Author: Jeff Richardson

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH PREVIEW – MOUSEHOLE v CAMELFORD

The Seagulls play their first competitive fixture of the season at the new-look Trungle Parc this Saturday (14th) when they will be hoping to do a ‘giant-killing’ against Premier Division Camelford in an intriguing League Cup 2nd Round tie (kick-off 2.30pm, with extra time and penalties if necessary).

Mousehole won through to this stage of the Cup with a stirring 3-2  ‘local derby’ win a month ago at unbeaten Division leaders Ludgvan, and pulled off an against-the-odds triumph in the League at another title favourite Wadebridge by 3-1 in their last match ten days ago.  Camelford meanwhile won 4-2 at Wendron in the 1st Round.

By a strange coincidence, Mousehole and Camelford have almost identical playing records so far this season.  Both clubs have played 9 league games, with 2 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats, and are fourth from bottom of their respective leagues.  In their favour, The Seagulls’ nine fixtures have all been played away after pitch renovation work during the summer, scoring 17 goals and conceding 29, while The Camels’ record is 11 against 27.  Both teams are likely to field several youngsters who feature in the impressive Cornwall Under-18s squad.

But there are hugely contrasting records on the managerial front, with Mousehole’s recently-appointed First team boss Kevin Richards in the dugout for only his second game, while the visitors’ manager Reg Hambly has been in charge of Camelford for 26 years!

The club reports that the Trungle Parc pitch has stood up very well to the six hours of football played for the first time on the new surface when Leeds United’s youngsters and veterans visited for a celebration day on a wet Sunday 1st October, and many positive comments were received from among the large 600-strong crowd about the refurbished facilities.

Next Saturday (21st) Mousehole play their first home League game of the season when Dobwalls are the visitors (3pm).

by Jeff Richardson

Match Report – Wadebridge 3rd Oct 2017

WADEBRIDGE TOWN 1-3 MOUSEHOLE

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

TUESDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2017

AT BODIEVE PARK

In the last of their nine consecutive away matches – being played while the Trungle Parc pitch gets ready for home matches after major drainage and re-surfacing work during the summer – Mousehole put in their best 90-minute performance of the season to make it the best possible start for newly-appointed manager Kevin Richards working alongside Football Director Jason Blunt.

The Seagulls came into the match with one win, two draws and five defeats, placing them in second-bottom position in the league.  Wadebridge had opened the season with three straight wins, scoring 19 against 2, to go top of the table, but had slipped to fifth place with only one win and a draw in the following five matches.

Mousehole were without the unavailable Jorome Slew, Yeshi Briar, Matt Moody, Josh Otto, Joshua Storey and Paolo Sousa, and the injured Liam Andrew.  But young Ben Fewkes was promoted from the Reserves at left-back, Jordan Adlard started in midfield after his recent transfer from Helston Athletic, and Caleb Marsden took up the left wing-back role, with all three making a strong contribution to the all-round team effort.

After a goal-less but evenly contested first half with missed chances at both ends, Caleb Marsden was put through on goal seconds after the re-start by Matt McIlroy’s pass from inside the centre circle and he stroked The Seagulls’ into the lead past the onrushing ‘keeper.

The visitors were then indebted to goalkeeper Steve Parker-Billinge – returning to the line-up after a six-week injury-enforced absence – who kept his team in the match with three outstanding saves in a 12 minute spell as The Bridgers tried to force their way back into the game after the hour mark.

But with captain Billy Curtis, Max Hill and Tyler Tonkin – playing in an unaccustomed right-back position – resolute and reliable in the back line, and Bradley Wills and Jordan Adlard adding steel in midfield to complement Kevin Lawrence’s creativity, Mousehole regained the initiative and in a dazzling display of forward power scored two almost identical goals in the 78th and 87th minutes.

Kevin Lawrence released Luke Johnson for a typical surging run down the right past his opponent and his low cross from the bye-line was sidefooted in at the far post by the alert Bradley Wills for 2-0.  Nine minutes later Johnson again powered his way forward to produce a strong chest-high cross which was volleyed in superbly by Wills.

The only blemish on an otherwise hugely encouraging night was a home goal deep into injury time that denied SPB the clean sheet he deserved.

If league position were the only guide, Mousehole had defied the odds, but this was a performance of intelligence and commitment that has been ‘in the making’ for some weeks.  The Seagulls’ squad, coaching staff and supporters can now look forward to the ‘homecoming’ to Trungle Parc in a positive frame of mind, as there now remain only 7 league games away, but 16 at home (including an amazing 11 in a row between 25th November and 17th February).

The first home league game of the season is on 21st October with Dobwalls the visitors (3pm), but before that comes the fascinating League Cup 2nd round tie at home against Premier Division Camelford on Saturday 14th October (2.30pm kick off, with extra time and penalties if necessary).  Mousehole earned this tie with a stirring 3-2 first round away win at Ludgvan three weeks ago, whereas Camelford progressed with a 4-2 victory at Wendron United.

Mousehole’s First team have a blank weekend coming up (7th October) with a bye in the Cornwall Senior Cup, but all other teams’ fixtures are on the club’s online ‘monthly planner’.

Mousehole at Wadebridge:  Steve Parker-Billinge (GK), Tyler Tonkin, Max Hill, Billy Curtis (captain), Ben Fewkes, Kevin Lawrence, Bradley Wills, Jordan Adlard, Luke Johnson, Matt McIlroy, Caleb Marsden. 

Substitues:  Joe Davies (for Ben Fewkes, 71), Danny Park (for Caleb Marsden, 90), Jason Simmonds (for Jordan Adlard, 90+1), Louis Graham, Paul Williams (GK)

Mousehole scorers:  Caleb Marsden (46) Bradley Wills (78, 87)

 

Referee:  Matthew Carney

by Jeff Richardson

LEEDS UNITED DAY!

Close to 600 people attended Mousehole’s Trungle Parc in Paul on Sunday for a celebration day to mark the launch of the club’s new Academy and Youth Development Programme and the re-opening of the refurbished pitch and facilities.

Spectators were treated to six hours of football which started off in wind-swept rainy conditions with a series of mini-games played by The Seagulls’ newly-created youth teams.  The centrepiece of the afternoon was a full-scale game between Mousehole’s First team and Leeds United’s youngsters, during which the weather helpfully relented.  And the day’s events concluded in bright sunshine with a 7-a-side ‘legends’ tournament between Mousehole, Leeds United, Cornish Veterans and RNLI.

Arriving on Saturday, the Leeds squad held an open coaching session in the afternoon at Mounts Bay Academy and were invited on to the Penlee Lifeboat in Newlyn Harbour on Sunday morning.

The visitors’ talented teenagers, playing in their club’s traditional all-white colours and in front of a large contingent of Leeds supporters travelling down for the weekend from Yorkshire as well as many located in the south west, won the match 5-1 with an impressive exhibition of ball control, passing, movement and athleticism.

But they did not have it all their own way.  After falling behind 3-0 within 15 minutes, Mousehole started to play the confident football they are capable of and came close on several occasions before conceding a penalty just before half time.  The biggest cheer of the afternoon came on 80 minutes for the hosts’ solitary goal when Yeshe Briar’s superb cross from the right was nodded down by Matt McIlroy for Paolo Sousa to touch in from close range.  A further Leeds goal in the last minute put paid to any chance of Mousehole ‘winning’ the second half.  The game proved to be very competitive and a useful test for the young Mousehole squad, who had unfortunately lost Liam Andrew with a broken nose after an accidental collision during the warm up.

A Leeds United team then made it a ‘double’, with ‘legends’ goalkeeper Neil Sullivan picking up the trophy after his side won all their games in the round-robin 7-a-side tournament.

In their programme notes, Mousehole AFC advisor Ezra Chapman wrote:  “How incredible that Leeds United agreed to send their talented starlets – as well as some of their ‘legends’ – all the way down here to mark a milestone in our club’s journey.  We have a 5-year plan to develop the club in a sustainable manner: on the playing side by focussing on youth and nurturing talent through modern coaching methods, and by improving the club’s infrastructure both in terms of facilities and commercial opportunities”.

Visitors to Trungle Parc were impressed with the new pitch – refurbished during the summer with an £80k grant from Sport England and the National Lottery – and the new 70-seater stand, contemporary-style ‘dugouts’ and re-painted clubhouse exterior.

Photos of the new Trungle Parc and match pictures can be seen on the club Facebook Page. facebook.com/mouseholeafc

Mousehole Chairman Tim Richardson paid tribute to the dedicated group of club volunteers who helped organise the day, and to all the players who participated, adding:  “Today’s big event – which has required a huge amount of planning (and learning!) – shows what a club like ours can do.  This could be the start of similar things in the future, as plans are already in place for more big-name guests visiting over the next 12 months.”

Sunday’s occasion came a few days after Mousehole announced the appointment of Kevin Richards as new First team manager.  A club statement said:  Mousehole AFC are pleased to welcome Kevin Richards to the club’s leadership team.  An experienced and well-respected person throughout Cornish football, having previously managed Mullion, Porthleven and most recently Premier Division Godolphin Atlantic, Kevin joins a highly-qualified and ambitious coaching team to help the club realise its 5-year progression plan.  He will take responsibility for First team duties next week, reporting to Football and Academy Director Jason Blunt, while Jason will continue his development work with the younger players and be in overall charge of all football matters at the club.

Speaking enthusiastically about his new post, Camborne-based Richards had this to say:  “I am absolutely delighted to be offered the opportunity to join such an exciting adventure at Mousehole AFC.  I have already seen first-hand the work and commitment of everyone involved in this project, and I can say that I have never seen anything quite like it in Cornwall. The chance to work with a lot of people who have been friends for a long time at this football club was too good to miss, and I can’t wait to start working with the committee, the coaching staff and the players.”  The new manager was among Sunday’s crowd watching his new players in action and observed:  “There are many positive and promising signs.”

*Sunday’s ‘souvenir’ programme is available to purchase by contacting mouseholefootballprogramme@outlook.com.

*In a further strengthening of links with Leeds United, Mousehole Under-9s manager Darren Wakefield – whose team reached the semi-final of the Southampton Cup in August – will take a party of players and parents on a weekend visit to West Yorkshire on 20th October to spend time at the Leeds academy and play a game against the hosts’ under-9s side.

Mousehole’s First team travelled to Wadebridge Town on Tuesday for a South West Peninsula League Division 1 West match, and have a bye in this Saturday’s Cornwall Senior Cup 1st round.  Their next game is on Saturday 14th October – an interesting challenge when Premier Division Camelford visit Trungle Parc for a League Cup 2nd round tie, which will be the first competitive fixture on the ground this season.

by Jeff Richardson

PORTHLEVEN LADIES v MOUSEHOLE WOMEN MATCH REPORT

PORTHLEVEN LADIES 0-13 MOUSEHOLE WOMEN

CORNWALL WOMEN’S LEAGUE, sponsored by Pirate FM

SUNDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2017

AT GALA PARC

Mousehole Women stand proudly at the top of the Cornwall Women’s League with three away wins out of three after their superb start to the season continued with a more-than-convincing win at Gala Parc on Sunday.

Within the first 15 minutes Mousehole had stormed into a 3-0 lead.  Katy Barker on the right did some particularly good work, assisting in all three goals.  The first was a pull-back from the bye-line for an onrushing Scarlett Clouter coming in from the left to strike into the bottom corner.  Megan Davidson then added two more quick goals before being replaced by Jo Barker.  Scarlett Clouter added her second and Mousehole’s fourth from a Barker corner, striking a sweet volley which rebounded into the net off the bar and the back of the Porthleven keeper.  Emily Hardaker opened her account for Mousehole tapping in at the near post after good work from Jo Barker.  Four changes saw Megan Edwards, Becky Edwards, Lena Mannon and Stacey George come on for the last 20 minuts of the first half.  Emma Hurworth then provided an assist heading the ball through to Sophie Wilson who strode forward from her own half, beating a couple of defenders and calmly placing a low shot into the corner of the net.

Lucy Brown, Emily Hardaker and Katy Barker returned in the second half with the game following the same pattern.  Megan Edwards scored her first goal in adult football, latching on to a loose ball after Sophie Wilson had been tackled in the penalty area.  Jo Barker then slotted in sister Katy’s rolled pass to make it 8-0.  Emily Hardaker scored her second after good approach play, and Megan Davidson completed her hat trick nodding in at the far post.  Scarlett Clouter then sored her own hat trick for 11-0, and Jo Barker scored an identical headed goal to Megan’s at the far past.  The 13th and final goal was a Sophie Wilson classic, a great strike from 20 yards.

Mousehole played good football throughout the game, with some defence-splitting balls creating chances for the speedy Katy Barker.  At the other end, goalkeeper Lyndsey Mayers was determined to keep a first clean sheet of the season, showing alertness to deal with the threat when the defence was caught out by a quick Porthleven free kick.  Lyndsey Williams and Emma Hurworth formed a solid partnership at the heart of the Mousehole defence,  and if one of them didn’t get the ball, the other one did.

Mousehole Women’s next fixture is on Sunday 22nd October with a visit to Helston (2.30pm).

Team:  Lyndsey Mayers, Lucy Brown, Lyndsey Williams (captain), Emma Hurworth, Tamara de Silva, Katy Barker, Claire Hitchens Todd, Sophie Wilson, Scarlett Clouter, Emily Hardaker, Megan Davidson.

Substitutes: All used – Jo Barker, Megan Edwards, Lena Manon, Becky Edwards, Stacey George

Goalscorers:  Scarlett Clouter (3), Megan Davidson (3), Sophie Wilson (2), Emily Hardaker (2), Jo Barker (2), Megan Edwards (1)

by Jeff Richardson

MOUSEHOLE AFC APPOINT KEVIN RICHARDS AS FIRST TEAM MANAGER

Mousehole AFC are pleased to welcome Kevin Richards to the club’s leadership team as The Seagulls’ new First team manager.  An experienced and well-respected person throughout Cornish football, having previously managed Mullion, Porthleven and most recently Premier Division Godolphin Atlantic, Kevin joins a highly-qualified and ambitious coaching team to help the club realise its 5-year progression plan.  He will take responsibility for First team duties next week, reporting into Football and Academy Director Jason Blunt, while Jason will continue his development work with the younger players and be in overall charge of all football matters at the club.

Speaking enthusiastically about his new post, Camborne-based Richards had this to say:  “I am absolutely delighted to be offered the opportunity to join such an exciting adventure at Mousehole AFC.  I have already seen first-hand the work and commitment of everyone involved in this project, and I can say that I have never seen anything quite like it in Cornwall. The chance to work with a lot of people who have been friends for a long time at this football club was too good to miss, and I can’t wait to start working with the committee, the coaching staff and the players.  Kev Richards: proud to say, Manager of Mousehole Football Club.”

by Jeff Richardson

Match Report – Holsworthy 23 Sept 2017

HOLSWORTHY 4-0 MOUSEHOLE

SATURDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2017

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

AT UPCOTT FIELD

After the weather-affected postponement at St Blazey in midweek, The Seagulls, with two away wins in a row including an impressive performance in the League Cup at previously-unbeaten Ludgvan, took a depleted squad on their longest journey of the season in search of league points on Saturday, and came away empty-handed against an Holsworthy side showing signs of improvement after being sucked into the relegation mix last season.

Mousehole were without the services of Kevin Lawrence, Connor Davey, Yeshe Briar, Joshua Storey and new arrival Ralph Katikaza, but had newcomers Danny Park and Paolo Sousa in the starting line up.

The West Devon Magpies were gifted a simple goal after only 2 minutes when Williams’ attempted clearance bounced off the advancing attacker for a simple tap in.  It was 2-0 to the home side on 9 minutes when an angled free kick was headed up in the air for a far-post nod in from close range.  As the visitors were threatening to break back into the game, an unfortunate third goal arrived minutes before half-time after a misplaced pass in midfield had exposed The Seagulls’ defence.

Mousehole persevered in the early part of the second half without being able to penetrate a well-marshalled defence content to sit on a comfortable lead.  But after a couple of near-misses in the Holsworthy goalmouth, including a Bradley Wills swerving free kick that hit the crossbar, any further hopes of a comeback were cut short when captain Billy Curtis was forced off with a head injury after a brave challenge that earned James Dart only a yellow card for a dangerous-looking lunge.

The Seagulls played out the last 15 minutes with only 10 men after having used all three substitutes, and conceded again two minutes from time when another misdirected pass left a wide-open space for an easy fourth goal.

Mousehole’s next game is on this Sunday’s ‘Leeds United Day’ at the new-look Trungle Parc, when they play a friendly (2.30pm) against a talented young team likely to include some of the future stars of the Premier League.

Then on Tuesday (3rd) The Seagulls travel for a league fixture away at Wadebridge Town (kick off 7.30pm), followed by a blank day on Saturday 7th October with a bye in the first round of the Cornwall Senior Cup.

The following Saturday (14th October) Mousehole play this season’s first competitive home match on the new pitch when Premier Division Camelford visit for an intriguing League Cup second round tie.

Mousehole:  Paul Williams, Billy Curtis (captain), Max Hill, Liam Andrew, Danny Park, Bradley Wills, Tyler Tonkin, Luke Johnson, Paolo Sousa, Jorome Slew, Josh Otto

Substitutes:  Matt McIlroy (for Paolo Sousa), Matt Moody (for Tyler Tonkin), Caleb Marsden (for Danny Park)

Referee:  Scott Sayer

Attendance:  108

by Jeff Richardson

Mousehole AFC supplied with potentially life-saving defibrillator

The club are delighted to announce that we are now equipped with a Philips Heartstart Defibrillator, a potentially life saving piece of equipment.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Harry Dewick-Eisele of Safelincs for the incredible gesture of donating this equipment to our club.

Safelincs also become the official “Fire and Safety Equipment Partner” for Mousehole AFC.

The product specs are as follows:

Philips HeartStart FRx AED Defibrillator

Designed for use in harsh environments, the Philips HeartStart FRx defibrillator guides the responder through each step with voice prompts, visual icons and CPR coaching. Suitable for use by first responders with minimal training, the HeartStart FRx is a semi-automatic defibrillator which allows a shock to be administered at the press of a button. The AED carries out regular self checks to ensure that the unit functions correctly when needed during a sudden cardiac arrest. Supplied with a FREE St John Ambulance soft carry case in first aid green. The Philips HeartStart FRx is recommended under the Government’s Department for Education guidelines.

  • Suitable for use in harsh environments – in the rain, on aircraft, ambulances, metal surfaces and industrial locations
  • Semi-automatic defibrillator – administers a shock at the press of a button
  • Can withstand a 1 metre drop onto a concrete floor
  • Carries out daily, weekly and monthly self checks – includes a pads connection and integrity test
  • Easy to use with voice prompts and visual icons to guide the responder
  • Provides CPR coaching to help guide the rescuer
  • Supplied with pre-connected SMART pads II suitable for both adults and children (1 to 8 years old)
  • Optional infant/child key adapts defibrillation therapy and CPR prompts to suit young patients
  • 8 year warranty on the defibrillator
  • Battery life:
    • Shelf life (prior to insertion) – 5 years
    • Standby life (after insertion) – 4 years
  • Retains usage information which can be transferred to a computer for analysis
  • Quick shock feature: delivers a shock within 8 seconds, following a CPR pause
  • Provides visual indication when the device is ready for use and the battery is running low
  • Suitable for use by first responders with minimal training
  • Recommended under the Government’s Department for Education guidelines
by Jeff Richardson

Womens Match Report – Illogan 17th Sept 2017

ILLOGAN LADIES 1-3 MOUSEHOLE WOMEN

SUNDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2017 AT OXLAND PARC

CORNWALL WOMEN’S LEAGUE sponsored by Pirate FM

 

Mousehole Women made it two great wins from their first two away games at the start of a promising new campaign in which they aim to improve on last season’s commendable fourth-place finish.

It was another superb squad performance following the 5-1 hammering of Penryn Ladies the previous week, although Illogan – who took voluntary demotion from the higher South West League this season – started the stronger, constantly putting Mousehole under pressure down their left.

And it was no surprise when the hosts took the lead, working the ball into a shooting position following a loose pass out of defence.

Much to their credit, Mousehole soon hit back to equalise after some good work through midfield, enabling Sophie Wilson to hit a typical lofted shot from 25 yards out to beat the home goalkeeper.

After running tirelessly in defence, Lucy Brown was replaced by Nicola Richardson, who in turn was replaced by Scarlett Clouter 10 minutes later after injury.  In a tactical change, Katy Barker move out to the right with Megan Davison coming on up front.

The Seagulls started to take control and had chances to take the lead, although it was Illogan who came close to scoring again after a mix up in defence, but Flo Davies Kirsop did a rescue job by sweeping round the back to clear off the line and keep the half-time scoreline at 1-1.

In the second half Mousehole got a firm grip, with goalkeeper Lyndsey Mayers in the Mousehole goal hardly troubled, and carved out the win their play and spirit deserved.

A sweet pass-and-move pattern involving all the team set up Katy Barker to dash down the right and pull a low ball back for Sophie Wilson to put The Seagulls into the lead at 2-1.

Katy Barker made the game safe, adding the third goal when a defence-splitting pass put her through one on one with the keeper.

Next Sunday (24th) Mousehole Women face another interesting challenge with a visit to Gala Parc to take on Porthleven (2.30pm), whose only match so far was a 4-3 home win over Wadebridge.

Mousehole Women:  Lyndsey Mayers, Lyndsey Williams, Lucy Brown, Emma Hurworth, Flo Davies Kirsop, Beckie Edwards, Sophie Wilson, Claire Hitchens Todd, Carly Jacka, Emily Hardaker, Katy Barker.

Substitutes:  (Used) – Nicola Richardson, Megan Davison, Scarlett Clouter, Megan Edwards;  Unused – Rosie Davison.

 

Mousehole scorers:  Sophie Wilson (2), Katy Barker.

 

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