Author: Jeff Richardson

COMING UP: A BUSY ‘PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES’ MONTH FOR THE PROMOTED SEAGULLS

Tuesday 6th Home v St Blazey 7.30pm

Friday 9th Home v i2i Academy 7pm

Saturday 17th Home v Plymouth Parkway 3pm

Wednesday 21st Home v Exeter City 7pm

Saturday 24th Away v Larkhall Athletic 3pm

 

The PSF Programme

Mousehole’s First Team squad face an interesting and varied set of July friendlies as they prepare for life at the higher level in the Toolstation Western League at Step 5 of the National League System.

The details – including recent changes – are:

(The away match against Porthleven at Gala Parc originally scheduled for this Saturday, 3rd July, has been cancelled as the hosts are unable to fulfil the fixture)

St Blazey 

Home – Trungle Parc 

Tuesday 6th, 7.30pm

(The venue for this PSF has been reversed as St Blazey’s pitch is not yet ready)

Under new management and with a re-built team, St Blazey are looking to reclaim their former position as one of Cornwall’s premier clubs.  Their recent high-profile signings will be keen to show their worth and use their experience to help challenge for the leading position in the SWPL-West in the forthcoming season, with only one team eligible for promotion to the Western League Premier.

i2i Academy 

Home – Trungle Parc

Friday 9th 7pm

Friday-night football is next on the list as a well-known face returns to Trungle Parc. The Yorkshire-based international academy is staffed by a group of ex-professionals including lead coach Jason Blunt who was Mousehole’s First Team manager and inaugural director of the club’s Academy in 2017.  Recruits to the i2i Academy study for sports-related degrees at local Universities and train full-time in a professional-level programme.  For more details see www.i2isoccerscademy.com

Plymouth Parkway 

Home – Trungle Parc

Saturday 17th 3pm

After being promoted from the SWPL to the Western League Premier, Parkway have enjoyed two very impressive seasons at the higher level – albeit curtailed by COVID.  Their record was good enough to benefit from the FA’s recent ‘upward movement’ re-structuring, and they start the 2021/22 season at Step 4 in the Southern League Division One South.  With some changes to the visitors’ squad in preparation for the fresh challenge, this encounter will perhaps provide an indicator of the standard The Seagulls can expect this season.

Exeter City 

Home – Trungle Parc

Wednesday 21st 7pm

(Please note change of date)

The Saints, a top-ten team in League Two over the last few seasons, are likely to bring a mix of first-team regulars, new recruits, academy talent and triallists to Trungle Parc for The Seagulls’ last home PSF before the start of their historic first season in the WLP.  Expect a match full of technical and tactical skills, with both sides committed to a modern passing style of football.

Larkhall Athletic 

Away – Plain Ham, Bath

Saturday 24th 3pm

The journey to Bath (a 400-mile round trip) provides not just a stern test for Mousehole against higher-league opposition, but also a foretaste of a few of the away-days to be faced as a consequence of promotion to the Western League.  Larkhall are an established Southern League side – having been promoted from the WLP to Step 4 eight years ago.  The Seagulls’ last PSF comes just a week away from their much-anticipated debut in the new League. 

*****

Admission prices for home PSFs are £4, with concessions £2 and ‘kids for a quid’.

COVID-related precautions will be in place at Trungle Parc, as displayed on notices.

The Western League have informed clubs of their first two fixtures for the official start of the season. For Mousehole, it’s: 

Home v Wellington on Saturday 31st July; and 

Away at Millbrook in the following midweek.

The full fixture list is expected to be announced early next week, with full details to be published here.

Kyle Fraser Mousehole AFC

SEAGULLS ADD KYLE FRASER TO WESTERN LEAGUE SQUAD

Mousehole have started their pre-season business with the signing of Kyle Fraser from Porthleven.

The 26-year old can operate as a left-sided defender or attacker, and adds versatility to manager Jake Ash’s squad as they prepare for their step up to a historic first-ever season in the Western League Premier.

The Helston-based youngster started his footballing education as a goal-scoring winger with Plymouth Argyle Academy. He later completed a mathematics degree at Quincy University, Illinois, USA, where his soccer skills won much acclaim and several honours. He’s currently putting his maths talents to good use as a trainee accountant.

Representing Cornwall at Under-18s level, Fraser drew this praise from Mousehole’s manager Jake Ash:

“He’s been on our radar for a while as another young, fit, hungry and ambitious player. I worked with Kyle in the West Cornwall District set-up and was always struck by his ability and attitude.

He has attracted lots of interest from other clubs but has always stayed loyal to Porthleven, and I like that. That said, when I spoke to him I was so impressed with his desire to be the best he can be and push on among our staff and players.

I should add a big thanks to Graham Blake at Porthleven – he didn’t want to lose Kyle but showed real class in allowing Kyle to train with us during April and May. “

Deryk Heywood, Mousehole’s Chairman, remembers Kyle Fraser well from his previous time as Chairman of Porthleven: “Kyle is a great competitor and has bags of natural enthusiasm, a perfect role model for The Seagulls. I’m confident he will step up to the challenge of playing at the higher level and give Jake great support”.

The Seagulls’ squad was boosted earlier in the year, with winger Callam Mconie switching from Newquay but not having the opportunity to make his debut because of the curtailment of the season. Top marksman Mark Goldsworthy had joined the club before Christmas but was able to play only two games for the same reason – with Jake Ash commenting: “Goldie still feels like a new signing, so I’m really pleased with the three we have already brought in as we look forward to next season. We are still targeting two more players to add to the existing squad, all of whom deserve their chance to play at the higher level”

NEW ACCESS ROAD IS THE WAY FORWARD FOR MOUSEHOLE AFC

In one of the most significant site improvements in their near-hundred year history, Mousehole AFC are to construct a new access road to their HQ at Trungle Parc.  It will replace the current route through Paul village and avoid the rough-surfaced driveway which has been in use since the 1960s.

The new 100-metre route will run directly to the club car park from the B3315 Penzance/Newlyn to Lands End road, just north of the hamlet of Sheffield.

The ambitious project, which has been granted full planning approval, will also involve an archaeological investigation of the access route, a significant tree-planting programme in collaboration with the Woodland Trust, and improved car parking at the ground. 

Drawn up in partnership with the adjacent landowner, the plans include the construction of an agricultural building for his forestry and traditional willow-weaving enterprise, with the access site being gifted in exchange for a club scarf.

A fundraising campaign will shortly be launched to help finance the road-building costs, and the club hopes to complete the work in time to celebrate their centenary year in 2022.

Mousehole’s chairman Deryk Heywood has spearheaded the commitment to the new road, with a massive number of hours of work and dozens of site meetings, in order to bring the project to reality.

The Chairman is rightly enthusiastic about what it means for Mousehole AFC:

“A new access road has been talked about for the last 20 years, but it’s taken the last two years of seriously relentless work to get it over the line.”

“This is the latest in a series of continuous developments to bring the club up to a higher standard for everyone – and it’s one of the most important.  It’s a momentous step forward, coinciding with the recent news of promotion to the Western League Premier for 2021/22, and the club’s forthcoming centenary in 2022.” 

“The new road will make Trungle Parc easier to find and quicker to reach, and it will certainly provide a smoother ride than our ‘famous’ pot-holed driveway – especially now we have a three-fold increase in attendances at our home matches.”

“People driving to the football or to the adjacent camping site will no longer need to take the route through Paul: this can only be of benefit to those who live in the village.”

“We’re delighted that the Council commended several advantages of the scheme – including the reduction in traffic on the narrow lane through Paul village past local residents’ houses, and the club’s support for a traditional rural craft next door to the football ground.”

“I must pay tribute to a number of people whose interest and generosity helped make it all happen:

  • Paul Seaton, local landowner and partner in the project;
  • Laurence Associates, our planning agent and main club sponsor;
  • John Pearson, local resident and club supporter, with his expertise on highways; and
  • Celtic Turf for their donation of hardcore for the road foundations.”

“I would urge everyone to look out for details of our fundraising campaign which we’ll be announcing shortly.”

MOUSEHOLE AFC IN PRAISE OF THE SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE

Mousehole AFC, who yesterday received FA confirmation of their promotion to the Western League Premier for the 2021/22 season, wish to pay tribute publicly to the work of the SWPL, which they joined as founder members in 2007.

Mousehole’s Chairman Deryk Heywood is full of praise for the SWPL and Secretary Phil Hiscox:

“My personal knowledge of League Secretary Phil Hiscox goes back a long way. He worked really hard to set up the SWPL in the first place.  

Since then, he’s been a real figurehead.  Not just a football man, but also a person you can trust to be available to respond to queries, offer advice in a knowledgeable and authoritative manner, and deal with issues in an even-handed way.  

Phil is superbly efficient and considerate at organising fixtures –  an unenviable job particularly during our often erratic winter weather.

We at Mousehole are particularly appreciative of Phil’s guidance and support during these last few weeks, as our “will-we?/won’t-we?” promotion prospects hung in the balance.

We regard the upward movement of five clubs as a positive reflection of the SWPL, with the League acting as a springboard and helping to fulfil the true purpose of the football pyramid.

We leave with our sincere thanks and fond memories, and wish “all the best” to the League and all its member clubs.”

Phil will probably be glad to see the back of me, as I’ve been pestering him on all sorts of things for years!”

REACTION FROM MOUSEHOLE AFC AFTER NEWS OF PROMOTION TO WESTERN LEAGUE

A jubilant Mousehole AFC today (Tuesday) received official FA confirmation of their ‘upward movement’ from the South West Peninsula League to the Western League Premier Division for the 2021/22 season.

This follows the FA’s re-structuring of Steps 4 to 6 of the non-league system, in which Mousehole play at Step 6.  

The FA’s decision was based on clubs’ points-per-game over the last two uncompleted seasons, together with their ground facilities and financial health.

Travel

The Western League Premier has until now included many clubs in the Bristol area, which would have created a major travel challenge for clubs from the deep South-West.

But that is about to change.  Next season, eight of the WLP’s 20 clubs will be within easier reach for Mousehole, with Saltash, Helston and Millbrook also being promoted from Cornwall, alongside Ilfracombe from Devon who join Tavistock, Exmouth and Buckland already playing at that higher level.  

At the same time, six clubs on the fringes of the Western League’s current geographical area have been moved sideways by the FA into the neighbouring Hellenic League.

History

The Seagulls have now risen three steps up the ‘League Ladder’ since the days of their 45-year membership of the Cornwall Combination League.

Jeff Richardson (who now manages the club’s website and social media platforms) and Darren Woodard (currently the football secretary) were joint-managers at the time the South West Peninsula League was formed in 2007.  They recall: 

“We’d had a couple of good seasons in the Combo, finishing runners-up in 2006/07.  We applied to be founder members of the new higher-level SWPL, but with our facilities being a bit basic we only just about scraped through on ground grading.  There was some local disquiet about spreading our wings across Cornwall rather than carrying on playing in the area. But despite that, we did quite well in our first season in the new League at Step 7, and finished up in 3rd place.  Just how far the whole club has come since then is truly amazing!”

Appetite

Renewed success came later when management duo Wayne Quinn and Mark Vercesi claimed a historic and record-breaking League title in 2015/16.  At the time, the club lacked the resources to take promotion to Step 6 – the SWPL Premier then covering both Cornwall and Devon – but those on-field achievements had whetted the appetite for further success.

In 2016/17 the club devised a five-year plan, stimulated by locally-born business entrepreneur and former player Ezra Chapman.  This included improving the facilities at Trungle Parc, supporting the objective of playing at the highest level possible, developing a Youth section to create a pathway through to the First team, appointing coaches committed to a passing style of football, and building a sustainable commercial model to support the overall strategy. 

Developments

Under the Chairmanship firstly of Tim Richardson and subsequently Deryk Heywood, Trungle Parc has been transformed into one of the best football venues in the region; the finances of the club are in a healthy self-sufficient state; and some 250 youth players across the age range benefit from the coaching philosophy.

Deryk Heywood has been particularly active in spearheading the recent site improvements and securing sponsorship and advertising revenue from businesses in the local area and further afield.  He says a huge amount of work has gone on, but there’s still more to do: 

“We’ve got some important pieces of the jigsaw still  to put in place, a couple of which will be announced shortly.”  

“In the meantime, we can take a lot of satisfaction from having great facilities, floodlights, and the best possible playing surface thanks to Billy Jacka.  In addition we can count on thriving campsite revenue thanks to Tim Richardson (who’s also got an eye for available grants), a steady stream of commercial sponsorship and advertising, sound financial oversight by former captain and longstanding club Treasurer/Accountant Mark Trevail, enthusiastic leadership of the Youth section by Matt James, and the tireless work of a dedicated Committee and volunteer squad – too numerous to mention by name – some of whom have been ‘Mousehole through-and-through’ for decades.”  

“There’s a businesslike attitude and a professional feel about the place, an image that’s continuing to attract business supporters who want to be associated with success and the exposure this creates for them.”  

“And of course that goes for the managers, coaches and players, who have provided an exceptional quality of winning football scarcely believable at this level.  Put simply, without the First team’s playing record, we wouldn’t be going up.  As a new chapter opens we all look forward to supporting them as they test themselves against the highest standards of football in the club’s history.”  

“So, everyone, whatever role they have, deserves a share of the credit for our promotion.  It brings some real meaning to our motto: The Seagulls – Flying All Together”.

Coaching philosophy

Two years ago, Jake Ash took over as first team boss shortly after a previous FA re-structuring had elevated The Seagulls to Step 6, into the newly-configured SWPL Premier split into West and East Divisions.

In his first managerial role after retiring from an illustrious promotion and trophy-laden playing career at Truro City, Ash led the team to a commendable fourth place and then an outstanding table-topping position before each of those seasons was curtailed by the Covid pandemic.  

“Having been in first place before everything came to a standstill, we felt we were in a great position to achieve the objectives the group had decided upon at the start of the season.  Because of that, we are ready for the challenge of competing at the higher level.  I have no doubt whatsoever that this group of players has the togetherness, mentality and skills to do very well at Step 5.”

”Yes, there’ll be extra journey miles and time, but all the players are here because they want to push themselves and be the best they can be.  I’ve experienced the travelling before with Truro City, and if you approach it the right way it can be something enjoyable which adds to the team and the collective.”

“As a coaching team – myself, Adam Fletcher, Andy Graham and Gareth O’Neill – we will continue to reinforce our playing and personal philosophy, which underpins all the work the club does both on and off the pitch.” 

Other points about the Western League

The League has been sponsored by Toolstation since 2005  

Several Cornwall clubs have previously had notable success in the WLP:  Falmouth Town were champions four years in a row from 1974/75; Saltash United in 1984/85, 1986/87 and 1988/89; and Liskeard Athletic in 1987/88

Truro City won Western League Division One in their first season in 2006/07 and were Premier Division champions the year after

Step 5 clubs are eligible to enter both the FA cup and the FA Vase  

The Western League has its own Cup competition for member clubs: the Les Phillips Cup

The 20-club composition of the WLP for 2021/22 is, in alphabetical order:

 

Summary of FA’s re-structuring objectives 

One additional League at Step 4 and two at Step 5, reduction at Step 6 from 20 to 17

107 clubs in total benefitting from ‘upward movement’

Many clubs moved laterally into geographically convenient Leagues at the same Step

Six of last season’s WLP clubs moved to the Hellenic League: Bradford Town, Chipping Sodbury Town, Cribbs, Hallen, Roman Glass St George, Westbury United

No clubs relegated

Steps 1 to 6 to operate as a ‘pure pyramid’ with automatic promotion and relegation

The former Step 7 Leagues to operate as “feeder leagues” to Step 6

A large number of Step 7 clubs moved upwards to Step 6 for 2021/22 to fill vacancies: locally, Penryn Athletic moved up from St Piran (West) to SWPL (west)

Jude Boyd

MOUSEHOLE’S JUDE BOYD IS USA-BOUND

Cornish youngster Jude Boyd is set to leave Mousehole AFC after being awarded a football scholarship at San Jose University in California.

The Redruth-based 19-year old joined Mousehole in June 2020 after being released by Plymouth Argyle, and featured as an attacking winger in 15 of The Seagulls’ 16 first-team fixtures in the recently curtailed 2020/21 season.  

Speaking of his new opportunity, Boyd commented: 

“Although I’m obviously excited about America, I am really sad my time at Mousehole has come to an end.  I can’t thank the staff and club enough as I honestly couldn’t have had a better experience at any other club.  It has been amazing and I will be watching and supporting the boys from afar next season, and I know they are going to kick on again.”

Mousehole manager Jake Ash, who coached Jude Boyd for West Cornwall Schools under-14 and under-15 squads, was full of praise for the youngster:“He’s always had an abundance of natural skill, but he’s really developed his all-round game in senior football during his time with us.  He’s done everything we’ve asked of him and has fitted so well into our style and mentality as a group.  I am immensely fond of him, on and off the pitch, and I can’t wait to follow his journey in America.”

CALLAM MCONIE Mousehole AFC

MOUSEHOLE BOOST ATTACKING OPTIONS WITH SIGNING OF CALLAM MCONIE

Mousehole have started early preparations for the 2021/22 season by capturing winger Callam Mconie from Newquay. 

The 23-year old is described as an exciting left-footer who was previously a team-mate of current Seagulls’ top scorer Hayden Turner, and the two were also fellow sports science students at Hartpury University. 

Mconie has also played at a higher level, having been on the books of Gloucestershire club Cinderford Town (Southern League, step 4) and Hereford club Westfields (Hellenic League, step 5). Mousehole’s Director of Football Adam Fletcher commented: “We’ve been tracking him for quite a while and every time we’ve seen him play he’s made a big impression and impact.  When he came on as a second-half substitute for Newquay in our win there last year he very nearly turned the game round for them.  He’s clearly a skilful, positive-thinking and forward-running player who will make a big contribution to our continuing progress.”

SEAGULLS AND MAGPIES END UP ALL-SQUARE IN BOXING DAY ‘DERBY’ THRILLER

Penzance 1-1 Mousehole

South West Peninsula League

Boxing Day 26th December 2020

At Penlee Park

Scorers:  For Penzance, Tyler Buckley (59).  For Mousehole, Hayden Turner (70, pen)

Attendance: 258

Form-book and League position counted for little as a table-topping Mousehole were matched by a spirited Penzance in an exciting encounter, with both sides coming close to claiming all three points in front of a large crowd kept on the edge of their seats for much of the game.

Preview:

  • Mousehole have won eight of their last nine games, scoring 27 goals and conceding just four, to occupy first place in the League, two points ahead of Saltash United but with a superior goal difference
  • For Penzance, this is only their third home game of the season because of issues with their clubhouse, but they have won three away to lie in 17th place
  • Mousehole are without Paulo Sousa, Kieran Toland and Amara Bakayoko, all unavailable, so this will be a good test of the strength-in-depth of their squad.  Max Gilbert, Jamie Devine and recent signing Mark Goldsworthy are in the starting line-up
  • Penzance include experienced former Mousehole players Mark Vercesi at centre back, Kevin Lawrence in midfield and Mikey Flores in goal, who will all be keen to make an impact today, and they are complemented by half a dozen youngsters eager to shine against the League leaders
  • The pitch is soggy and although perfectly playable it remains to be seen to what extent it will work against Mousehole’s playing style, particularly as it cuts up in the later stages of the game – though of course it’s the same playing surface for both sides!  There’s a big crowd inside Penlee Park and it’s drizzling.

As it happened:

8 minutes:  Max Gilbert gets down the Penzance right and puts in a dangerous cross, well dealt with by the home defence

10 minutes:  Mousehole attack again, with Tallan Mitchell latching on to a Penzance clearance to send in a low shot which Mikey Flores keeps out at full stretch

11 minutes: Josh Magin moves inside and fires a left-footer wide of Flores’ far post from 18 yards

15 minutes: Two chances for The Seagulls in quick succession, as Hayden Turner’s header from Billy Curtis’cross is cleared off the line by youngster James Swan, then Mark Goldsworthy plants a six-yard header straight at Flores

16 minutes:  It’s Penzance’s turn to threaten.  Kevin Lawrence launches a 35-yard free-kick towards the far post, Mark Vercesi heads the ball back inside and Andreas Steyne puts an overhead kick too high from 12 yards

17 minutes:  A replica move – this time Cory Harvey in The Seagulls’ goal punches clear as Vercesi again is the target man

19 minutes:  Once more – Lawrence floats in a free kick from the right-hand side of the penalty area and Vercesi’s header is hacked away from in front of goal

20 minutes gone and Penzance are right back in this game, denying Mousehole space in the final third and harrying their opponents into mistakes on a pitch that is already cutting up

22 minutes:  At the other end Tallan Mitchell creates a chance for Josh Magin with a back-heel but the shot from 18 yards is straight at Flores

25 minutes:  A clear chance for Mousehole – Mark Goldsworthy gets free from his marker on the right hand side of the box and his cross in front of goal is sliced wide by Tallan Mitchell from six yards

30 minutes:  The vocal Penzance support is loudly encouraging every Magpies tackle as the home side have stepped up a gear

31 minutes:  Penzance’s Jacob Cleverly sends in a strong cross-shot but Cory Harvey does well to collect on the treacherous surface

33 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell makes a slalom-type run over the skiddy surface and is fouled 20 yards out.  Max Gilbert whips in the free kick past the defensive wall but the alert Flores pushes the ball out for a corner

36 minutes:  The Seagulls at long last put together a trademark quick-passing move that out-foxes the Penzance defensive formation, but Tallan Mitchell’s shot from 20 yards zips wide

40 minutes:  Back come The Magpies, forcing yet another free-kick deep in Mousehole territory, but this time the danger is comfortably cleared

45+1:  Half-time – it’s 0-0, but with lots of end-to-end and goalmouth action.  Great credit to Penzance for their energy and determination, but will they be able to maintain this level in the second half, or will Mousehole make the most of their own qualities and fitness?

46 minutes:  Mousehole start the second half on the offensive, with Josh Magin manoeuvring into position on the edge of the box, forcing Mikey Flores to spread himself in front of the low goal-bound shot

50 minutes:  Flores again to the rescue for The Magpies, springing across to divert Billy Curtis’ left-footer from 18 yards

54 minutes: Mark Goldsworthy almost nicks a goal for Mousehole with a deft back-heel volley at the near post from Hayden Turner’s corner, but the ball clears the bar

56 minutes:  Max Gilbert looks certain to score for The Seagulls as he lets fly from just inside the box with the home defence for once in disarray, but Mark Vercesi puts his body in the way of the shot

58 minutes:  After surviving four close scares since half-time, Penzance benefit from another free-kick in the Mousehole half.  Kevin Lawrence delivers the customary lofted free kick to the far post, where Mark Vercesi gets ahead of Cory Harvey’s punch to head goalwards, but the ball is scrambled off the line for a corner.  Up come the Magpies’ defenders.

59 minutes:  GOAL FOR PENZANCE!  It’s the aerial menace again!  Kevin Lawrence places the corner kick into a congested six-yard box, the heads go up and the ball creeps over the line, with young centre-back TYLER BUCKLEY getting the all-important touch.  Ecstatic celebrations on and off the pitch.  Cory Harvey protests he was impeded, referee Simon Long disagrees.

62 minutes:  Mousehole substitutes – Andy Elcock for Steve Burt in midfield, and Jude Boyd for Max Gilbert, enabling Hayden Turner to move inside from a left-wing position

63 minutes:  Penzance’s Lewis Goldsworthy tries a shot, Cory Harvey makes the save look comfortable

65 minutes:  Disallowed goal for Penzance!  Lewis Goldsworthy makes a superb run past several defenders to release Jacob Cleverly for a low shot into the net, but he’s strayed fractionally offside. Fine margins!

67 minutes:  Mousehole looking to profit from that let-off.  Hayden Turner’s free kick on the right side of the box is cleared away, Jude Boyd retrieves the ball on the other side to create a near-post chance for Mark Goldsworthy but Flores again gets in the way

69 minutes:  A double save from Mikey Flores, first blocking Josh Magin’s shot, then Jude Boyd’s

70 minutes:  PENALTY!  Tallan Mitchell slides a cute pass through to put Mark Goldsworthy in one-on-one with Flores, who clatters into the striker.  There’s a two-minute delay while The Seagulls’ newest recruit is treated for a painful injury.

72 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  HAYDEN TURNER drives the penalty hard and low into the corner – anything less would have been a problem, as Flores dived the right way and very nearly got his fingertips to it.

As the equaliser is celebrated, the rain stops and the sun comes out!  Is this a sign?  A very interesting 20 minutes to come!

75 minutes:  Penzance heads have certainly not dropped:  loud appeals for a penalty as Kevin Lawrence is tackled as he dwells on the ball inside the Mousehole penalty area.  Referee waves play on. The sun has gone in again and it’s raining – so it wasn’t a sign!

75 minutes:  Mousehole’s third substitute:  Jamie Devine is replaced by Jonny Ludlam on the left in defence, as Lewis Goldsworthy has developed an appetite for direct running on Penzance’s right.

76 minutes:  Jude Boyd shoots, Mikey Flores parries

80 minutes:  Mousehole are seeing much more of the ball , but Penzance are resilient and still attack-minded

83 minutes:  Close for Mousehole twice  – Jonny Ludlam puts an inviting cross into the six-yard area but it’s just beyond the lurking Mark Goldsworthy.  Hayden Turner picks up the ball and crosses to the far post but it’s inches to high for Mark Richards, who’s up from the back looking for a winner

84 minutes:  The other Goldsworthy makes another close-control run into the heart of the Mousehole defence and looks likely to pull the trigger, but Jonny Ludlam snuffs out the danger with a well-timed tackle, prompting yet more big shouts for a penalty ignored by the referee

86 minutes:  Controversial incident!  Hayden Turner collects a loose ball after a coming-together on the Penzance 18-yard line and, with referee Simon Long indicating ‘advantage’, hammers a 15-yard right-footer past Flores for what looks like a winner.   However, Neil Stephens’ flag is raised and the referee cuts short the goal celebrations by bringing the play back for a Mousehole free-kick. 

87 minutes:  Jonny Ludlam scuffs the free kick through the defensive wall, where Josh Magin turns to shoot and the ball is cleared off the line

90+4 minutes:  Hayden Turner tries an angled drive but that man Flores blocks it at the near post

90+5 minutes:  Incredible drama – Flores slips as he clears from the edge of his area, Tallan Mitchell partially loses his footing as he returns the ball towards the unguarded Penzance net from 35 yards out, and the shot slows down enough for the athletic Tyler Buckley to get back to clear away in front of goal for a corner

90+6 minutes: Hayden Turner swings the corner into the posse of players, it’s cleared off the line again, and the final whistle sounds.

Full time score: 1-1.  It could have gone either way.  All credit to both sides for providing the large Boxing Day crowd with nearly 100 minutes of action-packed football – great value for money.  With 36 attempts on goal in total, it’s amazing only two goals were scored!

What it means:

  • The point enables Mousehole to stay on top of the League table on goal difference from Saltash United (who won later on Boxing Day).  With Bank Holiday Monday’s home fixture postponed because of Falmouth Town’s involvement in the FA Vase, the next action is on Saturday 9th January when Dobwalls are the visitors to Trungle Parc.  Before then it’s the Cornwall Senior Cup Third Round tie at home next Saturday, 2nd January (2pm) against Perranwell, who play in the league below.
  • Penzance will justifiably take heart from this performance, which will be a big confidence-booster especially for their young players.  They face another big challenge on Bank Holiday Monday (28th) with an away trip to Helston Athletic. (update: now postponed)

Mousehole team-sheet:  Cory Harvey, Billy Curtis (captain), Mark Richards, Josh Otto, Jamie Devine*, Steve Burt*, Max Gilbert*, Tallan Mitchell, Josh Magin, Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner

*Substituted players:  Steve Burt (by Andy Elcock, 62), Max Gilbert (by Jude Boyd, 62), Jamie Devine (by Jonny Ludlam, 75) Other substitutes: Charlie Willis, Silas Sullivan

Mark Goldsworthy debut goal vs St Austell

TABLE-TOPPING SEAGULLS RETURN WITH IMPRESSIVE ALL-ROUND TEAM PERFORMANCE

MOUSEHOLE 4-0 ST AUSTELL

(Kieran Toland, Josh Magin 2, Mark Goldsworthy)

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE

SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER 2020

AT TRUNGLE PARC

Six weeks after their last competitive action, Mousehole completed a comfortable ‘double’ over a young St Austell side, to maintain a five point advantage as League leaders, making it 51 goals scored and eight ‘clean sheets’ in 14 games.

How it happened:

Introduction:

Mousehole raised a lot of eyebrows by beating one of Cornwall’s leading clubs 6-1 at Poltair exactly four months ago, but the young Lillywhites have shown signs of progress in recent weeks, so it’s likely The Seagulls will find it a more challenging affair today.

Recently-signed prolific goalscorer Mark Goldsworthy is among a strong set of substitutes, as is Amara Bakayoko after a lengthy injury spell.

The pitch is soft on top but perfectly playable, and on a chilly but clear afternoon there looks to be a sizeable crowd, including good support for the visitors.

The match in progress:

6 minutes:  Mousehole move the ball fast into St Austell territory, where Kieran Toland turns to release Jude Boyd inside the full-back, but the youngster’s 10-yard shot is bravely blocked when a goal looked likely

8 minutes:  St Austell attack on the right with some attractive passing but a dangerous low cross is dealt with in a composed manner

13 minutes:  The visitors fashion a clear chance, with Chris Kilbey’s angled drive palmed over by Cory Harvey

15 minutes:  The Lillywhites are in positive mood, this time making inroads down the left, but at the crucial moment the mis-hit cross drifts high and wide

17 minutes:  Back come Mousehole – Jude Boyd is looking for his first goal of the season but shoots wide of the near post

22 minutes:  GOAL for Mousehole – Josh Magin provides his customary low cross from the right towards the hear post, where KIERAN TOLAND wrong-foots a defender and places a fierce drive inside the far post from a very narrow angle

30 minutes:  Off the line!  It’s nearly a second for the hosts.  Paulo Sousa makes an energetic run into the box where his cross-shot is half-blocked by keeper Jason Chapman and as the ball squirms towards the line Kieran Barrett does extremely well to hack away

31 minutes:  GOAL for Mousehole as JOSH MAGIN travels inside to create a shooting opportunity from the edge of the box, his right-footed drive taking a slight deflection before going in off the inside of the near post.  Now 2-0.

35 minutes:  Nearly a third goal as Hayden Turner is free from a right-sided corner but puts his header too high from 8 yards

38 minutes:  The visitors’ Cam Bidgood likes running at defenders but this time his self-made chance from 20 yards clears the bar

39 minutes:  It’s end-to-end and entertaining – Keeper Jason Chapman pulls off a reaction save from Hayden Turner’s close-range shot

42 minutes:  A third GOAL for Mousehole as JOSH MAGIN nets his second with a first-time drive from inside the box

Half-time score:  Mousehole 3-0 St Austell.  The visitors to their credit are trying to play the ball intelligently out of defence into upfield positions, but the hosts are fast-pressing, physically powerful and mobile.

58 minutes:  Mousehole are comfortable in possession and St Austell are defending well, but at the other end Chris Kilbey suddenly lets fly a shot from a central position on the edge of the penalty area but it goes wide of Cory Harvey’s goal

66 minutes:  Mousehole substitutes – Amara Bakayoko for Jude Boyd and Mark Goldsworthy for Josh Magin

68 minutes:  The two substitutes make a quick impact, Amara Bakayoko’s cross headed wide of the near post by the well-placed Mark Goldsworthy

75 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Max Gilbert for Tallan Mitchell

83 minutes:  The hosts have stepped up the attacking momentum.  Hayden Turner’s inviting cross is just cut out in front of goal as Mark Goldsworthy is about to convert the chance

85 minutes:  Jason Chapman thwarts Kieran Toland with a point-blank save

86 minutes:  Kieran Toland sends a fierce drive wide from 18 yards

87 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy whips in a low cross from the left that somehow eludes Max Gilbert in front of an open goal

89 minutes:  ‘Goldie’ looks certain to score but heads Max Gilbert’s cross wide from close in

90 minutes:  Cory Harvey has been under-employed in the home goal but makes his second vital contribution of the afternoon as he shows superb anticipation to race out and grab an excellent through ball just ahead of Cam Bidgood

90+3:  It had to happen!  MARK GOLDSWORTHY marks his much-publicised transfer with a debut goal as he slots in Amara Bakayoko’s inside pass from inside the six-yard box to complete the scoring.

Final score:  Mousehole 4-0 St Austell. 

That makes an aggregate ‘double’ win 10-1.  It’s a sign of the times that a few years ago Mousehole hoped to give a good account of themselves against Cornwall’s top clubs – now they expect to win. 

St Austell can do Mousehole a big favour on Tuesday evening when they host Saltash United, who are currently five points behind in second place with a game in hand.

Mousehole: Cory Harvey, Billy Curtis, Mark Richards, Josh Otto, Paulo Sousa, Tallan Mitchell*, Andy Elcock, Kieran Toland, Josh Magin*, Hayden Turner, Jude Boyd*

*Players substituted: Jude Boyd replaced by Amara Bakayoko (66), Josh Magin replaced by Mark Goldsworthy (66), Tallan Mitchell replaced by Max Gilbert (75).

Other substitutes:  Steve Burt, Jamie Devine

Officials:  Shaun Edge (Referee) with George Pattison & Steve Tootle (Assistants)

Attendance: 163

Next Mousehole fixtures:

This Saturday, 19th December (3pm):  Away at Bodmin Town – Mousehole won the home fixture 2-1 on 3rd October

Boxing Day, 26th December (11am):  Away at Penzance

Monday 28th December (11am):  Home v Falmouth Town

Saturday 2nd January 2021 (2pm):  Home v Perranwell (St Piran League) – Cornwall Senior Cup 3rd Round.

MARK GOLDSWORTHY JOINS MOUSEHOLE FROM HELSTON ATHLETIC

Mousehole have strengthened their position at the top of the South West Peninsula League (West) with the signing of prolific goalscorer Mark Goldsworthy, the captain of close rivals Helston Athletic.

Goldsworthy notched up his 300th SWPL goal early last season, in two spells with Helston Athletic either side of a stint with St Austell, putting him among the county’s all-time record scorers. 

He went on to play an important part in Helston’s record-breaking 24-match winning run in last year’s League campaign, before the season was ended prematurely in March.  Up to that point, ‘Goldie’ had already netted 34 League goals, as well as another five in the Cup competitions, and was well on the way to adding to his unique tally of four consecutive ‘Golden Boot’ awards.

He was also the top scorer in the Kernow Football Alliance’s build-up to the (subsequently postponed) CONIFA World Cup last season.

 Commenting on his move further west, the Porthleven-based marksman explained: 

“At the age of 29 I’ve still got a lot of room for improvement as a player.  I’ve long been an admirer of Mousehole’s style of play, and I’ve got the greatest respect for Jake Ash, both as an opponent and coach, and Andy Graham through his coaching work with Kernow FA.  I know how the club operates and where it wants to be, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to be part of that.”

Mousehole are currently League leaders having scored an impressive 47 goals while conceding just 7, but Head of Football Adam Fletcher is by no means complacent:

 “The season has gone well so far, but we all know we can do better.  So, we are delighted to bring on board someone with Goldie’s experience and goalscoring ability.  He will add a different dimension to our attacking options.  Over the next few weeks he’ll be working hard with Gareth O’Neill (Strength & Conditioning Coach) to recover from a recurring ankle injury and join Gareth’s month-long fitness plan.”

Manager Jake Ash is convinced the signing is a massive step for the club: “Mark’s record over many years is proof of his consistency.  He has an incredible knack of knowing where the goal is – something that’s very difficult to coach – so to bring that natural skill set into this talented group of players is really exciting.  But he offers so much more than that:  his all round game and contribution to both team and club, and someone who wants to be the best he can be at everything he does”.

 If and when the season resumes in early December, Mousehole will have two consecutive home games, on 5th December against Launceston, and on the 12th against St Austell, one of Mark Goldsworthy’s previous clubs.

 Mousehole’s Chairman Deryk Heywood summarised the club’s position:  

“The signing of Mark Goldsworthy should leave no doubt about how serious we are about progression.  I cannot over-emphasise the role and reputation of our management and coaching team in making this happen, and helping us to push on with our ambitions as a club.”