Shepton Mallet 2-2 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 30th October 2021

At West Shepton Stadium

SUMMARY

The Seagulls scored early in each half to record their second League draw of the season, with a resolute performance preventing The Mallet from delivering the hammer blow to avenge their FA Vase defeat last month.

PRE-MATCH POINTS

Mousehole are returning to the scene of their FA Vase tie in the Qualifying Round six weeks ago, when an early Andy Elcock goal and an outstanding defensive performance late in the game, including from stand-in goalkeeper Jimmy Weeks, saw them claim an impressive and historic win.

Since then, The Mallet have lost five of their last six games, and without doubt will be looking to make amends for that Vase defeat and also halt their mediocre run.

This will be Mousehole’s 12th Western League game since promotion – after today they will have completed one-third of the season’s fixtures.  Currently they have five wins, one draw and four defeats, and stand three points behind Shepton with three games in hand.

Mousehole travel with a somewhat depleted squad, with Andy Elcock, Jamie Devine, Josh Magin and Sean Roberts injured, Kyle Fraser ill, Mark Richards recovering from injury and on the bench, and two youngsters Charlie Willis and Jack Symons also substitutes.  Meanwhile keeper Ollie Chenoweth makes his third start since signing from Bodmin Town.

The pitch surface is very wet but has plenty of lush grass.

THE MATCH AS IT HAPPENED

6 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  They’ve done it again – another early goal!  Callam Mconie puts a dangerous low cross from the right into the area, the defence is wrong-footed, CONNOR LEAK- BLUNT collects the loose ball and shows great composure to move it inside on to his left foot and score with a low drive from 8 yards.  The son of the former manager looks pretty pleased to get his first goal for Mousehole since joining in early September.

8 minutes: GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  The quickest possible response by the hosts.  A low cross comes in from the left, it’s half cleared in front of goal and FIN HAINES clips the ball into the net from 10 yards.  Shepton Mallet 1-1 Mousehole.

20 minutes gone:  The home side have caused a few problems for the Mousehole defence, with Tyrone Tucker-Dixon on the right having some good runs and putting in threatening crosses.  Three chances in quick succession have come and gone, the closest being a cross-shot by Fin Wilkinson that rebounds off the far post before being cleared to safety.

25 minutes:  Mousehole hit back, Hayden Turner’s pace down the left putting the hosts’ back line under pressure

26 minutes:  GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  After Mousehole lose possession upfield, Jacob Sloggett instantly feeds Tucker-Dixon for a sprint and a cross to the near post where  JACK FILLINGHAM gets ahead of everyone to head home and give his side a 2-1 lead.

39 minutes:  The Seagulls continue with their passing game and a brilliant three-man surge from the halfway line ends with Hayden Turner placing a curling shot millimetres over the far angle of post and crossbar, with keeper Tom Easterbrook a hopeful onlooker

42 minutes:  Seagulls’ captain Billy Curtis joins an attack and his shot from inside the area is blocked

45+1 minutes: Tyrone Tucker-Dixon continues to be a threat – he comes inside from the right with a curling shot that smacks against the woodwork.  Jacob Sloggett has a great chance to give The Mallet a 3-1 interval lead but can’t convert the rebound.

45+4 minutes:  At half time it’s 2-1 to Shepton Mallet.  They could, and perhaps should, be further ahead, but it’s now up to Mousehole to do something about the slender deficit.

The second half

47 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Another quick one – and a much-needed equaliser. The second half has barely got going as Paulo Sousa makes a promising run deep into Shepton territory and slips MARK GOLDSWORTHY through for a one-on-one against the keeper and a low finish for 2-2, with the home defence looking in vain for an offside flag. 

51 minutes:  The home side come close to regaining the lead – Ollie Chenoweth punches out a floated free kick and Fin Haines volleys the ball back from 30 yards, but the woodwork saves the visitors for the third time in the match 

56 minutes: Mousehole’s turn now – Max Hill’s long diagonal ball gives Hayden Turner a sight of goal, his 15-yard lob landing on top of the net 

63 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell forces the home keeper to push out a drive from distance, but there’s no team-mate to exploit the loose ball in front of goal.

68 minutes:  Mousehole are having some good moments.  Callam Mconie bends in a left-footed free kick from 20 yards – it doesn’t have enough power to prevent Easterbrook keeping it out.

71 minutes:  Shepton denied. The ball is scrambled off the line twice and Ollie Chenoweth blocks a close range shot with his boot.

76 minutes:  Mousehole have successfully neutralised the threat from winger Turner-Dixon, who is substituted, but the hosts are starting to dominate proceedings.  Jack Fillingham has space at the corner of the six-yard box but shoots wide.

79 minutes: What a dramatic moment!  Penalty for Shepton Mallet.  A shot is driven towards goal and diverted away by a ruck of players.  Hand-ball is the referee’s verdict, despite big protests by the visitors.  Fillingham steps up and hammers a low spot kick towards the corner, but Ollie Chenoweth gets down very quickly to push the ball on to the post and then collect the rebound.  Magnificent agility.

81 minutes: The Seagulls’ keeper makes another superb save, keeping out captain Andy Martin’s fiercely driven free kick from the edge of the ‘D’.

Inside the last 10 minutes:  Shepton Mallet are on top and scenting victory.  Mousehole need to keep the ball better – it keeps coming back!

82 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by 16-year old winger Jack Symons, who goes out to the left with Hayden Turner moving into the middle

85 minutes: Very good chance at the near post as Shepton’s Joe Morgan races down the right and sends the ball across – substitute Nathan Legge looks certain to score but Ollie Chenoweth makes yet another important save.  The home side must be getting fed up with Mousehole’s goalkeeping displays!

87 minutes:  Mousehole get into a good position in the opposition half for the first time in ages, gaining a free kick right on the penalty area line.  Hayden Turner touches the ball to Callam Mconie but he’s crowded out and shoots hurriedly wide.

89 minutes:  Joe Morgan fires in an angled cross shot which whistles past the Mousehole goal.

90 minutes:  The home side continue to be on the front foot, and it doesn’t look as though The Seagulls have the strength to exploit the space behind their high line.

90+5 minutes: At full-time it’s Shepton Mallet 2-2 Mousehole.  

An entertaining and competitive game.  

For Shepton Mallet,  probably hugely frustrating – they will wonder why and how they didn’t win, but at least they improved on recent results.   

For Mousehole, a good away point in tough circumstances, which keeps them tucked in the mid-table pack but, with the experience gained so far, good prospects ahead.

Mousehole (with used substitute):  Ollie Chenoweth (gk), Billy Curtis (c), Josh Otto, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Connor Leak-Blunt, Callam Mconie, Mark Goldsworthy (Jack Symons), Hayden Turner.  Other substitutes:  Charlie Willis, Mark Richards, Jake Ash

Match officials:  Kevin Rodd (Referee) with Damon McEllin & Nicholas Hulland (Assistants)

Attendance: 178

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

This Saturday, 6th November, Home v Cadbury Heath, Western League Premier Division, kick off 3pm.

Saturday 13th November, Away v Bitton, WLP, 3pm

Saturday 20th November, Away v Bridgwater United, FA Vase Second Round, 3pm

Saturday 27th November, Home v Saltash United, WLP, 3pm – includes the official opening of the Solomon Browne Stand by local members of the RNLI.

Mousehole 4-0 Wells City

Buildbase FA Vase 1st Round Proper

Saturday 23rd October 2021

At Trungle Parc

Summary

Western League Premier Division Mousehole progressed to the next round of the FA Vase with victory over Division One Wells City at a windswept Trungle Parc, thanks to a strong second half performance and a hat-trick by winger Callam Mconie.

Pre-match points

Wells City are an established Western League club, having been something of a “yo-yo” outfit between Premier Division and Division One in recent years

Currently they are 10th in Division One, with 5 wins, 5 draws and three defeats, although – importantly – they are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions.

Mousehole reached this stage of the FA Vase with a 1-0 win away at Wells’ near neighbours Shepton Mallet of the WLP, whereas Wells City had an equally impressive 2-1 win at SWPL Premier team Ivybridge Town.

This is another “first” for Mousehole’s Trungle Parc – after the club’s first ever Western League game in July, followed by the first-ever FA Cup tie in August, and now today the first home FA Vase tie.

Mousehole are without goalkeeper Ollie Chenoweth (cup-tied with Bodmin Town), Mark Richards, Andy Elcock and Jamie Devine (injured), and Josh Magin and Sean Roberts (unavailable).  Keeper Jimmy Weeks, who was one of the heroes at Shepton Mallet, takes over in goal, while two other keepers, Ethan Elwell and Piran Jones are among the substitutes, as are youngsters Charlie Willis and Jack Symons.

Manager Jake Ash’s side were recently awarded the Western League Premier ‘Team of the Month’ for September, in which they recorded four wins out of four (including the FA Vase win at Shepton Mallet) and a goals record of 14 against 3.

It’s a cold and windy Trungle Parc, with Mousehole kicking into the wind gusting up from the Cricket Club end.

The key points of the match

8 seconds:  Wells get the ball straightaway into the danger area but it’s cleared from inside the Mousehole box

4 minutes:  Hayden Turner has space on the left inside the visitors’ penalty area, but good covering results in a harmless corner

6 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The ball is moved out to  CALLAM MCONIE on the right, and he brings it inside on his favoured left foot to drive a low 20 yard shot that zips into the net via the far upright with keeper Josh Nicol motionless.

10 minutes:  Wells have a possible chance from a free kick on the right floated towards the far side of a crowded six-yard box, but centre back Ollie Morris heads wide

13 minutes:  At the other end, Mark Goldsworthy is on to Hayden Turner’s cross from the bye-line and touches the ball onto the near upright 

The first 15 minutes:  Mousehole are having more possession, but Wells are quick on the break, especially winger Craig Herrol

23 minutes:  Josh Otto nearly presents Wells with an equaliser as his lobbed back pass goes over Jimmy Weeks, but the wind holds the ball back and the keeper is able to get back and collect.  If that had been at the other end………..!

24 minutes:  Wells on the attack, with the hard-working Adam Wright creating a shooting chance from 18 yards which is defected just wide with keeper Jimmy Weeks a mere onlooker

25 minutes:  Wells have two corners in quick succession, neither of which pose a threat

30 minutes gone:  We’re going through a scrappy period, with both sides frequently misplacing passes

31 minutes:  Craig Herrol is in an advanced position for the visitors after a twisting run, but his shot is blocked at the last moment, and he then heads the resultant corner wide

38 minutes:  Hayden Turner’s driven low free kick from the left is just beyond his attacking colleagues and skips past the far post

45+2 minutes:  Right back Kai Murdell makes a surging run deep into Mousehole territory and releases Harvey Hadrill for a shot on the right which goes wide of the near post.  

That was the last kick of the half.  1-0 to Mousehole, but Wells have made it difficult with their energy and pressing, and the hosts will need to step up their game after the interval.  

47 minutes:  Mousehole have come out with renewed vigour, Mark Goldsworthy making the defenders turn and firing in a shot from an angle that’s kept out by keeper Nicol’s boot

51 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE. It’s 2-0 as CALLAM MCONIE moves the ball on to his left foot on the edge of the area and plants an accurate low shot just inside the near post

52 minutes: Callam Mconie has another go, this time his shot is deflected for a corner on the right

53 minutes: GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  CALLAM MCONIE drives in the right-sided corner – a low left footer close to the near post, and somehow it ricochets over the line.  Two goals in three minutes and a hat-trick for the ex-Newquay man.

61 minutes:  The visitors are looking to salvage something.  Over the next five minutes, Craig Herrol shoots just past the far post, Adam Wright then hooks a 15 yard shot too high from a short free kick, and Herrol then races through on goal after Mousehole carelessly lose possession, but gets the ball stuck under his feet, and Paulo Sousa is able to retrieve the situation.

69 minutes:   Callam Mconie this time provides an assist with a well-weighted through ball for the sprinting Hayden Turner, who shoots over

73 minutes:  Josh Nicol in the Wells goal parries a fierce Tallan Mitchell shot from 18 yards, as Mousehole look in the mood to add to their three-goal tally.  Have Wells now given their all?

74 minutes:  The short answer is ‘No’ – the visitors intercept a stray pass and the goalbound shot is deflected for a corner.  Across comes the flag kick into a crowded six-yard box and the ball hits the crossbar before being cleared.

76 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Steve Burt is replaced by youngster Charlie Willis in a similar midfield position

78 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Max Hill is replaced by Kyle Fraser, with a bit of reshuffling at the back

80 minutes: Nearly goal number four as Callam Mconie whips in a low cross from the right and Mark Goldsworthy does well to get to the ball under pressure but prods wide of the near post

83 minutes:  Callam Mconie’s ambitious 30-yard free kick dips just over the angle

86 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – three-goal Callam Mconie is replaced by 16-year old Jack Symons on the right

87 minutes:  Mousehole continue to mount a strong finish to the game, Josh Nicol rescuing his side as Hayden Turner races past the tiring defenders but drives against the keeper’s legs

90+2 minutes: GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  An outstanding passing movement between the two teenage substitutes!  Jack Symons picks the ball up on the right, midway through the Wells half, moves swiftly inside and executes a perfect one-two with Charlie Willis, before releasing Hayden Turner running into space.  The shot is too hot to handle for the keeper and MARK GOLDSWORTHY swoops in typical fashion to touch the ball home before the defenders can react.

90+4:  At full time it’s Mousehole 4-0 Wells City.  All credit to both sides for playing to their relative strengths in difficult conditions.  Mousehole into the Second Round for yet another “biggest game in the club’s history”, with the draw to be made at lunchtime on Monday.

Mousehole (with used substitutes):  Jimmy Weeks (GK), Billy Curtis (c), Josh Otto, Max Hill (Kyle Fraser), Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt (Charlie Willis), Tallan Mitchell, Connor Leak-Blunt, Callam Mconie (Jack Symons), Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner.  

Other substitutes: Silas Sullivan, Piran Jones (GK), Ethan Elwell (GK), Jake Ash.

Match officials:  Kevin Hoare (Referee), with Dave Bartlam and Ken Swift (Assistants)

Attendance: 118

Next for Mousehole:

This Saturday, 30th October: Away at Shepton Mallet WLP), 3pm

Saturday 6th November: Home v Cadbury Heath (WLP), 3pm

Mousehole 3-2 Clevedon Town

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 16^th October 2021

At Trungle Parc

Summary

Mousehole recovered from a half-time deficit to claim a deserved three points in an entertaining spectacle which was a credit to both sides, and a great advert for Western League football, with five well-executed goals and plenty of dramatic moments,

Pre-match points:

Mid-table Mousehole will be looking to put last Saturday’s big defeat at Bridgwater behind them. 

They are without the injured Andy Elcock, Mark Richards and Sean Roberts.

Josh Otto returns after a six-week injury lay-off, Tallan Mitchell has completed a three-match suspension after a red card in the FA Vase win at Shepton Mallet, and recent signing Ollie Chenoweth makes his home debut in goal.

Clevedon Town have an impressive history, returning to the Western League six seasons ago after spending the previous 21 years in the Southern League, including six in the Southern League Premier Division.

This season they have won three League games, drawing five and losing five, and stand two points behind Mousehole from three more games played.

The match as it happened:

Mousehole start the match kicking towards the Cricket Club end.

11 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  It’s been a fairly interesting though uneventful opening ten minutes, but MARK GOLDSWORTHY shows his predatory instincts as he fastens onto the ball with his back to goal, turns one way then the other before shooting low into the corner from 12 yards.

17 minutes:  A wonderful flowing move started in his own half by Josh Otto gives Hayden Turner the opportunity to sprint past his marker on the left and drive a wickedly dangerous cross into the six yard box, where Mark Goldsworthy just fails to touch it in at the far post

21 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell swerves a shot just over the far angle from a short corner on the left

23 minutes:  GOAL FOR CLEVEDON TOWN.  After an unnecessary foul in a harmless position on the right, the visitors’ tall defenders are up for the expected lofted free kick, but the ball is cleverly delivered low and ARCHIE FERRIS shows good anticipation to side-foot into the net from close range.  Mousehole 1-1 Clevedon Town.

26 minutes:  Controversial moment.  Josh Magin is through on goal unopposed from 40 yards out.  He takes the ball round keeper Luca Smith, just about surviving an attempt at a trip, and shoots for goal, but Glen Mayer has got back to clear the ball off the line with some part of his body – with loud and prolonged appeals for a penalty, denied by Referee James Long

30 minutes gone:  Mousehole have the greater share of the possession and look the more likely to score, with Clevedon relying on quick breaks and set pieces

37 minutes:  GOAL FOR CLEVEDON TOWN.  A right-sided cross is cleared from the danger area but only as far as CALLUM KINGDON some 25 yards out in lots of space in a central position – the visitors’ captain has ample time to control the ball and float a perfectly aimed curling shot into the top corner past Ollie Chenoweth’s outstretched dive.  Mousehole 1-2 Clevedon Town – two chances, two goals.

39 minutes:  Penalty to Mousehole.  A quick one-two is handled by central defender Archie Heywood, giving Hayden Turner the chance to get The Seagulls quickly back on terms.  The spot kick is hard and accurate but Luca Smith pulls off an outstanding save to palm the ball away.

41 minutes:  Another superb save by the young keeper, as he pushes out Tallan Mitchell’s goalbound drive for a corner.

45+2:  At half-time it’s 2-1 to Clevedon Town, who have taken their chances well.  Much for Mousehole to do in the second half.

47 minutes:  The visitors make a strong start after the interval, Archie Ferris setting up young Freddie King for a clear one-on-one shooting chance, but Ollie Chenoweth makes a great save to prevent Clevedon going further ahead.  That could be a very important moment.

50 minutes:  Hayden Turner comes in from the left and sends a rising right-footed shot towards the top corner, but the ball diverts off the top of Glen Mayer’s head and marginally over the bar

51 minutes:  Jamie Devine heads the corner over from six yards

53 minutes:  Clevedon’s Freddie King makes a great run and shoots across goal with no team-mate able to get on the end of it.  Close thing!

59 minutes:  Defender Syd Camper is well-positioned to clear the ball off the line as Mousehole mount another attack

60 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  HAYDEN TURNER puts in a menacing left-sided cross which is put out for a corner.  He receives the flag kick on the edge of the box and drives a massive shot that cannons into the net off the near post.  It had to be special to beat Luca Smith but for once the keeper was completely beaten.  The earlier saved penalty now forgotten.  Amazingly, this is Hayden Turner’s first League goal of the season – he’s scored four in cup ties, and provided numerous assists.

61 minutes:  Mousehole 2-2 Clevedon Town.  The Seagulls’ tempo has increased, as have the home supporters’ expectations.  Hayden Turner twists and turns inside the box but drives into the side netting

63 minutes:  Hayden Turner is again in action, his 20 yard shot brilliantly tipped over by Keeper Smith

64 minutes:  Billy Curtis is up in attack and puts an angled shot over from ten yards

66 minutes: Mousehole substitute – Josh Magin is replaced on the right by Callam Mconie.  There’ll be no respite for Clevedon’s defenders.

70 minutes:  Luca Smith makes an agile catch from Hayden Turner’s dangerous cross

74 minutes:  It’s Hayden Turner versus Luca Smith once more, the keeper parrying the striker’s angled shot out for a corner

15 minutes left:  It’s a thrilling encounter, with Mousehole powering forward in search of a third goal, and Clevedon doing some great work to keep them out.  Suddenly it’s got windy – both sides are over-hitting their passes.

80 minutes:  Dramatic moment as it’s Clevedon who very nearly get a third goal – Archie Ferris manoeuvres himself a sight of goal from 18 yards and Ollie Chenoweth has to beat out the fierce shot.  Credit to the visitors for going on the offensive.

81 minutes:  More drama!  At the other end Luca Smith does well to push out Tallan Mitchell’s low shot, with Mark Goldsworthy first to the rebound but hitting the post.

82 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Jamie Devine is replaced by Kyle Fraser: an attacking move

83 minutes:  So close for Mousehole – Callam Mconie is taking every opportunity to run at the retreating defenders, and his low cross just evades Mark Goldsworthy in front of goal

85 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Hayden Turner sprints to the byeline on the left and his ball across the six yard box is slotted over the line by CALLAM MCONIE, prompting huge celebrations both on and off the pitch.  A 2-1 deficit has become a 3-2 lead, a just reward for the intensity shown since half time.

87 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Connor Leak-Blunt is replaced by Charlie Willis

90 minutes:  Steve Burt is in an advanced position for Mousehole and fires over from 20 yards

90+4 minutes:  Full time and it’s Mousehole 3-2 Clevedon Town.  Perhaps a typical example of the hard work needed to be successful in the Western League?   

The win lifts Jake Ash’s team to tenth place in the table, with six wins, one draw and four defeats from 11 games, and they have at least two games in hand over all the teams above them.

Mousehole (and used substitutes):  Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (captain), Josh Otto, Jamie Devine (Kyle Fraser), Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Connor Leak-Blunt (Charlie Willis), Josh Magin (Callam Mconie), Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner.  Other substitute Max Hill

Match officials:  James Long (Referee) with Alan Hoon & Darren Winkworth (Assistants)

Attendance: 145

Next Mousehole match:

The highest-level match on the national stage in the club’s history –

Mousehole v Wells City, FA Vase First Round Proper, Saturday 23^rd October, Trungle Parc, 3pm

Wells City play in the Western League Division One and are currently tenth, with five wins, five draws and four defeats.

Mousehole reached this Round with a 1-0 win at Shepton Mallet in the Qualifying Round; Wells City did so with a 2-1 win at Ivybridge Town

Two tough away games in four days saw The Seagulls gain a superb win at Saltash and then suffer defeat further afield at Bridgwater.

Saltash United 1-3 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Wednesday 6^th October 2021

At Kimberley Stadium

Mousehole scorers:  Josh Magin (2), Jack Calver

Just five days after losing at home to them in the Cornwall Senior Cup, Mousehole travelled to face The Ashes in a League fixture on a wet evening, and gained ample revenge with an excellent 3-1 win in a closely contested encounter to climb into the top ten in the Premier Division.

The Seagulls were without the injured Josh Otto, Mark Richards, Callam Mconie and Sean Roberts, while Tallan Mitchell was serving the second of his three-match suspension for his red card in the FA Vase win at Shepton Mallet.  Among the substitutes were the experienced Jack Calver and 16-year old Penryn College student Jack Symons.

Saltash may have felt they had a psychological advantage after ending Mousehole’s four-win run the previous Saturday, but manager Jake Ash would surely have planned something different for this contest. 

The Ashes re-introduced former player and prolific goalscorer Ryan Richards, who had already played for Tavistock in a League game against Mousehole in August.

The key moments were:

1 minute:  Paulo Sousa makes a great left-sided run to the byeline inside the host’s penalty area but is then crowded out

3 minutes:  Andy Elcock’s shot from distance swerves wide of the Ashes’ goal

20 minutes:  Ryan Richards misses the far post after a sweeping Saltash move upfield

21 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Saltash have been seeing plenty of the ball but Mousehole have looked the more threatening, especially on their left-hand side.  This time Jamie Devine drives forward towards the byeline and his low left-foot cross is scooped into the roof of the net from six yards by JOSH MAGIN as he steals in from the right.

26 minutes:  Nearly a second goal for Mousehole.  Hayden Turner exploits the home side’s loose play deep in their own half, but his angled cross shot across goal misses everybody, including the far post.

29 minutes:  Ryan Richards is again on the end of a quick break but his shot is too high.

30 minutes:  The flow of the game is being interrupted as referee Butters frequently chooses to lecture players at length after infringements

32 minutes:  Inches from an equaliser as Ryan Richards’ shot from inside the area beats keeper Cory Harvey and hits the post, but the striker then hastily drives the rebound wide

34 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Paulo Sousa makes the most of the slick surface, running at speed directly at the right side of the Saltash defence and delivering a perfect cross which JOSH MAGIN heads home – again coming in from the right – despite keeper Ryan Rickard’s efforts.

39 minutes:  A tremendous double save by Cory Harvey maintains The Seagulls’ two-goal lead, firstly palming out a cross shot under the crossbar and then plunging to block the loose ball right in front of goal

44 minutes:  An equally outstanding piece of goalkeeping at the other end as Mark Goldsworthy looks certain to score from close range with a hooked shot from yet another penetrating left-sided cross, but Ryan Rickard somehow keeps the ball out, much to the striker’s disbelief

45+5 minutes:  The Ashes have a chance to reduce the arrears after Sam Hughes gets himself into a great position, but Steve Burt does a magnificent job in blocking the shot

45+6 minutes:  The half-time whistle goes after a prolonged period of added time with the scoreline Saltash United 0-2 Mousehole.  It’s been an end-to-end half, with The Seagulls worth the lead for their all-round play, but no doubt the hosts will be looking to get back into the game as soon as possible after the interval.    

51 minutes:  GOAL FOR SALTASH UNITED.  With Mousehole defenders appealing for offside, a left-sided attack and a square ball in front of goal gives ALEX  CAIRO the chance to slot home from close in.  Saltash 1-2 Mousehole.  Will the hosts now capitalise?

60 minutes gone:  Saltash have created a couple of half-chances, but so have Mousehole as they are exploiting the space on a surface ideal for quick-passing football, with the forwards keeping the home defence fully occupied by their pace, movement and sheer hard work

64 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Connor Leak-Blunt is replaced by Jack Calver in midfield.

72 minutes:  Good work on the left by Mark Goldsworthy and Hayden Turner opens up space on the 18 yard line for Jack Calver, whose drive is well saved by Rickard

80 minutes: GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  JACK CALVER has again been found in space but this time further out, and he drives a low left-foot shot accurately inside the post for a 3-1 lead.

Inside the last ten minutes:  Both sides are putting in some uncompromising tackles, there’s a flurry of free kicks, talkings-to and yellow cards, all keeping the referee busy

86 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by Kyle Fraser

88 minutes:  Heroic defending in front of goal frustrates Saltash as they turn up the pressure

90 minutes:  It could have been a fourth goal, but keeper Rickard parries Hayden Turner’s shot and the loose ball is cleared to safety

90+5 minutes: Full-time score Saltash United 1-3 Mousehole.  Against Saltash, Manager Jake Ash would probably have taken the three away League points over a win in the Senior Cup.  The Seagulls are now two points behind Saltash from two fewer games played, and 12 points off first place with four games in hand.

Mousehole (with used substitutes):  Cory Harvey (GK), Billy Curtis (c), Max Hill, Jamie Devine, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Andy Elcock, Connor Leak-Blunt (Jack Calver), Josh Magin, Mark Goldsworthy (Kyle Fraser), Hayden Turner.

Other substitutes:  Silas Sullivan, Jacob Grange, Jack Symons

Attendance: 192

*****

Bridgwater United 6-2 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 9^th October 2021

At Fairfax Park

Mousehole scorers:  Callam Mconie (72), Steve Burt (81)

With just two clear days after an energy-sapping win at Saltash, Mousehole travelled to Bridgwater United and found the hosts, who had no midweek fixture, in fine form to inflict The Seagulls’ heaviest defeat in recent years.

The recently re-named United (formerly Town) were members of the Southern League for ten years until recently, and this season they have already shown, on their day, they can beat any team in the Division despite their current mid-table position.

Mousehole were without the same absentees as at Saltash, with new signing Ollie Chenoweth making his debut in goal, replacing Helston-bound Cory Harvey.

The game was fairly even until Bridgwater scored three goals without reply, after 26, 32 and 42 minutes. It was 4-0 after 59 minutes, before Callam Mconie pulled back a goal with a free kick on 72 minutes. Three goals in quick succession then took the score to 5-1 (79’), 5-2 through Steve Burt on 81, and finally 6-2 on 83 minutes.

The Seagulls will reflect that they had a good share of the possession during the match, but Bridgwater had the edge in putting away their chances in clinical fashion, in front of a very good attendance of 401.

Mousehole:  Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (c), Max Hill, Jamie Devine, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Andy Elcock, Connor Leak-Blunt, Josh Magin, Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner.  Substitutes:  Kyle Fraser, Callam Mconie, Jonny Ludlam

Next for Mousehole:

Andy Elcock and Paulo Sousa were replaced through injury during the Bridgwater match – Manager Jake Ash will be hoping for a reduction in the list of unavailable players before the next two home matches, which are:

This Saturday, 16^th October:  Home v Clevedon Town, Western League Premier, 3pmSaturday 23^rd October:  Home v Wells City, FA Vase First Round, 3pm

Mousehole have strengthened their squad with the signing of the experienced Ollie Chenoweth from Bodmin Town who will take the Number 1 jersey following the departure of Cory Harvey to Helston Athletic.

Liskeard born Ollie, 29, has recently been playing for South West Peninsula League side Bodmin Town, but has vast experience at much higher levels during his career. He featured for Plymouth Argyle making his professional debut in a League Two game against Morecambe, before loan spells at Frome and Truro City, featuring alongside Seagulls’ manager Jake Ash in his time with the White Tigers.

Since then he has appeared locally with permanent spells at Bideford and Truro, as well as turning out for his hometown club Liskeard and more recently at Bodmin in the current South West Peninsula League season. Ollie has also featured alongside several of the Mousehole squad in the Kernow FA team and played in the recent 8-1 win against Cascadia.

Commenting on the signing, manager Jake Ash said:

“Obviously it’s a shame to lose Cory. He’s been a massive part of the past few years and I am fond of him and his family. He’s been really good for us, and we wish him all the best at Helston.

With his job it makes sense for him to move on as he was finding it hard with training, and I suspect that commitment won’t be so demanding at Helston. That, coupled with what they have offered him financially, it’s a move which suits him.

Needless to say, we knew Cory needed this hand operation which would keep him out for 4/5 months of the season, so we had been making plans for when that came to pass and Ollie has always been top of that list for us for so many reasons.

I know him from playing with him at Truro and, even at the young age he was then, he was one of the best I’d played with. At 29 he brings so many brilliant attributes to the group and is a perfect fit for the way we play and this level of football. He has a really steady head, is a great age and height and we know exactly what we will get from him, every training session and every game

He is a tremendous lad with a great young family, and I am absolutely delighted to have him on board.

I’d also like to thank Darren Gilbert and Bodmin who were made aware of the interest and allowed us to speak with Ollie.”

Speaking about his move, Ollie said:

“I’m really excited to join Mousehole and be part of what they are trying to achieve. Even from afar, I’ve always had admiration for the club, the way they go about their business and the style of play. I also know what Jake is all about from our time at Truro, and I’m looking forward to working with all the staff and the challenge of helping the team be successful.”

Ollie goes straight into the squad for tomorrows Toolstation Western League Premier Division clash at Fairfax Park against 9^th placed Bridgwater United.

MOUSEHOLE 1-2  SALTASH UNITED

RGB CORNWALL SENIOR CUP FIRST ROUND

SATURDAY 2^ND OCTOBER 2021

AT TRUNGLE PARC

SUMMARY:

After a great run of four consecutive wins, Mousehole came up against Saltash United in the First Round of the Senior Cup, but didn’t have enough to overcome a strong performance by the visitors, who continued their historic success in Cornwall’s premier cup competition.

PRE-MATCH POINTS:

Mousehole have won their last four matches, including a stunning away win in the FA Vase at Shepton Mallet last Saturday, but today they’re without Tallan Mitchell (suspended), and Sean Roberts and Josh Otto (injured), while recent signing Connor Leak-Blunt is in the starting line-up

Fellow-promoted side Saltash United have made a good start to life in the Western League Premier Division with five wins and three draws from their opening ten fixtures, and stand five points above The Seagulls from two games more.

The Ashes are one of the most prolific winners of the Cornwall Senior Cup.  Coincidentally, they beat Mousehole – who were then two steps below where they are now – by a narrow 3-2 margin in 2018’s Final.  Because of previous Covid restrictions, today’s Senior Cup ties are the first to be played for over a year and a half.

The weather is wet overhead and under foot, but perfectly suited to two football-playing sides

THE MATCH AS IT HAPPENED:

Mousehole are kicking towards the Cricket Club end.

9 minutes:  Kyle Fraser comes in from his right-wing position for Mousehole and tries a low left-footer from 20 yards, but it skims wide

13 minutes:  Hayden Turner does a repeat, but it too misses the upright

18 minutes:  Closer for Mousehole.  Mark Goldsworthy’s shot is blocked in the area, Hayden Turner picks up the loose ball to the left of goal, but drives into the side netting

30 minutes:  Saltash’s first serious threat.  Sam Hughes’s cross shot from the right is smothered by keeper Cory Harvey

32 minutes:  Saltash again, with Reece Thompson miscuing an overhead kick when well placed from a right sided cross

37 minutes:  A rainbow appears, a slightly faded one.  The Ashes are getting on top.  A driven right-wing cross skids across goal inside the six yard box and out for a goal kick.

41 minutes:  Dramatic moment!  Saltash have a free kick on the edge of the ‘D’.  Chris Menhenick hammers a huge left-foot shot towards the far top corner, but somehow Cory Harvey makes a wonderful flying save to tip the ball onto the bar……and it’s hacked away from danger.

44 minutes:  Another driven Menhenick free kick from the right-hand edge of the box is bravely cleared by Jamie Devine

45+1 minutes:  Left-back Alfie Wotton has the clearest chance of the half from a careful lay-back by Reece Thompson, but shoots way over the bar from 10 yards

45+3 minutes:  At half-time it’s 0-0.  Mousehole started well but Saltash have gradually controlled the possession, stifled the home side’s forward movement, and created the better of the goal chances.

46 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – the injured Mark Richards is replaced at the start of the second half by Max Hill, making a first appearance in his second spell with The Seagulls

48 minutes:  The Ashes look purposeful going forward as the sun comes fully out.  Sam Hughes turns just inside the area but scuffs his shot straight at Cory Harvey.

51 minutes:  GOAL FOR SALTASH.  It’s not a surprise.  Quick inter-passing puts Reece Thompson into clear space on the left of goal and his low inside pass is touched over the line from a few yards out by ALFIE WOTTON who’s got himself forward into a great position.  Mousehole protest in vain at the lack of an offside flag.

56 minutes:  A half-chance for The Seagulls as Hayden Turner’s trademark low left-wing cross is met by Kyle Fraser, but his shot from six yards is blocked.

57 minutes:  At the other end, keeper Cory Harvey misdirects a pass out, giving Sam Hughes a golden opportunity from 18 yards, but he hurriedly fires over the bar with the keeper not yet back in position

58 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Kyle Fraser is replaced by Josh Magin on the right side going forward

60 minutes:  Paulo Sousa makes a positive run on the left but Mark Goldsworthy can’t get close enough to his dangerous cross

63 minutes:  Hayden Turner makes space for a shot from the edge of the box but it’s a comfortable save for keeper Ryan Rickard

64 minutes:  Connor Leak-Blunt leads a quick Mousehole break from midfield, putting Hayden Turner in with a sight of goal, but Dave Barker does a captain’s job in getting back to block the shot for a corner

66 minutes:  Mousehole’s best period of the match ends with the visitors having two chances in quick succession, with a goalbound shot blocked for a corner and a shot driven wide as the corner runs loose

68 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy makes a determined run on the right and puts in an inviting cross towards the far post, but Dave Barker yet again reads the situation well and calmly side-foots the ball out for a corner

72 minutes:  GOAL FOR SALTASH.  ALEX CAIRO has space to run at a retreating defence and his shot from 20 yards zips low into the corner of the net with the aid of a deflection past Cory Harvey’s full-length dive.  Mousehole 0-2 Saltash United.  About 20 minutes to go – what now?

74 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – right-back Billy Curtis is replaced by Jacob Grange in an advanced left-sided position, as The Seagulls opt for a four-man attack with Hayden Turner moving towards the centre

82 minutes:  A quick Ashes breakaway – Reece Thompson hits the post.  Close to making the game safe for the visitors.

84 minutes:  Hayden Turner’s cross is cleared by solid Saltash defending, but only just

85 minutes:  Missed chance for Mousehole.  Hayden Turner’s adept touch gives Jacob Grange a clear chance from 8 yards to the left of centre, but he shoots with his left foot and it goes across goal and away from danger

90 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Chris Menhenick under-hits a back pass, putting HAYDEN TURNER in on goal and he smoothly slides the ball past Rickard into the far corner from 15 yards.  Is it merely a consolation, or can The Seagulls force extra time from the dying embers of the match?

90+5 minutes:  Full time.  Mousehole 1-2 Saltash United.  The Seagulls are out of the Senior Cup at the first hurdle, but it’s no disgrace to lose to arguably the best team they’ve faced so far this season.

MOUSEHOLE (and used substitutes):

Cory Harvey (GK), Billy Curtis (c) (Jacob Grange), Mark Richards (Max Hill), Jamie Devine, Paulo Sousa, Andy Elcock, Steve Burt, Connor Leak-Blunt, Kyle Fraser (Josh Magin), Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner

Other substitutes:  Charlie Willis, Silas Sullivan

OFFICIALS:  Tim Burley (referee), with Derek Hughes & Robin Tucker (Assistants)

ATTENDANCE:  94

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE:

It’s Saltash United again in midweek, on Wednesday 6^th October  – this time away at Kimberley Stadium (PL12 6DX), in the Western League Premier, kick off 7.30pm

THEN:

On Saturday, 9^th October, away at Bridgwater United (Fairfax Park, TA6 4TZ) in the WLP, kick off 3pm. 

Coach seats are available for travelling supporters (Penzance Bus Station 8.35am, Crowlas 8.45, Chiverton Cross 9.15, Fraddon 9.40, Launceston 10.30, Exeter Services M5 11.30) – please let Deryk Heywood know your interest on 07969 625795.

After that, it’s two consecutive home Saturdays:

16^th October, WLP v Clevedon Town, 3pm

23^rd October, FA Vase First Round Proper v Wells City, 3pm

Shepton Mallet 0 -1 Mousehole

Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round

Saturday 25^th September 2021

At Old Wells Road West Shepton

Scorer: Andy Elcock (5’)

Summary

A single early goal and a  resolute 10-men last half-hour enabled Mousehole to progress to their highest-ever level of national cup competition with a season’s-best performance of skill, organisation and character at the home of the much-fancied Shepton Mallet.

Pre-match points

In the Western League Premier, Shepton Mallet stand six points ahead of Mousehole from one game more.  They are the only unbeaten side in the Division, having conceded just two goals in nine matches this season and none at all at home, a record that recently earned them the League’s ’Team of the Month’ award.

Mousehole are arguably the underdogs, and face an added challenge without keeper Cory Harvey (illness), Sean Roberts and Josh Otto (both injured) and Josh Magin (unavailable), but they are on an encouraging run of three consecutive League wins.  Jimmy Weeks from Tiverton Town takes over in goal and Manager Jake Ash names four substitutes.

The Mallets in their current guise- re-forming in the mid-1980s after leaving the WLP two years earlier – have risen from the second tier of the Somerset County League back to the WLP in 2014/15.  They reached today’s stage of this season’s FA Vase with a 1-0 win at fellow WLP side Exmouth Town in the First Qualifying Round, while The Seagulls had a bye.

The weather is on-and-off drizzly, The Mallets are in their traditional black and white quarters, The Seagulls are in their customary dark green, the stadium is neat and tidy, the hosts’ welcome and hospitality are first class, and the pitch, although sloping, is in pristine condition – a near-perfect afternoon for football.

As it happened – the key points of the match

Mousehole are kicking up the slope in the first half.

5 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  A slick exchange of passes between Callam Mconie and Mark Goldsworthy enables the latter to slip the ball through a gap in the penalty area to the left of centre for ANDY ELCOCK to run in and coolly slide the ball low past advancing keeper Tom Easterbrook from 12 yards.  A brilliantly worked goal against a team that rarely concedes.  Shepton Mallet 0-1 Mousehole.

15 minutes:  Billy Curtis makes two blocks from goalbound attempts inside the area from the same Mallets’ corner.

Halfway through the first half.  Mousehole are playing with composure and confidence.

27 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – the injured Callam Mconie is replaced by Kyle Fraser in the same right-sided position

33 minutes:  The home side have been playing in ’fits and starts’ but they come close with a header from a corner into a packed six-yard box, the ball appearing to come back off the post before being cleared to safety

40 minutes:  Mousehole are enjoying a good amount of possession and constantly threatening the home side’s back line

45 minutes:  Shepton again employ their aerial tactics, an inswinging free-kick finding Jack Fillingham, whose header from 15 yards bounces down and over the bar

45+1 minutes: A swerving shot by Mallets’ Callum Gould from 20 yards is well judged and collected by keeper Jimmy Weeks

45+3 minutes:  Half time score 0-1.  Mousehole in the lead and in control.  The Mallets will have to step it up in the second half to get anything from this game.  Will the second half prove that Mousehole’s Vase is half full or half empty?

49 minutes:  Shepton send in a dangerous-looking free-kick from the right towards the far post but it evades everybody and goes  out for a goal kick

54 minutes:  Almost 2-0!  The hard-working Mark Goldsworthy robs his marker deep into Mallets’ territory and squares the ball for Tallan Mitchell who looks certain to score at the far post, but keeper Easterbrook makes an alert save to snuff out the chance

58 minutes:  Callum Gould picks up Jimmy Weeks’ kick out and tries an instant lob from 40 yards, but the ball drifts wide with the keeper quickly back to cover

62 minutes:  Controversial incident!  Red card – Mousehole down to ten men.  Two Shepton players converge heavily on Tallan Mitchell as he twists and turns with the ball out wide on the half-way line.  With all three on the ground there’s a skirmish, more players pile in and, after consulting his Assistant, Referee Bromham sends off the Mousehole midfielder and after a further delay issues a yellow card to Shepton’s Jack Fillingham.  Mousehole not entirely happy. 

68 minutes:  Shepton now have the perfect opportunity to get back in the game, but it’s Mousehole who have the next chance, Billy Curtis’ curling cross just out of reach of Hayden Turner in front of goal 

71 minutes:  The Mallets waste a good chance, full back Joel Sisson racing upfield into space but firing past the near angle when well placed

72 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by Jacob Grange, who goes into a left-sided wing back position with Hayden Turner moving centrally

74 minutes:  Hayden Turner’s pace is causing the centre backs some anxiety – he can’t quite line up his shot inside the box

Ten minutes to go:  Shepton are pumping high balls into the box at every opportunity, but Mousehole’s defensive formation is dealing with everything, with keeper Jimmy Weeks inspiring confidence with his handling, anticipation and verbal instructions

83 minutes: Mousehole are not afraid to come forward – Paulo Sousa travels with the ball and feeds Kyle Fraser, whose shot is pushed out for a corner by the diving Easterbrook

90 minutes:  Mousehole exploit space at the back, giving the unmarked Jacob Grange a great chance to make the game safe, but his shot goes wide of the near post

90+1 minutes: More aerial bombardment as the hosts try to take the tie to a penalty shoot out, but Mousehole’s superb organisation and determination at the back are effective, and there’s no real danger

90+2 minutes:  Another Mousehole chance.  Hayden Turner has been keeping the home defence busy, so they only have a chance to join the attack from free kicks and corners – this time he’s first to a bouncing ball down the and has the pace to get to it before Easterbrook, but his lob over the keeper misses the far post

90+3 minutes:  Probably the last move of the match.  A home corner is delivered into heavy traffic in the six yard box, but there’s too much pushing by the big Shepton players for the Referee’s liking, and Jimmy Weeks takes special care to place the free kick in the right position.

90+4 minutes:  At full-time it’s Shepton Mallet 0-1 Mousehole.  A fourth Seagulls’ win in a row, and a good example of the resilience manager Jake Ash expects.  An eye-catching but fully deserved result puts The Seagulls into the next round*.

*Update: 

Draw for the FA Vase First Round Proper, to be played on Saturday 23^rd October:

Mousehole v Wells City

– Wells City have been something of a “yo-yo” Western League club between Division One and Premier Division for the last ten years

– Currently they are mid-table in Division One (Step 6) with 4 wins, 4 draws and 4 defeats

– On Saturday they won away at Ivybridge Town in the FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round

Mousehole (and used substitutes);

Jimmy Weeks (GK), Billy Curtis (c), Mark Richards, Jamie Devine, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Andy Elcock, Callam Mconie (Kyle Fraser), Mark Goldsworthy (Jacob Grange), Hayden Turner

Other substitutes: Silas Sullivan, Connor Leak-Blunt

Match officials:  Jack Bromham (Referee), with Karl Stephens and Nigel Sykes (Assistants)

Attendance: 208

Next fixture for Mousehole:  Two games in quick succession against Saltash United

This Saturday, 2^nd October, Home v Saltash United, Cornwall Senior Cup First Round, kick off 2pm

Then: Wednesday 6^th October, Away v Saltash United, Western League Premier, 7.30pm