Author: Jeff Richardson

Moussa Diallo | Jack Symons | Callum Mconie

MOUSEHOLE RESTORE CONFIDENCE WITH BIG BANK HOLIDAY WIN

Mousehole 5-1 Street

Toolstation Western League, Premier Division

Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August 2022

At Trungle Parc

Summary

Jake Ash’s team got back to the form expected of them to put five goals past the spirited opposition and record their first home win in the League

Preview

It’s Seagulls versus Cobblers this afternoon as the fixture list gives Street a long 350-mile Bank Holiday return journey between North Somerset and West Cornwall.

Mousehole are looking for their first Home win in the League and to improve on their below-expectations start to the season.  So far, they have recorded one win (5-1 at Torpoint), two draws (1-1 at Home v Saltash and 0-0 at Ashton & Backwell), and one defeat (2-1 at Home v Millbrook).  This gives them just five points from their opening four League games.  Their last match was at Torpoint nine days ago, a 3-2 exit from the FA Cup.

Street have seven points from six games, with two wins (Home against Ashton & Backwell and Away at Cadbury Heath), one draw (at Bitton), and three defeats (7-0 at Home and 3-0 Away against League leaders Bridgwater, and 3-1 at Home v Shepton Mallet).

Mousehole’s starting line-up includes youngster Jack Symons, new signing Moussa Diallo, and Reece Thomson returning after illness, while  captain Jack Calver, Hayden Turner and Andy Elcock are among the substitutes alongside Andy Watkins and Charlie Willis.

The weather is very warm and sunny, with a stiff breeze.

Before kick-off, Chairman Deryk Heywood presents awards for club appearances to Josh Otto (100) and Max Hill (50), and to Hayden Turner for reaching 50 goals.

The key points of the match

Mousehole are playing towards the Cricket Club End

3 minutes: Loud appeals for a Street penalty for hand-ball after a left-sided free kick is floated into a crowded area – waved away by Referee Darren Gay

5 minutes:  Seagulls’ new boy Moussa Diallo has two shots blocked from 20 yards, and the third is pushed out well by keeper Alex Rutter

8 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The hosts are awarded a free kick in a great position 20 yards out and central, which MOUSSA DIALLO drives unstoppably into the top corner for a spectacular start to his Trungle Parc career.

11 minutes:  Close for Mousehole as Reece Thomson side-foots Callam Mconie’s low cross against Rutter from six yards and Tallan Mitchell picks up the loose ball to send a cross-shot just past the far angle

28 minutes:  Mark Richards makes a timely clearance right in front of goal as a casual pass out from the back gives the advantage back to Street 

29 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  It’s 2-0 as a powerful run takes CALLAM MCONIE past three defenders and into the box, where his shot – unusually with his right foot – arrows inside the near post.  

31 minutes.  Facing a retreating defence, Moussa Diallo swerves inside then outside, with his shot hitting the side netting

34 minutes:  At the other end, Kyle Strange has a sight of goal as he advances on the right, but slides his left-foot shot wide of the far post 

39 minutes:  Centre back Oliver Pearson makes an amazing clearance, putting Paulo Sousa’s cross over his own crossbar from in front of goal with Callam Mconie looking certain to score

41 minutes:  Back come Street, with full-back John Champion’ cross-shot from the right just missing Harry Foster in a promising position

42 minutes:  Jack Symons is playing as an attacking midfielder and enjoying the space – his positive run ends with a 25-yard shot that clears the bar

45+4 minutes: Tallan Mitchell’s low free kick from the edge of the ‘D’ is well held by the diving Rutter

45+5 minutes:  At half-time it’s Mousehole 2-0 Street, with the much-changed home side largely on the offensive, but the visitors by no means out of it

The second half

51 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  After the hosts keep patient possession just outside the Street area, JACK SYMONS creates enough space to fire an accurate 18-yard right-foot shot into the top corner of Rutter’s net.  A well-worked goal, deservedly celebrated.  Now 3-0.

58 minutes:  Callam Mconie’s angled drive from the right is pushed round the post by the agile Rutter

62 minutes:  A great moment of football, as Moussa Diallo drives inside from the left and his fierce shot is touched athletically over the bar by Rutter

62 minutes:  Mousehole substitutions – Callam Mconie is replaced by Hayden Turner, and Moussa Diallo by Andy Watkins

63 minutes:  Hayden Turner speeds on to Tallan Mitchell’s pass but shoots wide of the far post as Rutter comes out to narrow the angle

65 minutes:  Another exciting moment – Jack Symons weaves his way deep into the box past lunging defenders, keeper Rutter half-blocks the close-range shot and Luke Horsey heads the loose ball off the line

71 minutes:  Hayden Turner is put through by Reece Thomson and shoots straight at the keeper from 18 yards

72 minutes:  GOAL FOR STREET.  Mousehole’s defence is caught off-guard from a left-sided corner and HARRY FOSTER turns the ball into the roof of the net at the near post 

73 minutes:  Mousehole substitutions – Steve Burt is replaced by Andy Elcock, and Reece Thomson by Charlie Willis

78 minutes:  Street come close to another goal – Harry Foster’s low cross from the left skims across the six-yard box, with no other forward quite near enough

81 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Keeper Rutter diverts the ball in a one on-one race with HAYDEN TURNER, but the striker regains possession to score low inside the post

85 minutes:  Rutter is in action again, sprinting out to gather the ball at Andy Watkins’ feet

88 minutes:  Hayden Turner’s left-wing cross is stabbed over at full stretch by Andy Watkins from in front of goal

89 minutes:  Street’s Harry Foster has typified his side’s never-give-up attitude, forcing Ollie Chenoweth into a difficult low save

90+3 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – young Jack Symons has been announced as ‘Mousehole Man of the Match’ and leaves the field to great applause, to be replaced by Jack Calver

90+ 5 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Andy Watkins expertly steals the ball midway through the visitors’ half, sets off on a run and feeds JACK CALVER, who cuts the ball back on to his left foot inside the box and finds the far corner with a low shot

90+6 minutes:  There’s just time to re-start and the whistle goes for a final score of Mousehole 5-1 Street, a welcome and deserved three points for the Seagulls and plenty of positive for the visitors.

Mousehole (with all 5 substitutes used)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Mark Richards (C), Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt (Andy Elcock),Tallan Mitchell, Jack Symons (Jack Calver), Callam Mconie (Hayden Turner), Reece Thomson (Charlie Willis), Moussa Diallo (Andy Watkins)

Match Officials

Darren Gay (Referee) with George Pattison and Max Davies (Referee’s Assistants)

Attendance: 196

Next for Mousehole

(All Western League Premier Division)

This Saturday, 3rd September, 3pm

HOME v Falmouth Town

Saturday 10th September, 3pm

HOME v Torpoint Athletic

Tuesday 13th September, 7.45pm

Away v Saltash United

Saturday 17th September, 3pm HOME v Sherborne Town

Moussa Diallo joins Mousehole AFC

NEW SIGNING ADDS EXTRA DIMENSION TO MOUSEHOLE’S ATTACKING OPTIONS

Mousehole have signed a young and exciting winger – MOUSSA DIALLO – to give fresh impetus to their Western League season.

The 18-year old Frenchman has lived in the UK for the last four years and was on the books of National League North (Step 2) club Farsley Celtic.  He became an Academy graduate for the West Yorkshire club before being released recently.  Since then he has spent trial periods at Premier Division Brentford and Championship club Barnsley.

Coming on as a second-half substitute for Mousehole in last Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Torpoint, Diallo made a good impression with some positive forward play, despite ending up on the losing side. 

Manager Jake Ash is looking forward to seeing more of what his new recruit can offer:  “Moussa has come through an agent of Hamza Kaid, who had a successful spell at Mousehole before kicking on into the pro game.  Looking at his recent history, it’s obvious Moussa has ability, but what has impressed us most is his tenacity and his willingness to do the ugly stuff as well.  That, coupled with his pace and trickery, means he should fit in well with the way we want to play.  I know he’s enjoyed the last week or so with us, and I’m really excited to see what he adds to the group in the coming weeks and months.”

Likewise, Assistant Manager Adam Fletcher added:  “Moussa is incredibly skilful and brave – the sort of player who can do the unexpected and make things happen.”

After an indifferent start to the season, Mousehole have a great opportunity to make up ground in the League with three home games in a row (Street on Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August, 3pm, followed by consecutive Saturdays – Falmouth Town on 3rd September and Torpoint on the 10th).

MOUSEHOLE MISS OUT ON BIG CHANCE OF FA CUP PROGRESS

Torpoint Athletic 3-2 Mousehole

Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round

Saturday 20th August 2022

At The Mill

SUMMARY

After their below-par start to the season, Mousehole had the prospect of a mouth-watering tie in the next Round clearly in sight, but a combination of missed chances and defensive lapses allowed the hard-working hosts to come from behind to win a place in the draw, which subsequently gave them a lucrative home game against Helston Athletic.

PRE-MATCH POINTS

Mousehole return today to the scene of their opening-day 5-1 League win three weeks ago, hoping to repeat that result and reach the highest FA Cup level in the club’s history – with all the excitement, prestige and prize money that go with it – in only their second season in the competition.

Torpoint reached the Preliminary Round with a 1-0 Replay win at local rivals Millbrook after a 1-1 draw at The Mill.  Mousehole also required a Replay, a 1-1 draw at Barnstaple Town followed by a 3-2 extra-time win at Trungle Parc.

The winners of the tie will progress to the First Qualifying Round on Saturday 3rd September, when Step 3 teams enter the competition, including the likes of Truro City and Plymouth Parkway.

In the Western League Premier Division, Torpoint are in 18th place with no wins, one draw and two defeats, including a 3-1 loss at Falmouth Town in midweek.  Mousehole are in 10th, with one win, two draws and one defeat, the latter being a 2-1 reverse at home against Millbrook on Tuesday.

In their previous visit three weeks ago, Mousehole started slowly and might have been two goals down but for a penalty save by Ollie Chenoweth, before finally making the most of their chances with goals from Tallan Mitchell (2), Louis Price (2) and Hayden Turner.

Today, a maximum of seven substitutes can be named, with three used.  If it’s a draw at 90 minutes, the tie goes to a replay at Trungle Parc on Tuesday (23rd). 

Mousehole’s team news is that  Reece Thomson and Mark Goldsworthy are absent, centre-back Max Hill makes his 50th appearance for the club, and new signing Moussa Diallo is on the bench.

The weather is warm but a lot cooler than recently, with the recent rain likely to have benefitted the pitch – so a good FA Cup spectacle is expected.

The attendance looks a bit less than for the League match, which is surprising given the importance of the occasion.

THE KEY MOMENTS OF THE MATCH

3 minutes:  Torpoint have the first attempt on goal, Lewis Pacey shooting way over from outside the box

4 minutes:  The hosts are awarded a disputed throw-in, followed by a free kick in a central position 25 yards out, which is driven too high

5 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE:  Callam Mconie’s diagonal ball from inside his own half enables HAYDEN TURNER to sprint past the two centre backs and plant a header past the advancing keeper and into the empty net.  Torpoint Athletic 0-1 Mousehole.

15 minutes:  Mousehole look to be in control and quite comfortable

16 minutes:  Having said that, Ollie Chenoweth rescues the visitors with a very quick race out of goal to block Callam Thompson who’s clean through

26 minutes:  Ollie Chenoweth repeats the manoeuvre, this time to thwart Owen Haslam

27 minutes:  Steve Burt gets bravely in the way of a Torpoint free kick hammered towards goal from the edge of the ‘D’

28 minutes:  GOAL FOR TORPOINT ATHLETIC:  The hosts have been coming back into the game.  Callam Thompson’s right-wing cross is deflected and DARREN HICKS is unmarked at the far post for a downward header from six yards.  Score 1-1.

36 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  CALLAM MCONIE has some space 30 yards out and drives a rising left-foot shot into the far top corner via the underside of the crossbar – spectacular, and no chance for keeper Jason Peters despite his best efforts.  Score is now 1-2.

Mconie 1-2 vs Torpint in the FA Cup

41 minutes:  A big controversy.  The hosts’ Matt Cotter fells Tallan Mitchell on the halfway line with a late two-footed tackle.  Referee Kevin Hoare has to deal with a loud confrontation between the two management teams, before issuing a yellow card to the Torpoint player.  Fortunately, Mitchell is not badly injured – otherwise that might have been a red-card offence.

45 minutes: Callam Mconie has a presentable left-foot chance inside the area after a penetrating run by Mark Richards, but shoots wildly over

45+3 minutes:  Jared Sims has a great chance eight yards out to put The Seagulls further ahead at just the right time, but he’s hustled off the ball and keeper Peters collects

Half-time (45+5 minutes) – a feisty end to the first period, with the Torpoint staff continuing to argue with the officials and delaying their halftime cup of tea.  It’s 2-1 to Mousehole, but it looks as though Torpoint will be fired up for the second half.

47 minutes:  The home side immediately threaten, with the unmarked Curtis Damerell heading just wide from 12 yards.  That looks like a foretaste of what’s to come.

49 minutes:  Damerell has a shooting half-chance, but Ollie Chenoweth saves comfortably

50 minutes:  Full back Paul Heveran is in lots of space on the right and his low cross is inches away from Darren Hicks’ outstretched boot at the far post.  That’s three dangerous attacks in as many minutes – Mousehole are just about holding on here.

52 minutes:  At last Mousehole get into the Torpoint half with a Hayden Turner run, ending with a shot past the near post from the edge of the box

54 minutes:  Back come Torpoint and Lewis Pacey drives hurriedly over from a promising position

57 minutes:  At the other end, John Heveran makes an important clearance from Jack Calver’s low cross with Andy Watkins ready to pounce on the edge of the six-yard box

60 minutes:  You get the distinct feeling Mousehole need another goal, as Torpoint have a strong foothold in what has become a scrappy match

65 minutes:  GOAL FOR TORPOINT ATHLETIC.  Two minutes have elapsed since the Referee awarded the home side a free kick right on the 18-yard line, when the foul looked to be inside the box.  Amid fierce protests from the Torpoint players the Referee consults his nearby Assistant, but sticks to his decision.  He then marks out the ten paces for the Mousehole defensive wall, whereupon a Torpoint player repeats the distance with bigger strides, demanding the Referee move the wall back a few feet.  JOHN HEVERAN then drives the ball into a huge gap into the corner of the net for an equaliser that’s been coming since the interval.

66 minutes:  Two Mousehole substitutes – Andy Watkins replaced by Moussa Diallo, and Jared Sims by Andy Elcock

68 minutes:  Torpoint have the momentum. Paul Heveran drives straight at Ollie Chenoweth from 20 yards.

71 minutes:  Lewis Pacey fires high and wide from 18 yards as Torpoint press forward

75 minutes:  Paul Heveran opts for a cross-shot which goes wide of the far post with a couple of team-mates well placed in the middle

76 minutes:  Torpoint are well on top.  What a transformation in the balance of play.  A free kick into Mousehole’s penalty area is headed out for a corner.

77 minutes:  GOAL FOR TORPOINT ATHLETIC.  The corner is swung in from the right and CURTIS DAMERELL places an unchallenged header into the far corner of the net – the third such goal Mousehole have conceded in recent matches.  Torpoint 3-2 Mousehole.

79 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Steve Burt is replaced by Louis Price

80 minutes:  Very little has been seen of Mousehole’s forward play for a long time, but Moussa Diallo shows speed and trickery on the left to create space for a goal-bound right-foot shot which keeper Peters palms out at full stretch

88 minutes:  Mousehole have the clearest chance of the match as Hayden Turner crosses from the left and the unmarked Louis Price heads over from six yards out

90 minutes:  Moussa Diallo has injected some variety into Mousehole’s play but shoots hastily high and wide after a good run

90+2 minutes:  Torpoint have been defending resolutely in these final stages and are doing everything they can to run the clock down.  With Mousehole on the attack, the home bench roll a spare ball on to the pitch to try to get the game stopped.  Moussa Diallo boots the extra ball into the stand – it’s lucky that didn’t hit any of the spectators.

90+3 minutes:  Callam Mconie gets the ball on to his favoured left-foot on the edge of the box but scuffs his shot straight at the keeper.

Full-time (90+6 minutes):  It ends in a 3-2 win for Torpoint, who have seized the initiative, nullified Mousehole’s style of play and dominated most of the second half.  For The Seagulls, a disappointing and somewhat unexpected result, with plenty to contemplate and act upon after that performance.

Mousehole now have the opportunity to revive their season with three League games in a row at Home (see below) , including another encounter with today’s victors Torpoint Athletic in three weeks’ time.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Mark Richards, Max Hill, Jack Calver (C), Jared Sims (Andy Elcock), Steve Burt (Louis Price), Tallan Mitchell, Callam Mconie, Andy Watkins (Moussa Diallo), Hayden Turner.

Other substitutes:  Lewis Moyle (GK), Jamie Devine, Paulo Sousa, Charlie Willis

MATCH OFFICIALS

Kevin Hoare (Referee) with Bryan Holden and Matthew Petherbridge (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  136

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE (all Western League premier Division fixtures)

Next Saturday (27th August):

The Away fixture at Millbrook has been POSTPONED by the Western League

(new date not yet arranged)

Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August, 3pm:

HOME v Street

Saturday 3rd September, 3pm:

HOME v Falmouth Town

(re-arranged League fixture brought forward from Tuesday 20th September)

Saturday 10th September, 3pm: HOME v Torpoint Athletic

MOUSEHOLE TASTE DEFEAT FOR FIRST TIME THIS SEASON

Mousehole 1-2 Millbrook

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Tuesday 16th August 2022

At Trungle Parc

SUMMARY

A high-energy display by both sides kept the crowd well entertained in a game that could have gone either way, but the visitors rebuffed Mousehole’s attacking instincts with good defensive organisation and made the most of their few chances

PRE-MATCH POINTS

It’s West versus East as another two Cornwall sides meet for the first of two League matches in ten days.  They play each other again at Jenkins Park on Saturday week, and it could have been three in a row had Millbrook not been knocked out by Torpoint Athletic in last week’s FA Cup replay.

With six Cornwall sides in this season’s WLP, Mousehole have already won at Torpoint Athletic on the opening day (5-1) and drawn at home (1-1) against Saltash United.  And this Saturday they travel again to Torpoint for a Preliminary Round FA Cup tie looking for the win that would take them through to their highest-ever tie in just their second year in the competition.

In the League, Millbrook lost their opening game 1-0 at promoted Sherborne Town, but have since recorded home wins against also-promoted Falmouth Town (3-1) and against Bitton (2-0).

Mousehole are unbeaten in all five matches played this season, with a win and two draws in the League together with a draw and a replay win in the FA Cup against Barnstaple Town.  Last Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Ashton & Backwell United was played in sweltering heat, but today it’s much cooler and there’s also some welcome rain.

The hosts have captain Jack Calver back for his first appearance of the campaign after a pre-season injury, and Hayden Turner returns after a three-match absence, but striker Mark Goldsworthy has not yet recovered from a long-term injury.

THE KEY MOMENTS OF THE GAME

Mousehole are kicking towards the Cricket Club End

6 minutes:  The first attempt on goal – Jack Calver fires high and wide from 25 yards

8 minutes:  Paulo Sousa puts in a low cross from the left and keeper Chris Wearing is down quickly at his near post to push the ball out

9 minutes;  Tallan Mitchell’s through ball splits the visitors’ defence but it’s just a bit too strong for Hayden Turner to collect

10 minutes:  GOAL FOR MILLBROOK.  The visitors go ahead with a very simple goal.  TYLOR LOVE-HOLMES is unchallenged as he directs his header from a left-sided corner kick inside the far post. 

17 minutes:  Reece Thomson drives an 18-yard shot towards the near post which is deflected off a Millbrook defender for a corner kick

21 minutes:  Mousehole are coming back looking for an equaliser.  This time Jack Calver’s long diagonal ball is chested by Louis Price into the path of Andy Elcock coming into the penalty area at speed but it spurts out for a goal kick

24 minutes:  A clear missed chance for Mousehole and a controversial incident.  With the hosts on the attack, Referee Eva waves play on after a big accidental collision on the right between Louis Price and Millbrook’s Caleb Summerfield, leaving Josh Otto to race forward and roll the ball across towards the far post where Paulo Sousa stabs wide from six yards with just the keeper to beat.  Play is then stopped for a couple of minutes for treatment to the injured players.  Had that goal gone in, the visitors might not have been too pleased.

30 minutes: Both sides are guilty of misplaced passes as the game continues at a fast pace on an increasingly slippery surface.

40 minutes:  Ollie Chenoweth makes an important save, cutting out at full stretch Sean Thomson’s danger-laden low cross from the left byeline

45+3 minutes:  At half time it’s Mousehole 0-1 Millbrook. 

The second half:

50 minutes:  Reece Thomson turns on the 18-yard line and shoots over the bar

54 minutes:  Millbrook press the home defence and a lobbed attempt from 30 yards goes wide with Ollie Chenoweth out of position

57 minutes:  The visitors continue to threaten on the break.  They create confusion at the back, Ollie Chenoweth coming to the rescue by pushing aside a goalbound shot

59 minutes:  The same thing happens again, this time Tylor Love-Holmes’ low 30-yard drive skids off the wet surface and Ollie Chenoweth dives to touch it out for a corner

60 minutes:  The corner comes in towards the near post and Jake Foster heads it wide under pressure

60 minutes:  Two Mousehole substitutes – Louis Price is replaced by Callam Mconie, and Reece Thomson by Andy Watkins

63 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell’s cross from the right is well defended at the near post at the expense of a corner

64 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Tallan Mitchell’s low flag kick poses no danger as it hits the first defender, but the ball spins out to JACK CALVER lurking 20 yards out and his trademark left-footer is in the net before anyone can react.  Mousehole 1-1 Millbrook.  This sets up an interesting last 25 minutes.

68 minutes:  A huge chance for Mousehole to take the lead –  Andy Elcock slides an astute pass through to Hayden Turner who’s just got the keeper in front of him but he side-foots past the post

72 minutes:  Hayden Turner sprints to the byeline and his low cross is scrambled away just past the near post

78 minutes:  Millbrook are under pressure and conceding free kicks in their own half.  Hayden Turner swerves in a low one, keeper Wearing spills it but then dives on the loose ball as a goal looked likely.  The keeper is injured and play is stopped for over two minutes.

81 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Jack Calver is replaced by Jared Sims

82 minutes:  GOAL FOR MILLBROOK.  The visitors’ pressing pays off, as SEAN THOMSON intercepts Paulo Sousa’s sideways pass midway through the Mousehole half and skilfully chips the ball past Ollie Chenoweth.  Another very simple goal from an unforced error, but expertly executed.  Mousehole 1-2 Millbrook.

85 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Paulo Sousa is replaced by Josh Magin

86 minutes:  Millbrook are determined to hang on to their lead with ‘game management’ tactics.  A series of very slowly taken throw ins and goal kicks cause the Referee to pointedly hold up his stopwatch.

90 minutes:  There’s a fracas in the visitors’ penalty box as a clearance is thumped away and players go tumbling

90+5 minutes:  Frantic defending in front of the Solomon Browne Stand as the ball is hacked off the line

90+6 minutes; Tallan Mitchell drives a half-chance on the right against the outside of the stanchion.

90+8 minutes:  Referee Eva has added ample time for everything that’s gone before, but Mousehole can’t make it count and as the final whistle blows it ends in The Seagulls first defeat of the season, with a couple of defensive lapses and a handful of missed chances.  Mousehole 1-2 Millbrook.  Mousehole drop down to 9th in the early League table, and Millbrook go up to 4th.  In ten days’ time they meet again!

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Mark Richards, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa (Josh Magin), Tallan Mitchell, Andy Elcock, Reece Thomson (Andy Watkins), Jack Calver (C) (Jared Sims), Louis Price (Callam Mconie), Hayden Turner.  Other substitute:  Jamie Devine.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Matt Eva (Referee) with Neil Rudkin and Dave Rowe (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 195

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

This Saturday, 20th August

Away at Torpoint Athletic

The Mill, PL11 2RE

Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round

Kick off 3pm

(Replay, if needed, next Tuesday 23rd August at Trungle Parc, 7.45pm)

Saturday 27th August

Away at Millbrook

Jenkins Park, PL10 1EN

Western League Premier Division

Kick off 3pm

Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August

HOME v Street

Western League Premier Division,

Kick off 3pm

A GOAL-LESS DRAW IN GREENHOUSE-TYPE CONDITIONS AS MOUSEHOLE EXTEND UNBEATEN RUN

Ashton & Backwell United 0-0 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 13th August 2022

At The Lancer Scott Stadium

SUMMARY                                    

Mousehole survived 100 minutes of extreme heat and the spirited opposition to finish the game strongly, without quite doing enough to claim the three points, but the draw is an improvement on last season’s result here and means The Seagulls have yet to lose after five matches in this new campaign

PRE-MATCH POINTS

Mousehole travel to south-west Bristol today looking for the result that will prevent Ashton & Backwell United being seen as a “bogey team”.

Both clubs were promoted to the Premier Division a year ago, with Ashton & Backwell spending almost all of the season in the bottom two of the Division, while Mousehole gradually established themselves in the top three.  However, the hard-working Somerset team beat Mousehole 1-0 at home and drew 2-2 at Trungle Parc.

In the final analysis, the four points gained went a long way to helping The Stags escape relegation, while the five points lost dented The Seagulls’ promotion hopes.

The hosts have had mixed fortunes so far this season, losing twice in the League: 2-1 at home to Buckland Athletic on the opening day, then 2-0 at Shepton Mallet – before a 3-2 win at Clevedon Town a couple of days ago.  In between, they lost at home to Southern League Aylesbury United in the FA Cup.

Mousehole are unbeaten in four games: a 5-1 winning start at Torpoint Athletic and a 1-1 draw at home against Saltash United, followed by an away 1-1 draw in the FA Cup at Barnstaple Town and a 3-2 Replay win after extra time this week.

The Seagulls are without captain Jack Calver, injured in the final pre-season fixture, 50-goal Hayden Turner, and striker Mark Goldsworthy, but the 16-name team sheet shows the club’s strength in depth, especially with the opportunity to field five substitutes during what promises to be a very hot afternoon.

Before kick-off the temperature is a greenhouse-matching 33C on the pitch, there’s no breeze, and the surface is, as expected, parched and dry.

 

THE KEY MOMENTS OF THE MATCH

5 minutes:  Ashton & Backwell make a lively start to the match.  Max Hill is in the right place to divert a low cross at the near post for a corner.

6 minutes:  A home corner whistles past everyone in the six yard box

8 minutes:  Mousehole attack on the break.  Steve Burt intercepts in midfield, drives forward and releases Calum Ferguson with a shooting chance, but he miscues

10 minutes:  Mousehole again – this time from Callam Mconie’s reverse pass Andy Watkins fires first time over the bar   

11 minutes:  The hosts’ Tom Anthony aims for goal from a 20-yard free kick and keeper Ollie Chenoweth makes a comfortable-looking save

12 minutes:  Ollie Chenoweth this time makes an important save ahead of the onrushing Miles Hardidge

16 minutes:  Winger Joe Bishop skips past several opponents just outside the penalty area and his angled low cross-shot goes past the far post and inches away from Hardidge’s boot.

19 minutes:  Mark Richards is ideally positioned in the heart of the Mousehole defence to clear away a dangerous cross in front of goal

20 minutes:  The home side are playing with a lot of eagerness.  Mark Richards has to do the same as a minute or so ago.

28 minutes:  From another corner, central defender Reece Hedges leaps high and heads wide of the near post.

30 minutes:  In searing heat, Ashton & Backwell are playing positively and pressing Mousehole energetically  at every opportunity

32 minutes:  Mousehole get a rare sight of goal as Calum Ferguson’s quick turn from a throw-in causes the ball to be scrambled away inside the six yard box

39 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – the injured Andy Elcock is replaced by Reece Thomson

42 minutes:  The first real near-miss for the visitors, as Tallan Mitchell puts Paulo Sousa in space on the left and his cross floats inches past the far post with keeper Coombes a hopeful onlooker

45 minutes:  Andy Watkins and Calum Ferguson fashion a half-chance which is deflected away from Callam Mconie for a corner

45+2:  Reece Hedges is up for a corner for the home side and his downward header is cleared in front of goal

At half-time it’s 0-0, with both sides showing good defensive qualities and Mousehole probably the more relieved to be on equal terms despite coming back into the game in the later stages

The second half

47 minutes:  Close for Mousehole but great goalkeeping:  Tallan Mitchell’s cross is headed goalwards by Reece Thomson and Lewis Coombes tips it over the bar at full stretch.

58 minutes:  The Seagulls put together a good move across the pitch, ending with a Tallan Mitchell shot but an offside decision against Callam Mconie at the far post

61 minutes:  Mousehole have been playing better since the interval, and this is a wonderful chance to take the lead.  Andy Watkins draws the defence out of position and squares the ball past the keeper but Calum Ferguson can’t convert in front of an open goal. 

62 minutes:  Mousehole substitutes – Callam Mconie is replaced by Louis Price, and Calum Ferguson by Josh Magin

63 minutes:  Ashton’s first threat of the second half – winger Joe Cattermole makes a surging run on the right and his shot is deflected for a corner

66 minutes:  The move is repeated

70 minutes:  Reece Thomson creates space for a shot from 18 yards but it’s straight at the keeper

75 minutes:  Max Hill comes up for a Tallan Mitchell corner and rises highest for a header which bounces past the post

80 minutes;  Mousehole substitute – Andy Watkins is replaced by Jared Sims

85 minutes:  The Seagulls look to be more in control with better possession than previously but the home defence is resolute

90 minutes:  Louis Price puts in a low cross with no-one there to apply the finishing touch

90+7 minutes:  At full time it ends 0-0, with Ashton & Backwell celebrating as if they’ve won the match!  So, a goal drought to match the un-natural conditions, with but all credit to the players of both sides for their efforts – with the hosts possibly more satisfied than the visitors with the performance and result.   

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Mark Richards (C), Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Andy Elcock (Reece Thomson), Calum Ferguson (Josh Magin), Callam Mconie (Louis Price), Andy Watkins (Jared Sims).  Other substitute: Jamie Devine

MATCH OFFICIALS

Michael Halford (Referee) with Jonathan Cooper and Andie Lambourne (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 91

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

This Tuesday, 16th August, 7.45pm

HOME v Millbrook, Western League Premier Division

Saturday 20th August, 3pm

Away at Torpoint Athletic, Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round

Saturday 27th August, 3pm

Away at Millbrook, WLP

Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August, 3pm

HOME v Street, WLP

TWO HOURS OF EXCITEMENT AND DRAMA AS MOUSEHOLE EDGE FA CUP REPLAY

Mousehole 3-2 Barnstaple Town

(after extra time: score at 90 minutes 2-2)

Emirates FA Cup Extra-Preliminary Round Replay

Tuesday 9th August 2022

At Trungle Parc

Summary

The “magic of the FA Cup” drew a large summers-evening crowd to Trungle Parc, with Mousehole’s late winner finally overcoming the challenge of Barnstaple Town in an enthralling end-to-end game with a real Cup-tie flavour

Pre-match points

The two teams fought out a 1-1 draw on Saturday in a match that could have been decided either way.  This evening’s replay promises to be another close encounter. 

There has to be a winner tonight – if necessary, via extra time and penalties.  The winners will be away in the next Round on Saturday 20th August to either Millbrook or Torpoint Athletic, who also replay tonight after a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

This is Mousehole’s second season in the FA Cup, whereas Barnstaple are in their 74th.  Mousehole beat Helston Athletic this time last year before losing in the next Round to Plymouth Parkway.  It’s been 18 years since Barnstaple last had a good Cup run – to the Second Qualifying Round. 

Having never played each other in their previous histories, the two teams will have faced each other four times in under three months this season, with Home and Away League fixtures scheduled for October.

The Seagulls make several changes from Saturday’s line-up, with Ollie Chenoweth, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt and Callam Mconie returning, and Callum Mulholland making a first start.

Barnstaple rely again on a combination of youth and experience, including the former Helston trio of Ryan Turner, Billy Tucker and Stuart Bowker.

Some important milestones are announced before the start – Hayden Turner having notched 50 goals, Jamie Devine reaching 150 appearances, and Josh Otto about to make his 100th appearance this evening.

The key moments of the match

Mousehole are kicking towards the Cricket Club End.

5 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Josh Otto feeds Callum Mulholland with an accurate pass down the right-hand side, the Scot touches an inside pass into the box for Callam Mconie who’s tripped as he advances on goal.  TALLAN MITCHELL – who scored the equaliser from the spot on Saturday – this time fires to the other side with just enough power to get past keeper Liam Kingston’s outstretched hand.  1-0 to the hosts.

8 minutes:  At the other end Ollie Chenoweth comes out exceptionally quickly to gather a short back pass at the feet of Stuart Bowker

9 minutes:  Big shouts for a penalty as Callum Mulholland is pushed off a through ball inside the visitors’ box – Referee Green doesn’t agree

19 minutes:  Callam Mconie makes a quick break on the right and sends in a dangerous looking cross which is safely anticipated by keeper Kingston

23 minutes:  Mousehole’s turn to defend as a lofted free kick is headed on to Stuart Bowker in front of goal but he’s prevented from turning to shoot

29 minutes:  Callum Mulholland makes an exciting run from the halfway line and his 18-yard shot is bravely blocked

32 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Callam Mconie’s low shot from the edge of the area is pushed out at full stretch by Kingston to his left, Josh Otto speeds on to the loose ball and passes inside for ANDY WATKINS to anticipate the chance and prod the ball over the line from close in.  Mousehole 2-0 Barnstaple.

39 minutes:  GOAL FOR BARNSTAPLE.  Ollie Chenoweth races out of goal to get to a loose ball near the corner flag and is flattened in a collision with Stuart Bowker.  The referee awards a disputed throw-in to the visitors, which Billy Tucker delivers long into the crowded box and MATT ANDREW drives home the loose ball from the 18-yard line. Score now 2-1.

45 minutes:  Confusion and controversy!  Mousehole are on the attack, the ball goes out of play and it’s not clear whether the officials have given a corner or a goal kick.  Mousehole take a quick corner as Barnstaple are out of position expecting a goal kick, the ball goes into the net and the Referee then awards a goal kick amid big protests by the hosts.

45+2 minutes:  At half-time it’s 2-1 to Mousehole, who have generally been on top and created the better openings – but there’s only one goal in it, after that bizarre incident at the end of the half.

The second half

51 minutes:  Ollie Chenoweth is well positioned to save Billy Tucker’s 18-yard volley

54 minutes:  A huge chance goes begging as Tallan Mitchell is found unmarked with a clear sight of goal but drives into the side netting from 8 yards

61 minutes:  Now Barnstaple’s turn:  Stuart Bowker makes a break on the right and Billy Tucker volleys the pass wide from the edge of the box

62 minutes:  Callum Mulholland puts Andy Watkins into space on the left and his cross is just too high for Callam Mconie at the far post

66 minutes:  GOAL FOR BARNSTAPLE TOWN:  The visitors have been looking more threatening than in the first half and they equalise with a superb rising drive by CALLAM LAIRD from just outside the area into the far top corner past Ollie Chenoweth’s full-length dive.  Now 2-2, a good comeback.

67 minutes:  Two Mousehole substitutes – Andy Elcock on for Jared Sims, and Louis price on for Callam Mconie

70 minutes:  Barnstaple close to taking the lead – Paulo Sousa expertly diverts the ball away inside the six yard box as a fast-paced break exposes the hosts’ rearguard

71 minutes:  A similar thing happens at the other end – this time Callam Deemer rescues his side

74 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Reece Thomson is on for Andy Watkins

77 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell misses the angle of post and bar by inches with a half-volley from the edge of the box

The last ten minutes – the way the game’s going, either side can win this within normal time

82 minutes:  Yet another attempt on goal by Tallan Mitchell – this time he skims the top of the crossbar with a shot from 18 yards

86 minutes:  Mousehole pile on the pressure: two corners and a free kick come to nothing

90 minutes:  So close for Barnstaple!  A corner comes across and central defender Brodie Montague heads the chance marginally wide.

90+2 minutes:  So close for Mousehole!  Callum Mulholland darts through on the left and lays the ball back into the six yard box but it eludes Reece Thomson steaming in from the right hand side

90+6 minutes:  At full time it’s 2-2.  Time for everyone to catch their breath – including the spectators!

The first period of extra time

Mousehole start towards the Solomon Browne Stand.

93 minutes:  From a Barnstaple corner, Ollie Chenoweth makes an alert reaction save from a goal-bound header

94 minutes:  Barnstaple again, as Ryan Turner hits the outside of the near post with a low shot

97 minutes:  Mousehole make their permitted additional substitute in extra time – Jack Symons is on for Callum Mulholland

99 minutes:  Barnstaple are having a good spell – another corner comes in and it’s scrambled away in front of the line

102 minutes:  Another incident – Billy Tucker’s quick throw puts Stuart Bowker in the clear to the right of goal, he goes down heavily inside the area but Referee Green rejects loud claims for a penalty

103 minutes:  Callam Laird tries a longer-range repeat of his earlier goal-scoring drive – this time it’s fierce enough to bounce of Ollie Chenoweth’s chest at the near post before the keeper collects it

104 minutes:  Mousehole threaten for the first time in extra time, as Louis Price forces Liam Kingston into a low save at the near post

105+2 minutes:  It’s half-time in extra time, with Barnstaple having the better of the first period, but it’s still 2-2 and there to be won

Second period of extra time

106 minutes:  Jack Symons plays a great forward pass to put Tallan Mitchell through centrally with just the keeper to beat, only to place his shot wide from 15 yards

110 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  REECE THOMSON is first on to a loose ball to lash the ball into the roof of the net from six yards after the visitors’ defence blocks two shots in quick succession inside the box.

Mousehole 3-2 Barnstaple Town.  Ten minutes to go: can Barnstaple retrieve the situation and take the tie to a penalty shoot-out?

116 minutes:  There’s increasing space inside the Barnstaple half – Jack Symons has a shooting chance, with Kingston making the save

117 minutes:  An even better chance to settle the tie but Tallan Mitchell drives the ball just wide of the far post

118 minutes:  Closer still!  Reece Thomson makes a positive run forward against a retreating defence and his shot comes back off the base of the far post before being cleared

119 minutes:  Josh Otto – just announced as ‘Mousehole Man of the Match’ – successfully marshalls Stuart Bowker away from danger

120 minutes:  Barnstaple mount perhaps one last attack, the Mousehole defence stands firm, and that’s the final whistle.

Result:  Mousehole 3-2 Barnstaple Town.  That was quite a match – great value for the spectators, uncertainty right up to the end, massive credit to the players of both sides, and a superb advert for football at this level.  In the next Round, Mousehole travel to Torpoint Athletic, who won their Replay 1-0 at Millbrook this evening.

Mousehole (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Mark Richards, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Jared Sims (Andy Elcock), Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Callam Mconie (Louis Price), Callum Mulholland (Jack Symons), Andy Watkins (Reece Thomson).  Other substitutes:  Lewis Moyle (GK), Kyle Fraser, Jamie Devine.

Officials 

Jonothan Green (Referee), with Sam Doble and Liam Bray (Assistants)

Attendance:  312

Next for Mousehole

This Saturday, 13th August, 3pm

Away at Ashton & Backwell United,

Western League Premier Division

Next Tuesday, 16th August, 7.45pm

HOME v Millbrook, WLP

Saturday 20th August, 3pm

Away at Torpoint Athletic FA Cup Preliminary Round

SEAGULLS EARN FA CUP REPLAY WITH VALUABLE DRAW AT BARNSTAPLE

Barnstaple Town 1-1 Mousehole

Emirates FA Cup Extra-Preliminary Round

Saturday 6th August 2022

At Mill Road

Replay at Trungle Parc: 

Tuesday 9th August, 7.45pm

SUMMARY

Mousehole travelled to North Devon for a potentially difficult FA Cup tie and with a depleted squad fought out a creditable draw to take the tie to a replay and keep alive their interest in the Cup

PRE-MATCH POINTS

The 151st FA Cup gets underway today with the Extra-Preliminary Round between two strong Step 5 Western League Premier Division clubs, as North Devon hosts West Cornwall.

Barnstaple were relegated from the Southern League at the end of last season, while Mousehole are playing only their second season at this level.

Last season, Mousehole had a glorious start to their historic first-ever Emirates FA Cup campaign, defeating local rivals Helston Athletic 3-1 in front of their largest crowd in living memory, before going out in the next Round at home to higher League Plymouth Parkway.

Today, Mousehole are without eight of their first team squad through injury or unavailability.  Experienced summer signing Andy Watkins makes his first start of the season and another recent arrival 18-year old ex-Argyle keeper Lewis Moyle steps up for his debut.

A maximum of seven substitutes can be named, and three used.  Mousehole’s bench includes four members of their Development Team, as well as recently-signed Scottish forward Callum Mulholland-Ferguson.

If today’s score is level at the end of the 90 minutes, the replay is scheduled for Trungle Parc this Tuesday, 9th August, kick off 7.45, the outcome of the tie to be decided if necessary by extra time and a penalty shoot-out.  

A replay would displace the scheduled home League fixture against Falmouth Town.

In the League, Mousehole have so far won one away (5-1 at Torpoint Athletic) and drawn one at home (1-1 v Saltash United), while today’s hosts Barnstaple Town have won one at home (5-0 v Bitton), and lost one away (2-1 at Bridgwater United).

The weather is very warm with a welcome breeze, the pitch surface is dry and somewhat bumpy.

Mousehole are in their all-dark blue kit.

THE KEY MOMENTS OF THE GAME

3 minutes:  Ex-Helston striker Stuart Bowker creates space on his left foot 20 yards out but his shot rises well over the bar

4 minutes: Tallan Mitchell swerves a corner into a crowded six-yard box and home keeper Liam Kingston does well to clear the danger

10 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell forces his way into the Barnstaple penalty area and goes down under a challenge, but Referee Mark Hickson waves away the appeals

11 minutes:  GOAL FOR BARNSTAPLE TOWN.  Stuart Bowker sets up TOR SWANN for a chance just inside the area and his bouncing shot deceives keeper Lewis Moyle to nestle in the corner of the net

22 minutes:  Andy Watkins’ low cross results in a frantic clearance in front of the home goal

23 minutes:  The Seagulls are again on the attack, with Andy Watkins bursting forward, beating his marker and driving too close to keeper Kingston

25 minutes:  Mousehole hit the bar as Andy Watkins again does some shrewd work on the left, with Reece Thomson, a defender and keeper all converging on the cross at the near post.

27 minutes:  Reece Thomson has recovered after two minutes of injury treatment and catches the home rearguard out as he’s waved back on to the pitch – Tallan Mitchell has a clear chance as the defence is wide open but shoots wide of the far post

29 minutes: Mousehole keeper Lewis Moyle makes an important save, punching out Stuart Bowker’s angled header

30 minutes:  Half an hour gone and Mousehole are starting to ‘click’.  Louis Price threatens on the left and keeper Kingston is forced into a full-length save to turn the shot round the post

33 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Andy Watkins’ intelligent run puts him in the clear

Inside the box where he’s fouled twice by centre-back Brodie Montague for a very likely-looking penalty. There’s a delay of two minutes while Referee and Assistant have a discussion, and the offending player gets a lecture and a yellow card.  TALLAN MITCHELL then drives home the spot kick to level the score.

40 minutes:  Barnstaple break forward at speed twice in quick succession but have not made the most of their advantage

43 minutes:  Reece Thomson’s skilful change of direction and a well-judged through ball releases Andy Watkins for a run and shot towards the near top corner which keeper Kingston palms out for a corner

45 minutes:  Kingston is in action again, well-positioned to gather Reece Thomson’s reaction header inside the six yard box

45+3 minutes:   At half-time it’s 1-1, with Mousehole playing better in the later stages after a slow start.

The second half

47 minutes:  Lewis Moyle makes a confidence-boosting save at the foot of his near post from a driven angled shot as Barnstaple make a quick start to the half

52 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell collects a diagonal pass on the left, brings the ball inside and misses the near post with a right-foot shot from 18 yards

59 minutes:  Barnstaple get the ball into the net after a free kick into the visitors’ area, but it’s disallowed for offside

61 minutes:  A double save by Kingston stops Mousehole taking the lead – Josh Otto and Josh Magin combining well on the right to set up Reece Thomson for a fierce shot, and Tallan Mitchell firing the loose ball back towards goal

65 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Andy Watkins is replaced by recent signing Callum Mulholland

67 minutes:  A vital save by Lewis Moyle with a full-stretch clearance from a dangerous loose ball in front of goal

69 minutes:  Callum Mulholland uses his speed to get past a home defender in the area on the right and looks to be pushed over, but the Referee doesn’t think so

71 minutes:  A half-chance from a Barnstaple cross is miscued by the advancing forward

74 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell’s long corner from the left is met by Reece Thomson’s firm downward header at the far post, and keeper Kingston somehow keeps the ball out on the line

75 minutes:  Mousehole have been looking lively, but Barnstaple’s youngsters are full of energy – this game could go either way.

81 minutes:  Mousehole substitute:  A nasty but accidental clash of heads between Josh Magin and Brodie Montague results in a lengthy stoppage for treatment –   both players are then replaced, Josh Magin by Jack Symons

82 minutes:  Barnstaple’s outstanding young full back Callum Deemer sets off on a positive 50-yard forward run and blasts the ball goalwards from inside the box, but Lewis Moyle does equally well to keep it out with a flying save and strong hands – wonderful football by the two youngsters

83 minutes:  Lewis Moyle punches out a near post corner under severe pressure

90 minutes:  The Seagulls’ young keeper shows safe handling on the line to hold on to a downward header that looked as though it was going in

90+5 minutes:  Score 1-1.  The final whistle brings to an end a full-blooded Cup tie with much to admire, both sides coming close to snatching the win in the second period

The replay is at Trungle Parc this Tuesday, 9th August, 7.45pm.  

The winners of the replay will be away in the Emirates FA cup Preliminary Round on Saturday 20th August against either Torpoint Athletic or Millbrook, who also drew 1-1 on Saturday.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Lewis Moyle (Gk), Josh Otto, Mark Richards (captain), Max Hill, Tallan Mitchell, Reece Thomson, Jared Sims, Andy Elcock, Josh Magin (Jack Symons), Andy Watkins, (Callum Mulholland), Louis Price

Other substitutes:  Jamie Devine, Charlie Willis, Ryan Townson, Piran Jones (Gk), Greg Eastman

MATCH OFFICIALS

Mark Hickson (Referee) with Scott Hill & Robert Creron (Assistants)

ATTENDANCE: 143

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

This Tuesday, 9th August:

Home v Barnstaple Town, 7.45pm, 

Emirates FA Cup Extra-Preliminary Round replay

Saturday 13th August:

Away at Ashton & Backwell United, 3pm,

Western League Premier Division 

Tuesday 16th August

Home v Millbrook, 7.45pm, WLP

MOUSEHOLE AND SALTASH IN HIGH-INTENSITY DRAW

Mousehole 1-1 Saltash United

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Tuesday 2nd August 2022

At Trungle Parc

Summary

The two top-performing Cornwall teams in last season’s Western League came head-to-head in a competitive end-to-end encounter, both having won their opening games of the new campaign and each coming close to grabbing all three points in front of a large and well-entertained crowd.

Pre-match points

The Seagulls started off with a 5-1 win at newly promoted Torpoint Athletic on Saturday, while The Ashes, under new management this season, recorded a 2-1 home win against Clevedon Town.

This evening, Mousehole are missing captain Jack Calver, Mark Goldsworthy and Callam Mconie through injury, while new signing Andy Watkins is unavailable.  Josh Magin returns to the squad, and the other major summer arrival Reece Thomson makes a home debut against his former club.

The visitors have the experienced goal-getter Adam Carter leading their attack.

There’s a lot of green grass on the pitch surface after being well looked after in recent weeks.

The key moments of the match

Mousehole kick off towards the Cricket Club End. 

4 minutes:  The home side are on the front foot, with Louis Price firing wide of the far post after a quickly taken Tallan Mitchell free kick

10 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – the injured Paulo Sousa is replaced by Josh Magin, with Louis Price moving leftwards and the new sub taking up the right wing position

15 minutes:  Callum Merrin has a clear sight of goal from a central position just inside the area but volleys a long way over the bar

19 minutes:  Incisive passing enables Tallan Mitchell to break free on the right and put in a low cross just out of reach of his team-mates

28 minutes:  Saltash’s Mike Smith threatens danger but drives high and wide under pressure

30 minutes:  Josh Magin’s right-sided cross is too strong to enable Louis Price to control his header in the box

31 minutes:  Adam Carter touches an Ashes corner over the bar as he falls backwards

34 minutes:  Captain Mark Richards makes an excellent interception in front of goal to end a dangerous Saltash attack

35 minutes:  Saltash come close again, this time as a header from a corner drops just wide of the post

36 minutes:  Josh Otto’s smart defensive work in the six-yard box stops Mike Smith’s low cross finding a target

37 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Just when an Ashes goal looked imminent, the scoring opens at the other end.  Josh Otto is felled by Jake Miller’s very late tackle as he places a searching pass into the Saltash half.  With the Referee indicating an advantage, HAYDEN TURNER races clear and drives a fierce shot into the top near corner from just inside the area on the right.

40 minutes:  So close!  Keeper Jordon Duffy somehow gets in the way of Hayden Turner’s six-yard shot after being set up by Louis Price’s square pass

41 minutes:  Duffy in vital action again, as Andy Elcock’s chipped pass puts Hayden Turner in on goal

43 minutes:  Hayden Turner looks to have put Josh Magin through on goal but Callum O’Brien’s foul 40 yards out makes sure he doesn’t progress – at the expense of a yellow card

Half time:  Mousehole finish the half on top and with a 1-0 lead, but the play has swung one way then the other, in a fast and physical 45 minutes.

The second half

49 minutes:  Hayden Turner creates a shooting chance for Tallan Mitchell on the edge of the box, with a defender deflecting the goal-bound effort

53 minutes:  An Ashes defender does well to block another powerful Tallan Mitchell drive

57 minutes:  The visitors surge forward and Jake Miller goes to ground in the penalty area – but Referee Green ignores the loud claims for a foul

58 minutes:  Ashes substitute Sam Hughes is through on goal and is denied by a superb block by keeper Ollie Chenoweth

59 minutes:  Mike Smith is the next to threaten for the visitors, shooting wide of the near post on the run

61 minutes:  Saltash continue the momentum, Mark Richards saving his side by bravely diverting a 20-yard shot aimed at the corner of the net

68 minutes:  GOAL FOR SALTASH UNITED.  A prolonged period of pressure by the visitors is rewarded with the simplest of goals, CALLAM O’BRIEN converting a floated corner with a downward header from an unmarked central position six yards out.  Mousehole 1-1 Saltash United.

68 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Reece Thomson is replaced by Jared Sims

71 minutes:  Inside the last 20 minutes and Mousehole get back on the offensive.  Hayden Turner latches on to Louis Price’s through-ball and rounds the keeper but shoots into the side netting from an angle on the left

74 minutes:  The ball is threaded through to Jared Sims in a great position in front of goal, only for keeper Duffy to smother the chance

77 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell drives at goal again, and again a defender blocks the shot

85 minutes:  Mousehole are having a lot of possession, but Saltash are defending in numbers and looking to counter on the break

90 minutes:  The woodwork comes to the visitors’ rescue!  Hayden Turner is face-to-face with advancing keeper Duffy inside the area.  His chip shot beats the keeper but hits the far post and rebounds across the open goal with no attacking player on hand.

Full-time:  It ends 1-1 after an ebb-and-flow game in which either side might have capitalised more on their good periods.

Mousehole (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Mark Richards, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa (Josh Magin), Tallan Mitchell, Steve Burt, Andy Elcock, Reece Thomson (Jared Sims), Louis Price, Hayden Turner.   Other substitutes:  Jamie Devine, Jack Symons, Kyle Fraser

Match officials

Jonothan Green (Referee) with Neil Rudkin & Ken Swift (Assistants)

Attendance: 212

Next for Mousehole

This Saturday, 6th August, 3pm: 

Away at Barnstaple Town (Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round)

Tuesday 9th August – three possibilities:

  • 7.45pm HOME v Falmouth Town, Western League Premier Division; or
  • 7.45pm HOME v Barnstaple Town, if FA Cup Replay needed; or
  • No game if Mousehole win or lose at Barnstaple, and Falmouth are involved in an FA Cup replay

Saturday 13th August, 3pm:

Away at Ashton & Backwell United (WLP)

Tuesday 16th August, 7.45pm:

HOME v Millbrook (WLP)

Goals and Reaction | Saltash 2nd August 2022

SEAGULLS GET NEW SEASON OFF TO A FLYING START WITH BIG AWAY WIN

Torpoint Athletic 1-5 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 30th July 2022

At The Mill

Summary

Mousehole came from behind after an indifferent opening, and after a couple of game-changing moments dominated the remainder of this east versus west Cornwall ‘derby’, much to the delight of their large away following

Pre-match points

This is an eagerly anticipated first match of the new season.  The hosts won promotion to Step 5 as South West Peninsula League Champions having notched up 100 points and 150 goals, while conceding just 32, as well as winning the SWP League Cup.  The visitors finished in third place in their debut campaign in the Western League, having been in contention for a second successive promotion until the final days of the season.

Mousehole are without five of their first team squad – Jack Calver, Mark Goldsworthy and Callam Mconie through injury, while Andy Watkins and Josh Magin are unavailable.

Today’s 16-man squad shows recent signing Reece Thomson as the only addition to last season’s group

In a newly introduced FA rule, the number of ‘used substitutes’ has been increased from three to five

There’s a good crowd inside the ground, probably approaching half of whom are Seagulls supporters.  The weather is fine and the pitch surface is bone-hard with very little green grass after the recent dry weather.

The match as it happened

12 minutes:  GOAL FOR TORPOINT ATHLETIC.  The hosts have been on the front foot so far, but they get a lucky break as the ball bounces up sharply against Max Hill’s outstretched arm, Referee Hunnisett awards a penalty and RYAN RICHARDS converts to keeper Ollie Chenoweth’s left.

20 minutes:  Loud appeals for a penalty at the other end are unheeded as Louis Price is wrestled inside the box.

24 minutes:  There’s been a lot of misplaced passing on the hard surface, but Tallan Mitchell makes a promising run followed by a goalbound shot which a defender heads out for a corner

30 minutes:  Double drama!   Torpoint take a quick throw near the corner flag while Mousehole are disputing the decision, Ryan Richards turns on the ball and is fouled, and the referee awards another penalty.  This time Ryan Richards powers his spot kick the other way and Ollie Chenoweth makes a superb save, beating the ball out to his right for a corner. 

35 minutes:  After that reprieve, Mousehole are starting to put their game together.  Hayden Turner volleys hastily over from 18 yards after keeper Jason Peters punches out a cross under pressure

37 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Hayden Turner swerves a corner kick into a crowded six-yard box, the ball drops down and LOUIS PRICE turns 180 degrees to fire  home.  After Ollie Chenoweth’s penalty save seven minutes ago, that’s another significant moment for Mousehole – an equaliser while not playing at their best.

39 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell makes another run, with his 20-yard shot kept out by the sprawling keeper

42 minutes:  Mousehole are now getting better control of the play.  Paulo Sousa aims for the top corner from a 25-yard free kick but the ball deflects off the top of the defensive wall.

At half-time it’s 1-1.  Torpoint might have been two goals up before Mousehole got going, but the visitors have come back strongly.  An interesting second half in prospect, with Mousehole surely needing to make a better start.

 The second half

48 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Half-way inside his own half, Paulo Sousa spots HAYDEN TURNER ready to move in the centre circle, his carefully-placed long forward pass enabling the striker to outpace his marker and score with a composed low shot past the keeper.  Torpoint 1-2 Mousehole.

52 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  TALLAN MITCHELL spins on the edge of the Torpoint 18-yard line and swerves an immaculate right-foot shot into the top left-hand corner with keeper Peters motionless.  Mousehole have come from behind to score three away goals in 14 minutes of playing time – somewhat reminiscent of the performance at Buckland Athletic last season.

56 minutes:  Louis Price gets on to Hayden Turner’s pass, turns and drives just too high from 12 yards.

60 minutes:  A rare threat from Torpoint as defender Elliot Crawford’s fierce shot from 25 yards is tipped over by Ollie Chenoweth

66 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Mark Richards’ downward header from a right-sided corner is partially blocked by the keeper and defenders on the line and LOUIS PRICE is in the thick of the action as he prods the loose ball into the net for The Seagulls’ fourth.

71 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Steve Burt is replaced by Jared Sims

73 minutes:  Mousehole continue to have the upper hand, Tallan Mitchell putting Hayden Turner through on goal and round the keeper for an angled shot into the side netting

76 minutes:  Torpoint’s Darren Hicks puts in a dangerous low drive which Ollie Chenoweth saves smartly at the foot of the near post

77 minutes:  Torpoint come close again as a header from the corner is cleared off the line by the well-positioned Max Hill

79 minutes:  Mousehole substitutes – Louis Price is replaced by Jack Symons, and Reece Thomson by Charlie Willis

80 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Max Hill is at the other end now, heading Hayden Turner’s corner goalwards – the keeper parries the ball but the alert TALLAN MITCHELL drives the ball left-footed into the roof of the net from near the corner of the six-yard box

85 minutes:  Hicks again makes ground on the left for Torpoint but his shot from an angle goes into the side-netting

87 minutes:  Mousehole substitutes – Paulo Sousa is replaced by Kyle Fraser, and Mark Richards by Jamie Devine, with Andy Elcock taking over the captain’s armband.  Another bit of history – for the first time in a competitive match, Mousehole have five substitutes on the pitch, half their outfield players

At full time, the scoreline reads Torpoint Athletic 1-5 Mousehole.  That penalty save an hour ago now a distant memory.  For Mousehole, a great start to the season, but a slow start to this match!

Mousehole (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Mark Richards (captain) (Jamie Devine), Max Hill, Paulo Sousa (Kyle Fraser), Andy Elcock, Tallan Mitchell, Steve Burt (Jared Sims), Reece Thomson (Charlie Willis), Louis Price (Jack Symons), Hayden Turner

Match Officials

Neil Hunnisett (Referee), with Robert Aitken & Alan Turner (Assistants)

Attendance: 164

Next for Mousehole

This Tuesday, 2nd August, 7.45pm  

HOME v Saltash United, WLP

Saturday 6th August, 3pm:

Away at Barnstaple Town, FA Cup Extra-Preliminary  Round

Tuesday 9th August, HOME, 7.45pm, against:

Either Falmouth Town, WLP

Or Barnstaple Town if FA Cup replay needed

 

MOUSEHOLE COMPLETE PRE-SEASON PREPARATIONS IN STYLE

Liskeard Athletic 0-3 Mousehole

Pre-Season Friendly

Friday 22nd July 2022

At Lux Park

Friday night football drew a sizeable crowd to watch the Step 6 hosts against the Step 5 visitors, with Mousehole exerting their authority to record a welcome ‘clean sheet’ win in their final warm-up game before the start of the Western League season next weekend.

33 minutes:  Slick passing opens up the home defence, enabling Reece Thomson to drive forward to the corner of the six-yard box and square the ball to PAULO SOUSA at the far post for a right-footed shot past the covering defenders on the line

61 minutes:  Skilful interplay outside the penalty area gives TALLAN MITCHELL the space to deliver a swerving right-foot drive from 18 yards into the far corner past keeper Luke Gwillam’s full-length dive

79 minutes:  Surging forward from midfield, Andy Elcock touches the ball just inside the area to ANDY WATKINS who instantly drives an unstoppable shot into the net

Attendance: 162

This completes The Seagulls’ six-game pre-season programme, having won four (all away at Wadebridge, Wendron, Tavistock and Liskeard), lost one (home against Plymouth Parkway) and drawn one (home against St Austell), involving a combined total of 30 goals scored to entertain supporters with lots to think about and look forward to.

Mousehole’s season proper starts next Saturday, the first three matches being:

Saturday 30th July, 3pm, away at promoted Torpoint Athletic*

Tuesday 2nd August, 7.45 pm, HOME v SALTASH UNITED

Saturday 6th August, 3pm, away at Barnstaple Town (FA Cup Extra-Preliminary Round)*

*Coach seats are available for supporters – see online for details