Author: Jeff Richardson

by Jeff Richardson

SUPER STRIKE PUTS SEAGULLS INTO ANOTHER CUP FINAL

LISKEARD ATHLETIC 0-1 MOUSEHOLE

CORNWALL ‘DURNING LAWRENCE’ CHARITY CUP SEMI-FINAL

WEDNESDAY 16^TH MAY 2018

AT MOUNT WISE, NEWQUAY AFC

Mousehole marched into the Final of the Cornwall FA ‘Durning Lawrence’ Charity Cup with a late but spectacular goal to break Athletic’s stubborn rearguard resistance.

The Seagulls were playing their third semi-final in a remarkable run of success in this season’s three Cup competitions, and after the earlier 2-0 defeat in the semi-final of the League Cup by Premier Division runners-up Tavistock, and the gallant 3-2 loss on Sunday to higher-division Saltash United in a first-ever Senior Cup Final appearance, they will fancy their chances of picking up some well-earned silverware against Wadebridge Town in next week’s Charity Cup Final.

Liskeard had finished their League season fifth in the table, one place and two points behind Mousehole, so a close contest was expected. However, the narrow scoreline was mainly due to an eye-catching display by ‘keeper Chris Hoare whose defiant shot-stopping stood between Mousehole and the much bigger goal margin their overall team performance deserved.

In the early stages of the first half Liskeard looked lively with fast breaks from midfield, and Steve Parker-Billinge was forced into a close range save from Tom Cleveland as the striker burst through on the left on 8 minutes. Mousehole gradually started to impose themselves, with Hoare foiling shots by Jake Andrew, Josh Otto and Calum Elliot twice from 30-yards, as well as tipping over a Jake Andrew header just before half time, to earn his side a 0-0 reprieve at the interval.

Mousehole continued on the offensive in the second half, with Liskeard content to fall back and rely on the speed of James Lorenz to chase swiftly delivered long balls. However, the 36-goal marksman was superbly marshalled by The Seagulls’ back line, aided by Steve Parker-Billinge’s alert anticipation.

Hoare somehow put various parts of his body in the way of goal-bound shots by Josh Otto, Tyler Tonkin and substitute Luke Johnson, while his fellow defenders increasingly resorted to desperate measures, picking up a series of yellow cards. Liam Andrew also went into the book with ten minutes to go after a clash of heads with Adam King as he keenly contested an inviting corner, the incident requiring prolonged on-pitch attention to his opponent.

And a few minutes later, on 86 minutes, Mousehole’s persistence paid off with a goal of supreme quality. After a clever piece of triangular interplay had created a few millimetres of space on the right-hand edge of the penalty box , William Vouama suddenly swivelled inside on to his left foot and released a fierce drive that was still rising into the far top corner as it sped past the helpless ‘keeper.

Mousehole safely played out the remainder of the game, including five minutes of added time, and even came close to doubling the score when Hoare yet again came to his side’s rescue, tipping over a typical strong shot from Luke Johnson.

So The Seagulls progress to their second Charity Cup Final in three years and will be looking to repeat the memorable events of two years ago when a 5-0 thumping victory over St Dennis at Bodmin Town clinched a historic Cup and League double. This time round, the other finalists are mid-table finishers Wadebridge Town, 3-2 semi-final winners over St Blazey.

The Final is confirmed for Friday 25th May at Penryn FC. Kick Off 7.30pm.

This season’s Charity Cup is in aid of the Invictus Trust, a relatively new Cornwall-based charity set up to provide for local adolescents needing mental health support.

Mousehole: Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin, Liam Andrew, Calum Elliot, Billy Curtis (captain), Kevin Lawrence, Jamie Thomson, William Vouama, Paulo Sousa, Josh Otto, Jake Andrew. Substitutes: Luke Johnson (for Paulo Sousa, 78), Connor Davey, Paul Williams, Louis Graham, Matt McIlroy.

Scorer: William Vouama (86).

Officials: Steve Annis (Referee), Adam Price & Stuart Kane (Assistant Referees), Andrew McKnight (4^th Official)

by Jeff Richardson

STUPENDOUS SEAGULLS SO CLOSE TO MAJOR CUP UPSET

MOUSEHOLE 2-3 SALTASH UNITED

CORNWALL SENIOR CUP FINAL

SUNDAY 13^TH MAY 2018

AT BLAISE PARK, ST BLAZEY AFC

Mousehole played a massive part in a highly entertaining and exciting afternoon’s football in front of a near-400 crowd in warm sunny conditions, making light of their lower league status and keeping the game on a knife edge right up to the final whistle.

The Seagulls had never before in their near-100 year history reached the Final of the County’s prestigious competition – let alone the semi-finals – but by contrast The Ashes were looking to put right a record of being five-times beaten finalists in the previous 13 years. Both teams had finished their respective League seasons in fourth place, with Premier Division Saltash standing 20 places above Mousehole in the Peninsula ‘pyramid’.

But Mousehole made the worst possible start to the game in a nervous opening 12 minutes. Sam Farrant did the first damage after just 68 seconds with a lofted shot high into the net from the right side of the box after Ryan Richards had stolen possession in midfield and played a simple ball through. And Saltash’s strong tackling and direct running exposed the left side of Mousehole’s defence again as Sam Hughes broke through unchallenged from the right to slot home for 2-0 on 12 minutes despite the best efforts of Tyler Tonkin on the line.

The Seagulls’ shell-shocked players and large band of supporters were given hope two minutes later by Jake Andrew who in typical fashion was in the right place to head Kevin Lawrence’s left-sided free kick firmly down into the corner of the net for a 2-1 scoreline after just 14 minutes.

Saltash threatened further goals in the 24^th minute, Steve Parker-Billinge diving to keep out a close-range drive from Farrant, with Callum O’Brien heading wide from the resulting corner. At the other end goalkeeper Ash Clelland had to be at full stretch to collect another Jake Andrew header from a pinpoint Calum Elliot free kick on 33 minutes, as Mousehole started at last to make an impact on the pattern of play. A couple of minutes before half-time Luke Johnson went off with an injury having given The Ashes’ defence a torrid time.

The Seagulls made a much more assertive start to the second half, Paulo Sousa firing a right-footed shot just wide of the far post after an incisive move in the first minute. Two more half chances came from speedy runs to the byeline by substitute Steven Ziboth operating on the left, with the Saltash defence just managing to scramble the ball away. Kevin Lawrence then drove inches past the post from 20 yards on 56 minutes as The Seagulls pegged their opponents back in their own half.

Mousehole were now enjoying much better ball possession, with Saltash relying on breakaways, feeding the ball quickly through to exploit top scorer Ryan Richards’ clever running. In a two minute spell, Jake Andrew was just unable to place his header for a likely-looking equaliser after a superb five-man passing move and a carefully measured Kevin Lawrence cross after 68 minutes, while Steve Parker-Billinge had to pull off a great save as Richards looked certain to score.

With the next goal likely to prove crucial, Mousehole conceded a third on 78 minutes in the most unfortunate of circumstances. Calum Elliot, off the field for several minutes with a blood injury, was just being waved back on to the field by referee Stuart Kane as Richards gathered a ball over the top in space normally occupied by Elliot and drove a dipping shot into the net from 20 yards for what turned out to be the winner.

To their immense credit, Mousehole stormed back to make it 3-2 in the 82^nd minute with a firmly-struck Steven Ziboth penalty following a foul on William Vouama as he jinked in towards goal. The momentum was now with The Seagulls, with the rowdy crowd in fine voice and The Ashes vulnerable-looking defenders resorting to several fouls and yellow cards to break up play. Goalkeeper Clelland came to their rescue with two good saves from Steven Ziboth and from Billy Curtis as the referee rightly added eight minutes of added time in response to Saltash’s time-wasting tactics at set pieces.

At the end, Mousehole had done all they could, being the better footballing side and more committed team for the last hour, while Saltash will have been relieved to hear the referee’s whistle and at last to get their name of the Cup.

The Seagulls have a great chance to make this form count in Wednesday’s Cornwall Charity Cup Semi-Final when they face Liskeard Athletic at Mount Wise, Newquay AFC, kick off 7.30pm. Liskeard finished in 5^th place, one place and two points behind Mousehole, after being neck-and-neck at the top for much of the season. The winners will play either St Blazey or Wadebridge Town, whose semi-final is tomorrow, Tuesday, at Sticker AFC, with the date and venue of the Final to be announced in due course.

Mousehole: Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin, Billy Curtis (captain), Liam Andrew, Calum Elliot, Kevin Lawrence, Jordan Adlard, William Vouama, Paulo Sousa, Luke Johnson, Jake Andrew

Substitutes: Steven Ziboth (for Luke Johnson, 44), Josh Otto (for Jordan Adlard, 82), Connor Davey (for Tyler Tonkin, 86), Yeshe Briar, Paul Williams .

Officials: Stuart Kane (Referee), Kevin Knowles & Robin Tucker (Assistant Referees) and Derek Hughes (4th Official).

Attendance: 392

by Jeff Richardson

SAM’S THE MAN – FORMER TORQUAY AND YEOVIL MAN JOINS THE SEAGULLS

Mousehole and the Endorsed Academy have significantly bolstered their strategy for a bright future with the appointment of Sam Shulberg, who will play a multiple role in the club’s long-term plans.

Shulberg was the First-team goalkeeping coach at Yeovil Town – the youngest in Football League history – and stepped in as Assistant Manager on an occasion, as well as being instrumental in the set up of their Academy. Joining from Torquay United where he began coaching the First team and ended up running the Academy, he is a UEFA-qualified coach.

As the inaugural Head of Education for the Endorsed Academy, the 23-year old will be responsible for both Further and Higher Education Learning, which will form an integral and vital part of the partnership between Endorsed and Mousehole AFC.

The 23-year old is full of enthusiasm for his new venture: “The ambitious developments and vision of Mousehole and the Endorsed Academy are very much in line with my own thinking. I’m delighted to be able to make a contribution as we continue to realise the potential in this untouched ‘goldmine’ area for young talent. I’m looking forward to breaking new ground with the Head of Education role, as we develop exciting plans to build an incredible club and sports platform in Cornwall.”

Shulberg is no stranger to Mousehole, as he deputised in goal for the injured Steve Parker-Billinge when The Seagulls pulled off a shock 3-2 win in the League Cup at unbeaten leaders Ludgvan earlier in the season.

by Jeff Richardson

LATE GOALS END SEAGULLS’ TITLE HOPES, BUT STILL LOTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO!

ILLOGAN RBL 3-3 MOUSEHOLE

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

TUESDAY 1^ST MAY 2018

AT OXLAND PARC

Mousehole dropped two points against bottom side Illogan in a dramatic final few minutes after looking good for the win that would have kept them in the hunt for the League title and promotion.

Unforced defensive mistakes gifted the hosts a useful point to take them off the foot of the table, and at the same time ensured that The Seagulls cannot pick up enough points from their remaining two games to finish top. And as it now stands their only chance of promotion is to finish second behind Ludgvan (who are not promotion applicants), which in turn relies on The Hurlers winning the League, Millbrook losing their last three games, and Liskeard Athletic, Porthleven and Elburton Villa all dropping more points than they gain.

On a cold dark evening with driving rain and a strong wind blowing down the pitch, Mousehole named the same starting line-up as for Saturday’s stirring win over Millbrook, whereas Illogan have had difficulty raising a team recently and on this occasion added players from the reserve and third team to their squad.

Playing with the wind in their favour in the first half, The Seagulls enjoyed periods of sustained possession and created enough chances to have built up a comfortable scoreline. But for all their dominance, it was only 2-0 at the interval, and it turned out to be a too-slender lead in the conditions.

In the 10^th minute Kevin Lawrence’s inswinging left-sided corner was headed against the post by Jake Andrew, and a minute later his longer corner from the same spot was headed firmly home by the leaping Liam Andrew to make it 1-0. Lawrence and Jake Andrew with shots and Paulo Sousa with a header all came close to increasing the lead, and in an end-to-end last five minutes of the half, the Illogan goal survived a series of close-range threats, while at the other end Steve Parker-Billinge had to come out sharply to smother a chance, and an unchallenged header from in front of goal went wide. Eventually, and on the stroke of half-time, Jake Andrew doubled the score, just getting above his marker to head home from six yards in a goalmouth scramble.

Early in the second half, Mousehole came close to increasing their lead through Luke Johnson, driving high into the side netting from an angle on 55, and Paulo Sousa, denied by a smart ‘keeper save after the best move of the match on 58. But at only 2-0 down, Illogan started to make the most of the wind and slippery surface, with Steve Parker-Billinge saving from Harry Sargeant following a great driving run from the halfway line, and after Will Vouama had just failed to get on the end of a dangerous low cross by Luke Johnson, a defensive blunder let Illogan back into the match. Parker-Billinge was robbed of the ball as he attempted to shepherd the ball out of play on the edge of the box and only a foul in front of an unattended net from the cross prevented a goal, with Sargeant putting away the penalty on 68 minutes.

Normal service for The Seagulls looked to be resumed three minutes later when substitute Josh Otto coolly sidefooted home when put in the clear after a good but increasingly rare passing movement for 3-1. The youngster had a similar chance a few minutes later but chose to pass instead of shoot and the ball was cleared.

And, perhaps predictably, Illogan stepped up the energy levels in the last ten minutes. The visitors conceded an unnecessary free kick on the right-hand side of their 18-yard area, from which left back Aaron Myers skimmed a low curling shot into the far corner for 3-2 on 83 minutes. The momentum was now with the home side, constantly harrying their opponents in their own half, and as time was running out they profited from sloppiness at the back when Dave Mitchell stole the ball after a too-casual pass out of the box and duly slotted home for 3-3 and a draw which had earlier looked most unlikely. And as with the matches earlier in the season at St Dennis (4-4) and Plymstock United (3-3) when opponents built up a head of steam to overturn winning leads, Mousehole will have been thankful to hear the final whistle.

Mousehole still have a lot to look forward to this season.

They have a chance of improving on last year’s sixth position in their last two League matches, both at home, with lowly but resolute Plymstock United the visitors on Saturday (5^th May) at 3pm, followed by the Bank Holiday Monday finale against currently 7th placed St Blazey at the earlier kick off time of 2pm.
Then on Sunday 13^th May, it’s the Cornwall Senior Cup Final – The Seagulls’ first-ever appearance in the County’s prestige cup competition – against Premier Division Saltash United at Blaise Park, the HQ of St Blazey, kick off 2pm.
Following that, Mousehole face Liskeard Athletic in the semi-final of the Cornwall Charity Cup on Wednesday 16^th May at Newquay FC, kick off 7.30pm, with the winners facing either Wadebridge Town or St Blazey in the Final (date and venue to be confirmed).

Mousehole v Illogan: Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin, Liam Andrew, Calum Elliot, Billy Curtis (captain), Kevin Lawrence, Jordan Adlard, William Vouama, Paulo Sousa, Luke Johnson, Jake Andrew.

Substitutes: Josh Otto (for Jordan Adlard, 33), Ryan Holland (for Paulo Sousa, 70), Connor Davey (for Jake Andrew, 78), Jamie Thomson, Steven Ziboth.

Scorers:

Mousehole – Liam Andrew, 11 (0-1); Jake Andrew 45 (0-2); Josh Otto, 71 (1-3).

Illogan – Harry Sargeant, 68 pen (1-2); Aaron Myers, 83 (2-3); Dave Mitchell, 88 (3-3)

Referee: Marc Rose.

by Jeff Richardson

PROMOTED CHAMPIONS SIGN OFF SEASON IN FINE STYLE

HAYLE RESERVES 3-5 MOUSEHOLE RESERVES

TRELAWNY LEAGUE DIVISION 1

SATURDAY 28^TH APRIL 2018

AT TREVASSACK PARK 3G PITCH

Mousehole Reserves completed their League fixtures and finished off a memorable week – having guaranteed themselves promotion three games previously and then securing the title at RNAS Culdrose on Wednesday – with another win in an exciting end-to-end game at third-place Hayle Reserves on Saturday.

Their superb playing record for the League season reads: Played 20, Won 17, Drawn 2 and Lost 1, with 78 goals scored and 18 conceded. Those stats, remarkable in themselves, conceal a fascinating club record in that they won all ten of their away games during the season, the only Mousehole team to achieve that in living memory.

Playing their fourth game in a week, The Seagulls were without Matt Howes, JJ Simmonds and Lee Robinson, but still had enough strength in depth in the squad to put a competitive side on the field. It took a lot of effort to get going and start playing in the more accustomed manner, with early shots on goal from Tom Hooper and Nathan Goodspeed going wide of the target, and Jonathan Fitchett in the Mousehole goal having a busy period and just managing to finger tip a Hayle shot over the bar.

However, against the flow of play The Seagulls scored the opener with a combination between Chris Bullock and Tom Patrick whose shot found the back of the net.

Hayle then started to pile on the pressure, the Mousehole defence looking in trouble as numerous attacks started to break through the line, and it took some sterling work by Player-Manager Harry Tonkin to calm the situation. But Hayle were rewarded for the efforts when a forward dribbled past several defenders to shoot home for an equaliser. Fitchett was called on again to make a superb save to keep the scores level, though he was powerless as Hayle scored their second to take the lead a minute before the half-time whistle.

Following the start of the second half Mousehole appeared more focused, and good work by the forwards resulted in several on-target shots. The Hayle ‘keeper made a fine save to keep out a Chris Bullock free kick at the expense of a corner, but from the resulting flag-kick Josh Storey headed in to make it 2-2. Shortly afterwards Michael Fitchett’s mid-air challenge resulted in a head injury and he was replaced by Caleb Marsden. Marsden had missed the two midweek games through injury but he quickly established some influence and a few minutes after shooting just wide of the post he scored to put Mousehole into the lead again at 3-2.

Responding to this setback Hayle were awarded a penalty, but the spot kick hit the upright and was netted on the re-bound, with the assistant referee flagging for offside but over-ruled by the referee, so that the scores were now level at 3-3. Back came Mousehole, and Josh Storey popped up for his second goal to take the score to 4-3. It was not long before Mousehole were awarded a penalty of their own, and after some ‘discussion’ it was the captain’s decision to give the opportunity to Josh Storey, and he duly despatched the kick for his hat-trick to complete the scoring.

After another ‘Flying All Together’ performance, the League Championship Shield was presented by a Cornwall FA official to Mousehole Reserves’ captain Joe Davies and the team, together with individual player medals.

The squad has developed a winning mentality, as evidenced by their season’s playing record, and the only ‘what-might-have-been’ is the other silverware they might have picked up if the various Cup competitions had not been cancelled after a weather-disrupted few months.

So, Harry Tonkin and Mark Trevail’s men return to the Trelawny League Premier Division just one season after relegation, and they will be looking to continue their impressive form at the higher level when the new campaign gets under way in late August.

Mousehole Reserves on the day: Jonathan Fitchett, Joe Davies (captain), Tom McGarry, Harry Tonkin, Michael Fitchett, Chris Bullock, Jamie Simons, Tom Hooper, Nathan Goodspeed, Caleb Marsden, Josh Storey, Louis Main, Kyle Bickmore, Mark Trevail, Tom Patrick, Tom George.

Luke Johnson after winner vs Millbrook with Jake Andrew, Will Vouama and Billy Curtis

by Jeff Richardson

THRILLING WIN AGAINST LEAGUE LEADERS KEEPS MOUSEHOLE’S CHANCES ALIVE

MOUSEHOLE 2-1 MILLBROOK

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 28^TH APRIL 2018, AT TRUNGLE PARC

Mousehole overturned a 1-0 interval deficit with an impressive second half performance to earn a deserved win which keeps them still in contention near the top of the League, and at the same time ended Millbrook’s unbeaten run of 15 League games stretching back to mid-October.

This was The Seagulls’ fourth win in a row under new Player-Manager Calum Elliot, but they had to step up a gear after half-time to prevent Millbrook going home with the win which would have given them a nine point lead over The Seagulls, who have three League fixtures left to play.

Millbrook had managed their recent fixture congestion well, with three wins in the space of five days, but despite Saturday’s defeat they will still finish top if they win their four remaining games, three of which are away.

The visitors started the game strongly, pressing the home side all over the pitch and creating enough chances to have built up a good first-half lead. Steve Parker-Billinge in the Mousehole goal had to punch away a dangerous inswinging corner in the first minute, and in the 9^th minute the visitors were awarded a disputed penalty for an alleged foul tackle, but they squandered the gift Ryan Knight’s spot kick rebounded to safety off the left-hand post. Another chance went begging when Jake Foster put the ball over the bar from a long left-wing cross on 17 minutes. But the opening goal did arrive in the 32^nd minute, when a right-sided free kick to the far post was headed back across goal and captain Tom Hall, who went upfield from the back for every set piece to add his height, glanced a simple downward header into the corner of the net from eight yards. And with Millbrook in the ascendancy, a swift break down the left ended with a shot over the angle. In the meantime, Mousehole had a couple of attempts on goal but William Vouama found giant ‘keeper Konstantin Andrejenko in defiant form with a couple of blocks.

The second half was a marked contrast, with Mousehole playing with renewed purpose and energy, winning most of the 50/50 balls, retaining possession across the pitch and forcing Millbrook to retreat into defensive formation. The tone was set when Paulo Sousa’s header from Luke Johnson’s cross beat Andrejenko but was hacked off the line on 47 minutes, and two minutes later Johnson’s pass across the six yard line was cleared, as was a searching Tyler Tonkin cross in the next attack. Johnson then shot just over after cutting in from the left, and, on 52 minutes, Jake Andrew’s headed ‘goal’ was disallowed for offside. But The Seagulls’ top scorer was not to be denied in the 57^th minute, grabbing the equaliser with a carefully guided header into the far corner from yet another Johnson assist. Scenting another goal against deflated and tiring opponents, Johnson put in an audacious lob from 40 yards out on the touchline that sailed just wide and Will Vouama’s fierce 18-yard free kick was parried wide by Andrejenko.

In an extraordinary incident in the 73^rd minute, in virtually the visitors’ only serious attack in the second period, Ryan Knight again wasted a golden opportunity to put Millbrook back in the lead when he scuffed his shot wide from close range after Jake Foster’s mis-hit shot from the right had found him lurking unattended at the far post. At the other end, Millbrook had their goalkeeper to thank with a triple save from close range shots in the 79^th minute. But three minutes later, after incessant pressure, Mousehole went into the lead when Luke Johnson finished off a superb move, with Kevin Lawrence and Ryan Holland creating the space on the right for Vouama to curl a measured cross to the far side of the six yard box where Johnson raced in from the left to side-foot home.

Elliot and his men continued to look after the ball and saw the game out sensibly to maintain fifth position among the top six teams, who are now separated by just six points.

Mousehole have recorded wins against all the top sides since December except Elburton Villa (the only side to claim a home and away double over them this season), but their final away match this Tuesday at Illogan (Oxland Parc, TR16 4DQ, kick off 6.45pm) may prove to be an equally difficult assignment. With Illogan having recently replaced season-long bottom club Bude Town at the foot of the table, they will be looking to make headlines by upsetting the form book, and usually give visiting Mousehole teams a tough time.

The Seagulls then return to Trungle Parc for their last-but-one League fixture on Saturday against Plymstock United, who sit in 15^th place just above Illogan and Bude. It’s an ideal opportunity for Mousehole to banish memories of a 3-3 draw at Deans Cross at the end of October, when they let slip a three goal lead. Then on Bank Holiday Monday at the earlier kick off time of 2pm, it’s League game 32 out of 32, with the visit of St Blazey who were beaten 5-2 at home by Mousehole three weeks ago.

Mousehole: Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin, Liam Elliot, Liam Andrew, Billy Curtis (captain), Kevin Lawrence, Jordan Adlard, William Vouama, Paulo Sousa, Luke Johnson, Jake Andrew.

Substitutes: Ryan Holland (for Jordan Adlard, 75), Jamie Thomson, Connor Davey, Chris Prout, Paul Williams.

Scorers: Millbrook – Tom Hall (32). Mousehole – Jake Andrew (57), Luke Johnson (82).

Referee: Graham Rickard. Attendance: 70.

by Jeff Richardson

MOUSEHOLE, MILLBROOK & MATHS!

MOUSEHOLE v MILLBROOK

SATURDAY 28^TH APRIL 2018

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

AT TRUNGLE PARC, KICK OFF 3PM

Fifth-place Mousehole face top-of-the-table Millbrook tomorrow in a vital match for both teams.

If Mousehole continue their fine winning form, with three victories in a row under new Player-Manager Calum Elliot, they will remain in touching distance of the four teams above them – Millbrook, Liskeard, Ludgvan and Porthleven. And with points guaranteed to be dropped in the Liskeard v Ludgvan encounter on the same day and another four matches to play involving top-six ‘head to heads’, it could make for a very interesting last few games of the season, with the six title rivals currently separated by only seven points.

If however Millbrook win at Trungle Parc – on paper the most difficult of their remaining five games – they will continue to lead the table and at the same time have a nine point advantage and greatly superior goal difference over The Seagulls, who will then have only three games left.

Millbrook have lost only three League games all season and beat Mousehole 4-1 at Jenkins Park on 19^th August. They have not lost a League match since a floodlit 4-2 defeat at Elburton Villa on 17^th October, since when they have won 11 and drawn 4. Their other previous defeats were 1-0 at Illogan and 3-0 at home to Penzance. Millbrook are the Division’s highest scorers with 88 goals – one better than Liskeard – and have conceded 37 – again one better than Liskeard and equal to Elburton. They have two players in the ‘Golden Boot’ charts – Rikki Shepherd with 15 goals and Ryan Knight with 14.

The club is expecting a sizeable crowd for this important fixture and car drivers are asked to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion on entry to the ground. The clubhouse will be open as usual from early on, with all-comers welcome, and a free match programme will be available.

by Jeff Richardson

RESERVES SUPERB SEASON CAPPED BY PROMOTION AND NOW THE CHAMPIONSHIP

RNAS CULDROSE RESERVES 1-3 MOUSEHOLE RESERVES

TRELAWNY LEAGUE DIVISION 1

WEDNESDAY 25^TH APRIL 2018

Already promoted back to the Premier Division after relegation last year, Mousehole Reserves have been sitting on top of Division 1 for most of the season and needed a win to secure their status as League champions.

And on an evening notable for a strong blustery wind – not altogether unexpected at this venue – The Seagulls bagged the necessary three points to give an unassailable lead over Penwith Exiles with one game still to play, but they had to come from behind and work hard to get this win.

It was clear from the start that Culdrose, with nothing to lose, could taste an upset in the air, with the pressure firmly on the visitors. In the early stages little went Mousehole’s way, with Chris Bullock twice and Lee Robinson and Nathan Goodspeed off target. Then, on the break, the hosts took a shock lead, a fine shot from the left just tucking under ‘keeper Jonathan Fitchett.

Mousehole took a while to settle after this, but they then came close on several occasions with shots from Chris Bullock and Nathan Goodspeed, a free kick from captain Joe Davies that just clipped the crossbar, and a penalty shout when Michael Fitchett was brought down in the area.

A change of formation followed, with Michael Fitchett brought into a more central position to take advantage of his height and JJ Simmonds going out wide to the left wing. And it soon paid dividends when Fitchett won a cross and flicked it on to Goodspeed for a solid strike under the Culdrose keeper into the net for an equaliser and a massive feeling of relief.

In the second half the wind caused difficulty for both sides, although Mousehole seemed to adapt better, with the back four again impressive. It was not long before a break on the right wing found JJ Simmonds combining with Louis Main whose fine effort sailed into the Culdrose net for a 2-1 lead. And the champions-elect made it 3-1 a few minutes later after Fitchett’s darting run into the penalty box was halted illegally, with Chris Bullock converting the spot kick.

But Culdrose came back, only to shoot wide of the right-hand upright from a penalty of their own, then forcing Jonathan Fitchett into a finger-tip save, and setting up a tense final ten minutes before the celebrations could begin.

A key aspect of the Mousehole performance was again a tremendous team spirt, with every individual working for each other in true ‘Flying All Together’ fashion. Player-Manager Harry Tonkin led from the touchline for the second game in a row and his mentoring and encouragement, ably supported by assistant Mark Trevail, was a major feature, as it has been throughout the season.

The Squad: Jonathan Fitchett, Joe Davies (captain) Tom McGarry, Harry Tonkin, Jason Simmonds, Michael Fitchett, Chris Bullock, Jamie Simons, Matthew Howes, Tom Hooper, Nathan Goodspeed, Caleb Marsden, Lee Robinson, Josh Storey, Louis Main, Jamie Robinson.

Mousehole Reserves’ last fixture of the season is this Saturday, 28^th April, away at Hayle Reserves (2.30pm), who are currently in third place. The Seagulls will be looking to maintain their superb record of 16 wins and only one defeat from 19 games so far, the Division’s highest scoring team (73 goals) and the meanest defence (15).

by Jeff Richardson

NOW ONE MORE RESERVES WIN NEEDED TO BE PROMOTED AS CHAMPIONS!

THREEMILESTONE 1-6 MOUSEHOLE RESERVES

TRELAWNY LEAGUE DIVISION 1

MONDAY 23^RD APRIL 2018, AT BOSCAWEN PARK

Already-promoted League leaders Mousehole Reserves travelled east to Truro for the second of their season-ending schedule of four away games in a week, and picked up another win in a fine performance characterised by huge team spirit with everyone playing their full part to earn the “FlyingAllTogether” accolade.

On a grey and overcast evening the rain held off until the closing stages of the match, as The Seagulls followed up Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 success at fourth-place Rosudgeon with a comprehensive win over the fifth-place Malpas-based side, to take them to within just three points of the title.

On this occasion, Player-Manager Harry Tonkin played a highly influential role from the touchline and while leaving all the hard work on the pitch to the younger players, none of them let him down and suggested there may be competition for his place!

Not long after kick-off, Mousehole had their first serious attack on the TMS goal, with Nathan Goodspeed’s shot going just wide of the upright. Shortly afterwards a brilliant cross by Michael Fitchett on the left wing found Lee Robinson on the right, who went past a defender to open the scoring.

TMS mounted attacking moves of their own, but a combination of solid defence work – with the back four of Matt Howes, Josh Storey, Tom McGarry and Joe Davies in impressive form – and a very determined mid-field ‘engine room’ keeping them at bay as was the case throughout the majority of the 90 minutes. The hosts did manage to put the ball in the net but the effort was disallowed by the referee for a foul.

Good work by Chris Bullock found JJ Simmonds in open space and the resulting shot doubled The Seagulls’ lead. Further good work from JJ returned the favour and Chris Bullock netted for a 3-0 advantage at the interval.

The second half started with another JJ/Bullock combination with the striker on target for goal number 4.

Louis Main who did some sterling work along the right wing throughout the game was replaced by Jamie Simons, quickly followed by Lee Robinson for Tom Patrick and Matt Howes for Tom Hooper. The momentum continued with another stunning pass from Fitchett on the left wing finding Goodspeed running on, who was then tumbled over in the TMS penalty box for a penalty. Chris Bullock stepped up for his hat-trick, the TMS ‘keeper made a great save, and Bullock was quick off the mark to net the loose ball for 5-0.

Nathan Goodspeed then found the net with a stunning shot from outside the box for goal number 6 to complete Mousehole’s scoring and give their goal difference a healthy boost.

Finally, TMS got a consolation goal when they were awarded a free kick just outside The Seagulls’ box and the resulting shot was deflected into the net off a defender leaving ‘keeper Jonathan Fitchett stranded.

So, it’s ‘full steam ahead’ for Mousehole Reserves with two games left to complete a superb season consisting so far of 15 wins from 18 games, two draws, one defeat, 70 goals scored and only 14 conceded. They are at third-from-bottom RNAS Culdrose on Wednesday evening (6.30pm), and then at third-from-top Hayle on Saturday (2.30pm).

The Seagulls are currently 8 points ahead of Penwith Exiles who have three games left, so one win will give them an unassailable lead and ensure they are promoted as champions in their first season since relegation from the Premier Division.

Squad: Jonathan Fitchett, Joe Davies (captain), Tom McGarry, Harry Tonkin, Jason Simmonds, Michael Fitchett, Chris Bullock, Jamie Simons, Matthew Howes, Tom Hooper, Nathan Goodspeed, Caleb Marsden, Lee Robinson, Josh Storey, Louis Main.

by Jeff Richardson

RESERVES NOW TWO WINS FROM TITLE

ROSUDGEON 0-1 MOUSEHOLE RESERVES

TRELAWNY LEAGUE DIVISION 1

SATURDAY 21^st APRIL 2018

Table-topping Mousehole Reserves – already guaranteed promotion to the Premier Division – came away with all the points in a hard-fought game at fourth-place Rosudgeon, to leave them five points clear of Penwith Exiles with each side having a similar goal difference and three matches remaining. The Seagulls’ three games are all away in the space of a week – at Threemilestone this evening (Monday), RNAS Culdrose on Wednesday and Hayle on Saturday (28^th) – and two wins will see them clear of The Exiles’ maximum points total.

The previous encounter with Rosudgeon earlier in the season resulted in a 2-2 draw, so Saturday’s return match was always likely to be a close contest. And so it proved. In ideal weather but with a brisk wind, the hosts were very much looking to upset Mousehole’s status as league leaders from the outset, and some tough battles were fought in midfield and defence. In a close but score-less first half, shots on the Rosudgeon goal came from JJ Simmonds, Lee Robinson and Chris Bullock, while at the other end the home side almost broke the ice from a corner, a goal line clearance by Matt Howes keeping the scores level at the interval.

The second half continued in a very similar manner, with the Rosudgeon defence remaining extremely solid and a creating a degree of frustration in The Seagulls’ ranks. Mousehole keeper Jonathan Fitchett was required to make a superb save, tipping the ball past the post from a wicked cross which evaded everybody and looked destined for the net. However, the vital breakthrough came at the other end as midfielder Nathan Goodspeed was brought down on the edge of the Rosudgeon penalty box and Lee Robinson scored with the resultant free kick.

Rosudgeon’s response was immediate, with Fitchett again making a series of fine saves, but the turning point came when a quickly-taken free kick on the edge of the Mousehole penalty box found the back of the net, but the referee disallowed the goal as the kick had been taken before his whistle, much to the home side’s annoyance. During a goalmouth scramble at the other end Michael Fitchett’s shot was deflected against the upright and the rebound gave him a second chance with his left foot which he just put wide.

All in all, a hard-working performance by The Seagulls and a vital three points against a resilient Rosudgeon side.

Mousehole Reserves: Jonathan Fitchett, Joe Davies (captain), Tom McGarry, Harry Tonkin, Jason Simmonds, Michael Fitchett, Chris Bullock, Jamie Simons, Matthew Howes, Tom Hooper, Nathan Goodspeed, Caleb Marsden, Lee Robinson, Josh Storey, Louis Main.