fail to get the ball away on the edge of their own penalty area, giving TOR SWANN the chance to drive a low shot through a crowd and into the net.  Barnstaple 1-2 Mousehole.  Will this be a turning point, giving the hosts the incentive to pile on the pressure and force Mousehole back on the defensive?

58 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Certainly a turning point a few seconds later – of a different kind!  Straight from the re-start, a couple of incisive forward passes put TALLAN MITCHELL through a gap down the middle, with the midfielder taking the ball at speed round keeper Kingston and slotting into the vacant net.  A sensational goal in the immediate context of the match.  Barnstaple 1-3 Mousehole.

59 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Incredibly, it’s 4-1, and another top-quality goal, as Reece Thomson and Jack Calver slice open the home defence on the left to present MARK GOLDSWORTHY with the chance to roll the ball with great composure past the keeper and inside the far post from eight yards.

61 minutes:  Comparing the effects of the red cards, it’s fair to say that Barnstaple have suffered more from the loss of a centre back.  Tallan Mitchell darts into a gap and waltzes round the exposed keeper but is crowded out before shooting.

64 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE. Three goals in three minutes becomes four in seven!  MARK GOLDSWORTHY makes it 5-1, surging into the penalty area and firing home off the keeper’s body.

67 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Reece Thomson is replaced by newcomer Josh Baxter at right-back, with Steve Burt moving to his more familiar midfield role

76 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Jack Calver is replaced by Louis Price

79 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – no hat-trick today for Mark Goldsworthy as he’s replaced by Andy Watkins

80 minutes:  Paulo Sousa makes inroads on the left to put across a great cross which Louis Price pokes wide from six yards

85 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Tallan Mitchell is replaced by Jack Symons

86 minutes:  GOAL FOR BARNSTAPLE.  Tommy Rogers tried a shot from the right which is half-blocked in front of goal and RYAN TURNER turns it over the line from close range.  Barnstaple Town 2-5 Mousehole.

90 minutes:  Louis Price lays on a chance for Jack Symons whose nudge towards goal is kept out at full stretch by Liam Kingston at his near post

90+1 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Louis Price finds ANDY WATKINS in space between two defenders midway through the Barnstaple half, and the veteran striker takes it on in one smooth movement towards goal and side-foots the ball with perfect timing and precision past the advancing Kingston for goal number six.

90+5 minutes:  The full-time whistle brings down the curtain on a high-quality Mousehole performance in an eventful match, as a result of which they climb up two places to third in the table and move on to eleven games without defeat.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Lewis Moyle (GK), Steve Burt, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Tallan Mitchell (Jack Symons), Reece Thomson (Josh Baxter), Andy Elcock, Jack Calver (C) (Louis Price), Mark Goldsworthy (Andy Watkins), Hayden Turner

Other substitute:  Callam Mconie

MATCH OFFICIALS

Scott Robertson (Referee) with Mark Walker and Robert Creron (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  192

NOVEMBER FIXTURES FOR MOUSEHOLE

Tuesday 1^st, 7.45pm

HOME v TORPOINT ATHLETIC

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 5^th, 3pm

Away v Cadbury Heath, WLP

Tuesday 8^th, 7.45pm

Away v Saltash United

Cornwall Senior Cup 2^nd Round

Saturday 12^th, 3pm

HOME v HARTPURY UNIVERSITY

FA Vase 2^nd Round

Tuesday 15^th, 7.45pm

HOME v BUCKLAND ATHLETIC

Les Phillips (Western League) Cup 1^st Round

Saturday 19^th, 3pm

Away v Sherborne Town, WLP

Tuesday 22^nd, 7.45pm

Away v Millbrook, WLP

Saturday 26^th, 3pm HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED, WLP

Mousehole have added versatile defender Josh Baxter to their Western League squad.

The 20-year-old, previously on the books of Dorchester Town and Torquay United, joins from Bude Town where he has been a prominent member of their successful season after promotion to the South West Peninsula League, as they currently stand neck-and-neck with Wendron United at the top of the table with only two defeats in 14 games. 

Mousehole are currently undefeated in their last ten games, despite a series of long-term injuries in key positions, so the newcomer will be a welcome addition to the squad, with his ability to play at centre-back, right-back and wing-back.  Notably, he’s also scored five goals for Bude Town this season.

The Exeter-born defender has the opportunity to reinforce Mousehole’s defensive line-up following the semi-retirement of Billy Curtis, who played a total of nearly 300 matches over seven continuous seasons for Mousehole, including as captain.

Manager Jake Ash has no doubt that Josh Baxter can rise to the challenge of moving up from Step 6 to Step 5:  “I’m really excited about getting Josh on board.  I’d had several very positive reports on him and had watched him on video a few times.  I have been to see him first-hand twice now, and both times he stood out as a player with huge potential.  Physically he is outstanding, and he’s already proven in training this week that he is technically very able too.  He is another player who wants to come here to develop; he still has lots he can improve, and it’s great that he thinks he can do that with us. With Mark Richards out for a while, and Josh Otto having missed the last six weeks, it’s a really important signing for us as he can play anywhere along the back line and further up the pitch too. ” The new signing is available for selection for Saturday’s important trip to close rivals Barnstaple Town, who stand one place and three points below fifth place Mousehole with two games in hand.