Author: Jeff Richardson

by Jeff Richardson

HISTORY-MAKING RESERVES INTO CUP FINAL WITH SUPERB SECOND-HALF SHOWING

FROGPOOL & CUSGARNE 1-2 MOUSEHOLE RESERVES

CORNWALL JUNIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL

TUESDAY 26th MARCH 2019

AT KELLAWAY PARK, HELSTON ATHLETIC AFC

In front of a large and noisy crowd, Mousehole Reserves were hard pressed to survive a first-half series of scares before settling this tie with a much-improved performance after the interval.

The Seagulls had never before reached the semi-final of Cornwall’s oldest Cup competition, and for the first 45 minutes it looked as though that would be the end of this season’s journey.

Frogpool, who currently lead their Division with 17 wins from 22 league matches, dominated the opening half, exploiting gaps with quick passing and strong forward runs. Mousehole were unable to impose themselves on the pattern of play and relieved to get through to half-time at 0-0, after the woodwork kept out fierce drives from easy chances on two occasions, keeper Dom Angove pulled off a stunning save on 17 minutes to keep out a harshly awarded penalty, and three other promising positions were wasted.

junior cup semi final 2019

Some changes in personnel and tactics transformed the balance of play right from the start of the second period, with Mousehole closing down the space and passing with greater care. And ten minutes in, Michael Fitchett showed his opponents how to put away a chance when he nipped in front of his marker to steer a low cross inside the near post with a deft touch to make it 1-0.

Now full of confidence, and spurred on by their big contingent of supporters, The Seagulls started to dominate proceedings, with little seen of the attacking threat that had seen them on the back foot for the whole of the first half. Caleb Marsden doubled the lead on 78 minutes, finding space on the edge of the box after a corner to place a carefully aimed shot into the net.

Frogpool came back into the game in the last few minutes, Sam MacWilliam reducing the arrears in the 88th minute, but a minute later Callum George nearly made the game safe at the other end with a drive that cannoned off the crossbar and down on to the line. Dom Angove had the last word in the 95th minute, denying an equaliser and removing the prospect of extra time by bravely blocking a close-range shot.

Mousehole Reserves have played away in every round of the Junior Cup this season, and will now face in the Final on Sunday 5th May (venue to be confirmed) the winners of tonight’s other semi-final between Foxhole Stars and Illogan RBL Reserves being played at Penryn Athletic AFC.

*Strange but true: Helston’s Kellaway Park was the venue this time last year when Mousehole’s First team also created history by winning their first-ever Cornwall Senior Cup semi-final against St Austell.

Scorers: Mousehole – Michael Fitchett 56, Caleb Marsden 78. Frogpool – Sam MacWilliam 88.

Referee: Neil Stephens Attendance: 203

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH REPORT | MOUSEHOLE 6-0 WADEBRIDGE TOWN

ANOTHER SIX-GOAL WIN SEES MOUSEHOLE EDGE CLOSER TO THE TOP

MOUSEHOLE 6-0 WADEBRIDGE TOWN

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 23^rd MARCH 2019

AT TRUNGLE PARC

Mousehole gained more than ample revenge for the controversial 2-2 draw at Bodieve Park in September with a comprehensive win over a Wadebridge side that had stood only one place behind the Seagulls before kick-off but will have left Trungle Parc relieved not to have suffered an even bigger defeat.

This was Mousehole’s second consecutive 6-0 win – and also Gerens James’ second hat-trick in a row – taking Kevin Nicolson’s side up to third in the league table. The Seagulls have now created a superb seven-game winning sequence since the turn of the year during which they have scored 34 goals while conceding a mere two, a record that would probably have been extended had Ludgvan not pulled out of the previous Saturday’s match at short notice.

With six matches remaining, four of which are at home, Mousehole are now six points behind league leaders Liskeard Athletic and two points behind second place Porthleven with two games in hand – they also have the best defensive record in the Division and marginally the best goal difference.

Saturday’s starting line-up included only three players – Paulo Sousa, Gerens James and captain Billy Curtis – who had featured in the clash with The Bridgers earlier in the season, as the squad has evolved into genuine title contenders as well as looking odds-on for promotion to the new Step 6 league in the summer.

The Seagulls were quickly into their stride to take a 2-0 lead within eight minutes. Amara Bakayoko’s dynamic run at the visitors’ back line created the ideal chance for Gerens James to fire low past goalkeeper Rob Rosevear from 10 yards in the 6^th minute, and two minutes later Paulo Sousa and Lez Cela combined intelligently to give Hamza Kaid the space on the left of the box for a curling 15-yard shot into the far corner. It was nearly three after 12 minutes when James’ shot on the turn from 8 yards was deflected for a corner.

Wadebridge had their first sight of goal in the 24^th minute with a driven 20-yard free kick, but Jason Robertson got down smartly to keep the ball out with a strong hand just inside his left-hand post. That save became all the more important a minute later as a 15-yard shot from Steve Burt cannoned in off the inside of the post for 3-0 after James’ quick throw-in had released Bakayoko down the right for a pulled-back low cross.

Mousehole continued to pile on the pressure, James’ cheeky near-post chip going just wide on 35, Kieron Toland volleying Bakayoko’s long cross straight at Rosevear on 38, Kaid’s fierce shot from the right blocked in front of goal on 44, and Bakayoko firing wide of the near post seconds later. Wadebridge managed one threat at the other end but Robertson made an awkward save look comfortable from a swerving 15-yard shot just before half-time.

The pattern was the same after the interval, the hosts enjoying massive superiority of possession and carving out regular chances as The Bridgers tried to limit the damage. Gerens James was foiled by a great last-ditch challenge by Tom Crowe in the 55^th minute and then headed the resultant corner wide. But the top marksman had only a further minute to wait for his second goal, tapping into an open net after Hamza Kaid had run on to Kieron Toland’s penetrating through pass and slipped the ball past the advancing Rosevear. And on 63 minutes Toland’s left-foot drive from the edge of the box came back off the post for Bakayoko to touch home for 5-0, the same score as in the Cornwall Charity Cup Final against the same opposition at Penryn last May.

Wadebridge had their best moments of the game in the last 15 minutes, Robertson having to react quickly to tip over a fierce 20-yard shot, a shot from distance then going just over the crossbar, Billy Curtis clearing a dangerous cross in front of goal, and Kyle Flew heading a free-kick too high from a promising near-post position. But after all that it was Gerens James who claimed another hat-trick in the 88^th minute as he and two defenders converged on Bakayoko’s low cross inside the 6-yard box.

Mousehole will look to continue their impressive form next Saturday (30^th) when Wendron United are the visitors to Trungle Parc (3pm). The Seagulls won 3-0 away against The Dron in the second match of the season with a hat-trick from Steven Ziboth, now with Truro City, but the visitors have had one of their best seasons in recent years and have moved up to sixth place in the league table.

The following Saturday (6^th April) Mousehole are again at home when they host Plymouth Marjon, with free entry to all comers for this match.

Mousehole: Jason Robertson, Tyler Tonkin, Billy Curtis (captain), Ben Williams, Paulo Sousa, Lez Cela, Steve Burt, Kieron Toland, Hamza Kaid, Amara Bakayoko, Gerens James.

Substitutes: Jerry Gyebi (for Tyler Tonkin, 70), Dan Osomebi (for Hamza Kaid, 70), Callum George (for Lez Cela, 70), Tom Hands, Craig Wilcox

Scorers: Gerens James (6, 57, 88), Hamza Kaid (8), Steve Burt (25), Amara Bakayoko (63)

Referee: Elliot Green Attendance: 86.

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH REPORT | MOUSEHOLE 6-0 HOLSWORTHY

SIX-GOAL SEAGULLS PERFECTLY POISED FOR PROMOTION PUSH

MOUSEHOLE 6-0 HOLSWORTHY

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 9th MARCH 2019

AT TRUNGLE PARC

Mousehole outclassed the visiting mid-table ‘Devon Magpies’ with a full 90-minute display of skill, movement and intensity, the result enhancing their prospects of being one of the clubs to qualify for promotion to the new Step 6 league next season.

And after this performance, The Seagulls will be confidently expecting to challenge at the top of Division One over the next few weeks. Currently in fourth place, and with six of their last eight games at home, they sit seven points behind leaders Porthleven with two games in hand – and they face Port in the very last game of the season at Trungle Parc on 1st May. Also, they have now closed the gap on one-time title favourites Liskeard Athletic to six points and reduced the goal difference between the sides to just two.

On a grey but dry day and with the pitch in superb condition for the time of year, Holsworthy’s young keeper Ryan Chadwick was kept busy early on, diving to turn Gerens James’ shot round the post in the 8th minute. But the evergreen striker was in predatory mood, heading home Amara Bakayoko’s brilliant right-wing cross to the far post a minute later for the first of his goal-poaching hat-trick.

Chadwick had to be watchful to keep out Tyler Tonkin’s shot-cum-cross from under his crossbar on 13 minutes, but was powerless to prevent new boy Kieron Toland from doubling the lead with another far post header, this time from Paulo Sousa’s right-wing corner.

Home keeper Jason Robertson was called into action for the first – and as it turned out, the last – time on 36, pouncing on a close-range shot after a knock-down from a Holsworthy corner.

Mousehole continued to boss proceedings after the interval, with Amara Bakayoko just wide of the far post with a swerving shot in the opening minutes. The much-expected third goal arrived in the 68th minute with another Gerens James “classic”, anticipating Kieron Toland’s low cross and tapping in from close range. And three became four a minute later as PauloSousa slotted home a penalty after Bakayoko was tripped as he ran on to a through ball.

Kevin Nicholson made all three substitutions in the 75th minute, demonstrating the squad’s strength in depth, with Dan Osomebi causing the visitors big problems down the left and providing an assist for the last two goals. On 83, Amara Bakayoko scored a richly-deserved first goal as he came in from the right to convert a low cross, and a minute from time Gerens James was first to the loose ball at the near post as keeper Chadwick just failed to hold on to another driven low cross.

Mousehole have now won all six of their league games this calendar year, with an aggregate of 28 goals scored and just two conceded. The six goals against Holsworthy were matched on the same afternoon by Mousehole Reserves in their away win at St Agnes, and then doubled by Mousehole Women’s 12-0 trouncing of Porthleven Ladies a day later, giving Mousehole’s three senior teams an amazing 24-nil aggregate over the weekend.

Mousehole’s return match at Holsworthy is on Saturday 13th April, and after that they have just one away game – on Saturday 27th April at St Dennis.

Next up for The Seagulls is the visit to Trungle Parc of nearby Ludgvan this Saturday, 16th March, kick off 3pm. The bottom placed Hurlers have lost every match this season, but with signs of recent re-building and improvement they will be looking to give Mousehole a stiffer challenge than in the 11-1 home defeat at Fairfield in early November.

Mousehole v Holsworthy: Jason Robertson, Tyler Tonkin, Billy Curtis (captain), Ben Williams, Tom Hands, Kieron Toland, Steve Burt, Paulo Sousa, Amara Bakayoko, Gerens James, Hamza Kaid

Substitutes: Luke Hunter (for Steve Burt, 75), Dan Omosebi (for Hamza Kaid, 75), Jeremiah Gyebi (for Tyler Tonkin, 75), Sam Shulberg, Lorenzo Qerimi

Scorers: Gerens James (9, 68, 89), Kieron Toland (27), Paulo Sousa (pen 69), AmaraBakayoko (83)

Referee: Rowan Clarke Attendance: 82

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH REPORT | ELBURTON VILLA 1-0 MOUSEHOLE

ELBURTON VILLA 1-0 MOUSEHOLE, after extra time

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE CUP,

SPONSORED BY WALTER C PARSON FUNERAL DIRECTORS

QUARTER FINAL TIE

SATURDAY 2nd MARCH 2019, AT HAYE ROAD

Mousehole, the only Division One side left in the League Cup competition after wins against three higher-league teams, were a shade unlucky to be knocked out by a fourth, Premier Division Elburton Villa, who scored the only goal of a tough and tense encounter halfway through the first period of extra time.

The game was played on a very bumpy pitch, which suited the more direct style of the home side rather than The Seagulls’ passing pattern, but Kevin Nicholson’s men still created the best of the few chances over the 120 minutes and on another day they might have been the ones to progress to the semis.

Mousehole were without seven of the squad who ended Liskeard’s 17-match unbeaten record the previous week, with five players cup-tied, but their replacements did exceptionally well in the circumstances, and overall the performance was a good indication of the squad’s strength in depth.

In front of a sparse attendance, with the long-distance away supporters matching the home numbers, Mousehole made the more progressive start. Dan Osomebi put in a dangerous cross resulting in Paulo Sousa’s shot being blocked and Hamza Kaid driving the loose ball too high on 16 minutes. A minute later Kaid surged forward on the right and his shot was blocked for a corner. In the 20th minute Gerens James got free on the corner of the penalty area but his left-foot effort went wide of the far post.

Villa eventually created a chance on 27 with a near post header from a corner missing the target. But the visitors came close twice more before the interval, Dan Osomebi breaking through to the edge of the box but driving straight at well-positioned keeper Jack Dixon. And shortly before half-time Osomebi created a chance with another good cross but Gerens James’s header went wide after he and Lez Cela both went for the same ball in front of goal.

The early stages of the second period continued in the same vein, Hamza Kaid making a great run into the area and having his shot blocked for a corner in the 54th minute. Dixon fumbled Paulo Sousa’s flag kick but recovered just in time, and a minute later two newcomers combined to good effect with Danny Mullarkey’s searching right wing cross headed over by Kieron Toland.

Just before the hour Elburton finally got their act together and threatened on three occasions in their best five minute spell of the match, but keeper Dom Angove continued to have little to do as all three efforts went wide.

The game entered a scrappy and tetchy phase, which broke up Mousehole’s play, and even though the home side played with four men up in the last ten minutes, the visitors’ defence remained untroubled up the full-time whistle.

Elburton were on the front foot at the start of extra time, Dom Angove being called into his first serious action on 97, diving to push round a shot at his near post. And from the corner Villa grabbed the lead, centre back Matt Thackeray being the first to latch on to a knock down to steer in from eight yards. The home side came close to number two on 101 minutes with a cross shot into the danger zone, but Mousehole’s best moment came in the 105th minute as the first half of extra time ended with substitute Amara Bakayoko cutting inside from the right and hammering in a rising left-footed drive that crashed against the near post with keeper Dixon nowhere near it.

Mousehole’s luck deserted them again four minutes into the second 15-minute period when Kevin Nicholson’s free kick – the first of several conceded by Villa as they fought to hold on to their lead – was headed against the bar by substitute Sam Shulberg. Gerens James was then crowded out in front of goal on 113 and shortly afterwards his header from Kevin Nicholson’s corner was headed off the line. Hamza Kaid had a goalbound shot blocked as referee Nigel D’Arcy added on five minutes for injuries, lectures and time-wasting, and in the last action of the tie, with all the Seagulls’ players up for another Nicholson free kick, a header in a packed six-yard box was nudged inches past the post.

Villa now have a 100% record against The Seagulls, with four previous League wins, but on this occasion they looked decidedly relieved to hear the final whistle. The result earns them a semi-final appearance against high-flying Saltash United on Tuesday 26th March – the date Mousehole Reserves play Frogpool & Cuscarne in the semi-final of the Cornwall Junior Cup.

With Mousehole now concentrating solely on League action for the rest of the season, they have a great opportunity to make inroads on the top places in Division One West. Seven of their last nine fixtures are at home, including an incredible five consecutive Saturday games coming up at Trungle Parc. The sequence starts this Saturday (9th March) against Holsworthy, followed by Ludgvan (16th), Wadebridge Town (23rd), Wendron United (30th) and Plymouth Marjon (6th April), all with a 3pm kick off.

Mousehole currently lie in 5th place, eight points behind leaders Liskeard Athletic. Relative to the three teams immediately above them – Wadebridge, St Dennis and Porthleven – The Seagulls have several games in hand, the best defensive record and goal difference, and play each of them over the coming weeks.

Mousehole: Dom Angove, Danny Mullarkey, Billy Curtis (captain), Tom Hands, Kevin Nicholson, Lez Cela, Kieron Toland, Paulo Sousa, Hamza Kaid, Gerens James, Dan Osomebi

Substitutes: Amara Bakayoko (for Dan Osomebi, 63), Sam Shulberg (for Tom Hands, 106), Axel Makouikila (for Danny Mullarkey, 106), Lorenzo Qerimi

Referee: Nigel D’Arcy Attendance: 45 Scorer: Elburton Villa – Matt Thackeray 108.

by Jeff Richardson

MOUSEHOLE AFC PLAYER IN LINE FOR INTERNATIONAL HONOURS …..AND OLYMPICS!

The Seagulls’ young winger Amin Ahmed has been called up by the Ethiopia Under-23s as they make preparations to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in July and August next year.

Amin Ahmed was previously on the books of Manchester City for six years. He is a speedy, skilful and nimble player who has made an immediate impact at Mousehole with his positive attacking instincts. Born in Ethiopia, he has lived the majority of his life in Leeds and Manchester.

Pictured at Trungle Parc with Amin Ahmed (centre) are, on left, Sam Shulberg, Endorsed Academy Manager, and Adam Fletcher, Mousehole AFC’s Director of Football Operations.

The talented youngster said: “I’m very excited to get the call. I’ve been loving life at Mousehole – the coaching has been really amazing”

Adam Fletcher is full of praise for Amin: “His explosive pace and skill caught the eye at our recent open-trials day in Doncaster. Since joining us at Mousehole he has gone from strength to strength. This pays testament not just to his ability, but his willingness to work hard. It’s really great to see more of our players developing and achieving their goals. We wish Amin the best of luck in gaining international honours and becoming Mousehole AFC’s first-ever Olympian!”

Footnotes

* To reach Tokyo 2020, Ethiopia will first have to qualify over the next few months for the Africa Cup of Nations Under-23 tournament in Egypt in November, and then be one of the top three teams in that tournament

* In the Men’s Football Olympics, 16 nations take part, with teams restricted to under-23s and up to three over-age players

* Brazil are the current holders; Ethiopia have never previously qualified

by Jeff Richardson

LONG-STANDING COMMITMENT THE KEY TO MOUSEHOLE’S PROGRESSION

Every picture tells a story! It’s incredible to see eight of our 30-plus regular volunteers who drive Mousehole AFC forwards all here together in a team photograph from as long ago as 1993!

Can you spot them?

There’s so much more than ‘nostalgia value’ in the photograph, which was taken on 1st May 1993 before a Cornwall Combination League match at Mullion.

Back row, from left: Brian Stephens (Linesman), Dave Eva (captain), Tim Richardson, Jamie Liston, Dale Collins, Jeff Richardson, Ezra Chapman, Chris Davey, Fred Spurr (Groundsman), Roy Angove (President);

Front row: Steve Semmens, Peter Robinson, Chris Hicks, Andy Angove, Neil Jackson, Ally Dunbar, Darren Woodard.

Nowadays, there’s a lot of talk about players’ lack of long-term commitment and loyalty towards their club. But that’s most definitely not the case at Mousehole.

The eight still closely involved in the club are as follows:

(1) Brian Stephens is a member of the ground staff
(2) Tim Richardson is now in his fifth year as Chairman
(3) Jamie Liston is responsible for building and facilities maintenance
(4) Jeff Richardson is Website and Social Media Manager
(5) Ezra Chapman is lead adviser and founder of the club’s associated Endorsed Academy
(6) Peter Robinson is Vice Chairman
(7) Chris Hicks is a Youth Coach
(8) Darren Woodard is Club Secretary

You can find even more links when you consider that the father and BOTH grandfathers of First Team squad goalkeeper Dom Angove are also featured in this photo.

Mousehole AFC’s hard-working and enterprising squad of volunteers is already making a massive difference to the work and infrastructure of the club, as it implements its long-term strategy to progress in a sustainable manner both on and off the field.

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH REPORT – MOUSEHOLE vs LISKEARD ATHLETIC

MOUSEHOLE 2-1 LISKEARD ATHLETIC

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2019

AT TRUNGLE PARC

MOUSEHOLE’S ‘MATCH OF THE DAY’ VICTORY ENDS LEADERS’ LONG UNBEATEN RUN

At a damp and increasingly foggy Trungle Parc, Mousehole hosted their first home match for six weeks against a table-topping Liskeard Athletic side boasting the only unbeaten record among all 52 clubs in the three Divisions of the South West Peninsula League, with 14 wins in their 17 matches so far this season.

But The Seagulls themselves had already built an impressive 100% record in 2019, and with goals just before and after half-time deservedly sent the visitors back empty-handed to end their chance of emulating Mousehole’s own record-breaking unbeaten campaign in 2015/16.

Two surviving members of that championship-winning team – captain Billy Curtis and Liam Andrew – played a major role in the win as part of a superbly marshalled defensive partnership of local players that effectively blunted Liskeard’s high-scoring attack.

A minute’s applause was held before kick-off in honour of Edwin Jeffries, the former player and lifelong Seagulls supporter, as well as a much-decorated D-Day Landings veteran, who died on Friday aged 95.

The game was fiercely contested from the start, keeping referee Simon Long busy dealing with several uncompromising challenges as well as the visitors’ continual attempts to influence his decisions. But as the game progressed it was Mousehole’s footballing style that made them the stronger side and apart from one scare midway through the second half they came through confidently to claim all three points.

Liskeard started the brighter of the two teams and it was hardly a surprise when James Lorenz added to his 40-goal tally in the 16th minute as he raced on to a simple through ball to open the scoring. And just three minutes later it was nearly 2-0 to the visitors, captain Jack Podmore shooting wide from 15 yards.

Mousehole were having to work hard at this stage to combat the impact of ball-carrying midfielder Jarrad Woods and the lurking menace of Lorenz, but they gradually succeeded in imposing themselves on the game. On 22 minutes Lez Cela’s goalbound volley from Dan Osomebi’s cross was deflected for a corner and from the flag kick appeals for a penalty for handball were turned away. Meanwhile at the other end Podmore was wide with a near-post header from a corner. Ben Williams then came up for a Kevin Nicholson free kick but put his attempt wide at the far post on 37.

The Seagulls’ persistence paid off three minutes before the interval with an equaliser to give fresh impetus to the half-time team talk. After Ben Williams had again come close, a short corner on the right was played to Paulo Sousa and his low cross into a crowded area from the angle of the penalty box was touched home for a debut goal by Dan Osomebi from 8 yards. The scorer then sprinted clear from inside his own half on 44 after a dangerous-looking Liskeard attack had been broken up, only for keeper Jamie Blatchford to smother the chance.

Mousehole started the second period on the front foot in worsening visibility on the pitch. It was a characteristic strike from Mousehole’s top scorer that put the home side into the lead in the 51st minute. Osomebi’s lofted cross from the left was headed back across the six yard line by Paulo Sousa from beyond the far post, where Gerens James for once got the better of his close marker Dylan Peel, chesting the ball down with great composure and driving home in one movement.

Hamza Kaid almost made it 3-1 in the 55th minute, Blatchford blocking the shot after a classy interchange of passing on the right had prised open the visitors’ defence. Back came Liskeard and substitute Sam Rogers’ first touch was a 20-yard volley that flew marginally high and wide. And The Blues came close to salvaging their remarkable record in an amazing few seconds in the 71st minute, when they had a header cleared off the line, volleyed the clearance against the upright, and saw keeper Jason Robertson tip over a header from the rebound.

That was the last seen of the visitors’ attacking threat as Mousehole completely controlled the remainder of the game, with Blatchford again keeping the score down with big saves from Lez Cela on 74 and substitute Amin Ahmed on 80, with the latter also miscontrolling a great chance in front of goal on 89.

The scene is now set for an exciting last two months of the league season, with just seven points separating the top five teams. Mousehole are in 5th place, five points behind Liskeard, who have a game in hand, and seven points behind the new leaders Porthleven, who have played a game more. St Dennis and Wadebridge Town are one point ahead of The Seagulls having played four and two games more, respectively, and with much worse goal differences. Significantly, seven of Mousehole’s last nine games are at home, including against both Wadebridge and Porthleven – the latter being the last match of the season – with an away trip to St Dennis a few days before.

Meanwhile, Mousehole’s next fixture is another tough challenge this Saturday (2nd March) when they make the long journey to the other side of Plymouth to take on Premier Division team Elburton Villa in the quarter finals of the League Cup. The Seagulls are the only Division 1 representatives left in the competition, having already beaten three higher-league sides in Newquay and Sticker away, and Plymouth Argyle at home. Kick off at Haye Road is at 2.30 pm, with extra time and penalties if necessary to decide the outcome. The winners will play high-flying Premier Division Saltash United in the semi-finals at a neutral venue on Tuesday 26th March.

Mousehole: Jason Robertson, Billy Curtis (captain), Liam Andrew, Ben Williams, Kevin Nicholson, Lez Cela, Lorenzo Qerimi, Paulo Sousa, Hamza Kaid, Gerens James, Dan Osomebi

Substitutes: Callum George (for Lorenzo Qerimi, 61), Amin Ahmed (for Dan Osomebi, 77), Amara Bakayoko (for Hamza Kaid, 90+3), Tyler Tonkin, Sam Schulberg

Scorers: Liskeard – James Lorenz (16). Mousehole – Dan Osomebi (42), Gerens James (51)

Referee: Simon Long. Attendance: 128

by Jeff Richardson

SATURDAY PREVIEW – MOUSEHOLE VS LISKEARD

MOUSEHOLE v LISKEARD ATHLETIC

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2019

AT TRUNGLE PARC

“MATCH OF THE DAY” AS MOUSEHOLE HOST UNBEATEN LEAGUE LEADERS ON SATURDAY

An intriguing and much-anticipated match is lined up for Trungle Parc on Saturday with the visit of table-topping Liskeard Athletic. The Blues have won 14 of their 17 league games, making them the title favourites in some quarters. But Mousehole have a great opportunity to challenge those opinions and make their own headlines.

Liskeard have a reputation for playing attacking football, spearheaded by 40-goal James Lorenz, but they can also grind out results without playing at their best, as evidenced by a last minute winner against the run of play at fellow title rivals Porthleven a month ago, and in the 1-0 Charity Cup quarter final two weeks ago at Wendron United.

Mousehole drew 1-1 at Liskeard’s Lux Park in November when the home side’s late 88th minute equaliser prompted big celebrations that suggested how much a point against The Seagulls meant to them.

Mousehole’s attractive playing style is also widely recognised and they will in no way consider themselves underdogs on Saturday. They are in a fine run of recent form, having a 100% record over four matches since the New Year with a aggregate score of 20 against one. Occupying fifth place in the table they have several games in hand over most of the teams above them.

A Seagulls win will not only put an end to Liskeard’s hopes of going through this season undefeated – a feat achieved by the championship-winning Mousehole team of 2015/16 – but will also narrow the gap between the two teams to just five points.

Clearly, nothing will be finally decided on Saturday, but with nine games left, seven of them at home, including on four consecutive Saturdays in March, the last two months of Mousehole’s campaign could turn out to be exceedingly interesting.

Kick-off for this “Match of the Day” is at 3pm – visitors arriving by car are advised to arrive early to avoid congestion. Admission charges are £4, with concessions at £2 and accompanied under-16s free. The clubhouse will be open to all-comers, serving a variety of food and drink.

by Jeff Richardson

RESERVES PROGRESS TO JUNIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL

LOSTWITHIEL 1-4 MOUSEHOLE RESERVES

BOND TIMBER CORNWALL JUNIOR CUP, QUARTER FINAL

SATURDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2019

AT KING GEORGE MEMORIAL GROUND

Despite their respective League positions – with Mousehole Reserves in the top reaches of the Trelawny League Premier Division and Lostwithiel bottom of the equivalent Duchy League Premier – there was always a chance that this knock-out tie could have been decided by a stroke of luck, a bad bounce or a controversial decision.

But The Seagulls took the game by the scruff of the neck from the start, on a soft but well-prepared pitch in front of a good home crowd including a band of Seagulls’ supporters making the long 100-mile return trip.

Mousehole took the lead in the second minute after a free kick was crossed to the feet of captain Joe Davies, and seven minutes later Jacob Trudgeon scored goal number two after a solo run.

Both teams were involved in an intense midfield battle and tried to play attacking football, the Reserves having the advantage of a strong tail wind, which influenced the pattern of the first half to a degree.

On the 40th minute mark Joe Davies scored his second of the afternoon with a superb free kick, and shortly afterwards he notched his hat-trick to give Mousehole a commanding four-goal lead at the interval.

Lostwithel netted a penalty three minutes into the second half, and then started to put the pressure on, but some dogged defence and midfield play kept them at bay.

But the visitors still looked dangerous, with Fitchett up front denied goal number 5 by the assistant referee’s offside flag, and Jamie Simons’ celebrations cut short as his fine shot hit the upright and was cleared off the line by a defender.

Full credit to Lostwithiel who never give up and probably had the better of the second half, but Mousehole’s all-round team performance was superior.

The Lostwithiel camp gave this generous assessment of the game on Twitter: “We were outplayed today and the scoreline was a fair reflection on he game. Mousehole scored in the first minute and again in the tenth with two well taken goals. Another two before half time knocked the stuffing out of us. We pulled one back on 48 from a Jon Harris penalty and showed character and real guts to keep going but never threatened to get back in the game. Mousehole are a top side.”

The Junior Cup semi-finals are scheduled for midweek dates at the end of March at neutral venues. Mousehole Reserves will be joined in the draw by Frogpool & Cusgarne (top of Trelawny Division 2), Foxhole Stars (unbeaten leaders of Duchy Premier) and Illogan RBL Reserves (in third place in Trelawny Premier).

The Final will be on Sunday 5th May.

Mousehole Reserves: DomAngove, Jonathan Fitchett, Jason Simmonds, Michael Fitchett, Nathan Goodspeed, Joe Davies (captain), Benji Ward, Jacob Trudgeon, Caleb Marsden, Harry Tonkin, Jamie Simons, Ben Fewkes, Tom McGarry

Now sixth in the table, the Reserves are next in action in the return League fixture this Saturday (23rd, kick off 2.30pm) away at second-place Mawnan, who were 2-1 winners at Trungle Parc on 9th February.

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH REPORT – PLYMOUTH MARJON 1-5 MOUSEHOLE

PLYMOUTH MARJON 1-5 MOUSEHOLE

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2019

AT DERRIFORD ROAD CAMPUS

Mousehole picked up their fourth win in a row – and their second five-goal haul in consecutive away matches – with a measured performance on Plymouth Marjon’s synthetic pitch, to extend their 100% start to 2019 during which they have scored 20 goals and conceded just one.

The key to this latest success was the now familiar ball retention and recovery, quick passing and use of space – with Marjon in the end overrun and perhaps fortunate not to lose by a greater margin.

The hosts certainly did themselves no favours as they accumulated no less than six yellow cards for constantly arguing with referee Toby Scanlan’s decisions, including a self-inflicted second yellow and sending-off for Sam McGowan as he persisted in dissent after the award of a corner in the second half. And his dismissal was immediately made worse for his team as centre back Ben Williams increased Mousehole’s lead by heading in the flag kick at the far post.

Paulo Sousa had put The Seagulls ahead in the 20th minute with a deft side-foot finish at the near post after Lez Cela had fed Hamza Kaid for a hard low cross from the right. But the lead was short-lived as the unmarked Liam Donovan headed in a simple chance from close range five minutes later. Sousa then put the visitors back in the lead seconds before half time, stroking in a penalty awarded after Dan Yeoman had been drawn in to a clumsy and unnecessary challenge on Hamza Kaid just inside the box, despite vociferous protests by the home side.

After Ben Williams’ goal, Mousehole were completely in control, with keeper Liam Hooks pulling off a succession of brave saves to thwart Gerens James, Kevin Nicholson, Lez Cela and substitute Amin Ahmed. But he was powerless to prevent Hamza Kaid making it 4-1 with ten minutes to go after being put through by a Nicholson/James combination.

Marjon had a rare sight of goal five minutes from time when Donovan pulled his shot wide after a breakaway, ensuring that goalkeeper Jason Robertson had a quiet last hour. Gerens James notched his customary score in added-on time, applying the finishing touch from a few yards out at the end of a prolonged siege on the home goal.

Mousehole’ last ten league fixtures of the season consist of eight at home and only two away, so optimism is high in The Seagulls’ camp for a rousing climax to the campaign, with the team currently in fifth place with games in hand, and matches against all four sides above them.

The first of those is this coming Saturday (23rd) when unbeaten league leaders Liskeard Athletic are the visitors, kick off 3pm. The two teams drew 1-1 at Lux Park in November, with the home side grabbing an 88th minute equaliser. Mousehole go into Saturday’s match knowing that a win would narrow the gap to just five points.

The following Saturday (2nd March) The Seagulls travel to Premier Division side Elburton Villa looking to achieve another cup giant-killing in the previously postponed quarter final of the SWP League Cup, kick off 2.30pm.

Mousehole v Plymouth Marjon: Jason Robertson, Tyler Tonkin, Billy Curtis (captain), Ben Williams, Kevin Nicholson, Lorenzo Qerimi, Lez Cela, Paulo Sousa, Kaid Hamza, Gerens James, Dan Osomebi

Substitutes: Liam Andrew (for Tyler Tonkin 46), Amin Ahmed (for Dan Osomebi 64), Callum George (for Lorenzo Qerimi 75), Asmara Bakayoko, Sam Shulberg

Scorers: Paulo Sousa (20, 45 pen), Ben Williams (72), Hamza Kaid (81), Gerens James (90+4)

Referee: Toby Scanlan

* The return match with Plymouth Marjon at Trungle Parc is on Saturday 6th April (3pm) – with free admission for all.