Category: Club News

MATCH PREVIEW – MOUSEHOLE v Penzance

MOUSEHOLE v PENZANCE

CORNWALL CHARITY CUP (The Durning Lawrence Charity Cup)

QUARTER FINAL TIE

SATURDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2018, KICK OFF 2PM

AT TRUNGLE PARC

This Saturday, The Seagulls and The Magpies will be scrapping for a place in the Semi-Finals of the Cornwall Charity Cup, for which the County FA has selected The Invictus Trust as beneficiary this season.

The Invictus Trust is a local, small, newish Charity established to support Cornish families with a teenager experiencing mental health issues, particularly depression, anxiety and self harm.

Mousehole come into the match on the back of an impressive run in league and cup competitions that includes only one defeat since 23rd September, a 100% home record, cup victories over three higher-division teams, and a place already secured for the first time in the club’s history in the semi-finals of the Cornwall Senior Cup.

Penzance are having a much better time than in last season’s relegation-threatened campaign, and in the league they are currently in 11th place, 9 points behind Mousehole in 5thplace but with three games in hand.  They lost 2-0 (to goals scored in each half by Jordan Adlard and Paulo Sousa) in the Boxing Day ‘local derby’ at Trungle Parc in front of a 279 crowd, but had won 8-1 and 6-2 (away) before that.

The form book favours Mousehole to reach their second semi-final in consecutive weeks, but ex-Seagulls player-manager Wayne Quinn will no doubt be looking to make headlines as the first team to bring the winning run to n end.

The tie will require extra time and penalties if necessary to produce a winner on the day.  The other quarter final ties are Polperro (of the East Cornwall Premier League) versus St Blazey, Wendron United v Liskeard Athletic, and Wadebridge Town v Carharrack (of the Cornwall Combination League).  The Semi-Finals are due to be played at neutral venues on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th April, with the Final on Wednesday 9th May.

For Saturday’s game, admission is only £3 (concessions £1.50, under-16s free), and a full-colour match programme @ £1 (including a cash-prize ‘lucky number’) is available, as are 50/50 tickets, and the usual friendly hospitality in the clubhouse is extended to everyone.

paulo sousa goal mousehole vs newquay

MATCH REPORT – MOUSEHOLE vs NEWQUAY (Senior Cup Quarter Final)

MOUSEHOLE 5-0 NEWQUAY

CORNWALL SENIOR CUP, QUARTER FINAL TIE

SATURDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2018

AT TRUNGLE PARC

 Mousehole progressed to the last four of the Cornwall Senior Cup (sponsored by RGB Building Supplies) with an emphatic win against their higher-division visitors in one of very few matches in the region to survive the weather.  Already the only Division 1 side to reach the quarter-final stage, this victory earned The Seagulls a first-ever appearance in the semi-finals of the County’s top cup competition, where they will face one of the other remaining Premier Division teams at a neutral venue on the evening of either Tuesday 6th or Wednesday 7th March.

Mousehole had been defeated only once since September and had won all 12 of their home games this season – including cup victories against two other Premier Division sides, Camelford and Launceston – so Saturday’s result against a side 14 places above in the South West Peninsula League ‘pyramid’ was less of a surprise then the scoreline.  The chief talking point was the difference in performance levels between the two teams as the game wore on, with the home side showing greater energy, desire and fitness levels to complement their customary passing style.

With the strong wind at their backs, Newquay were the dominant force in the opening stages, seeing lots of the ball and pegging the hosts back in their own half.  But in their first attack Mousehole took an unexpected lead in the 14th minute when Luke Johnson came in from the right-hand side to plant an unstoppable left-footed drive from 20 yards into the far top corner.  Jake Andrew came within millimetres of doubling the lead on 26 minutes with a shot that came back off the underside of the crossbar, but The Peppermints continued to look threatening, although often wasting possession with over-hit passes.  A crucial moment came with almost the last kick of the first half, Tyler Cheshire missing a glaring opportunity to equalise – and change the nature of the half-time team talk – when he scooped hurriedly wide in front of a gaping goal.

Mousehole began to take the upper hand with measured passing after the break, but it was a piece of quick thinking by Kevin Lawrence that brought the second goal on 49 minutes, stealing the loose ball as goalkeeper Zak Roberts delayed his clearance and tapping into an unguarded net.  Tyler Tonkin came up from right back to make it 3-0 six minutes later, this time with a shot hit so hard into the net from 10 yards that the ball rebounded back on to the pitch off the perimeter fence.  As The Seagulls continued to surge forward, Newquay’s under-pressure rearguard was again unable to cope when the alert Paulo Sousa capitalised on hesitancy to waltz round Roberts and stroke home for 4-0, to make it three goals in ten minutes with less than an hour gone.

paulo sousa goal mousehole vs newquay
Paulo Sousa (on right of picture) scores Mousehole’s fourth goal in the 5-0 win over Premier Division Newquay in the quarter-finals of the Cornwall Senior Cup on Saturday, and is congratulated (from left) by Jake Andrew, Kevin Lawrence, Liam Andrew, captain Billy Curtis (No. 3), Luke Johnson and Jordan Adlard.

New signings Kayne Trevaskis and Steven Ziboth came on as substitutes after 61 minutes to cause even more unrest for the visitors, the experienced Trevaskis holding the ball up well at the apex of the attack and 19-year old Ziboth creating havoc with his electrifying sprints down the left.  And it was the young newcomer who was in the right place to convert a low right-wing cross by recent substitute Caleb Marsden on 70 minutes, to make it 5-0 from five different scorers.   In the meantime, The Peppermints were making little headway, but the previously under-employed Steve Parker-Billinge in the Mousehole goal had to be at his defiant best to keep a clean sheet with an smart save from close range near the end.

It’s a cup quarter-final tie again at Trungle Parc this Saturday (10th), this time in the Cornwall Charity Cup, with another local derby against Penzance, kick off 2pm.  The Seagulls will be looking for a repeat of their 2-0 League success a few weeks ago on Boxing Day, while The Magpies will be hoping to be the side to end their local rivals’ 100% home record.

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

Substitutes: Kayne Trevaskis (for Jake Andrew, 61), Steven Ziboth (for Luke Johnson, 61), Caleb Marsden (for Bradley Wills, 67), Connor Davey, Josh Otto

Scorers:  Luke Johnson (14), Kevin Lawrence (49), Tyler Tonkin (55), Paulo Sousa (59), Steven Ziboth (70)

Referee: Derek Hughes.  Assistant Referees: Luke Wilkes & Paul Barker

Attendance: 112

MATCH PREVIEW – MOUSEHOLE v HOLSWORTHY

MOUSEHOLE v HOLSWORTHY

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY 2018, AT TRUNGLE PARC, PAUL

 Mousehole return to League action tomorrow after last Saturday’s excellent Senior Cup win over Premier Division Launceston, in search of vital points to maintain their challenge among the top-six teams in the SWPL West Division table.  The Seagulls have recorded eight straight wins since mid-November, including three Cup ties, but this is their first League match since the 2-0 defeat of Penzance on Boxing Day.  They currently stand in 5th place with the same 30 points as 3rd place Millbrook and 4th place Porthleven, but with an inferior goal difference and having played more games.

Holsworthy will be making their longest journey of the League season, a 175 mile round trip, currently four places and eight points behind Mousehole.  The Magpies last played two weeks ago, losing 2-0 at home against Elburton Villa in the League.  Before that they won the Boxing Day derby 2-0 at Bude Town after switching the venue because of an unplayable Upcott Field pitch.

Mousehole will be looking to avenge a comprehensive 4-0 defeat at Holsworthy on 23rd September, possibly one of the lowest points of the season.  But on the positive side that defeat may have been a turning point in this fascinating campaign, as in the 15 games in all competitions since then they have won 13, drawn one (3-3 at Plymstock) and lost only one (3-1 at Elburton).

Next Saturday, 3rd February, Mousehole play the first of their three Cup quarter finals at Trungle Parc when Premier Division Newquay visit in the Cornwall Senior Cup (2pm).  A week later (10th) and it’s Penzance in the Cornwall Charity Cup (2pm), and on 3rd March Teignmouth make the journey westwards in the SWP League Cup (2:30pm).

Mousehole vs Launceston

MATCH REPORT – MOUSEHOLE vs LAUNCESTON

 

SEAGULLS PULL OFF CUP SHOCK TO REACH ANOTHER QUARTER-FINAL

MOUSEHOLE 2-1 LAUNCESTON

(after extra time; 1-1 at full-time)

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE CUP – sponsored by Walter C Parson Funeral Directors

THIRD ROUND TIE

SATURDAY 20TH JANUARY 2018, AT TRUNGLE PARC

 Mousehole pulled off a significant victory on Saturday over Premier Division Launceston with a committed performance in an end-to-end contest from which both teams can take massive credit for their wholehearted 120 minutes’ work in challenging conditions.

The tie – postponed on the original date at the end of December after non-stop heavy rain over several days – went ahead on this occasion despite similar weather and was one of very few games in the region to survive.  The pitch was slippery but perfectly playable and the strong wind, accompanied by persistent drizzle and the occasional downpour, made it difficult for either side to deploy their usual style.

The Seagulls had to show great resolve to come from behind for this win – the second over higher-division opposition in this year’s League Cup – which completes a trio of quarter-final ties at home in this season’s Cup competitions and extends their winning home run to 12 games.

Launceston were on top in the opening stages and took the lead after only five minutes when a short ball forward found Sam Davey in a generous amount of space and the dangerous marksman netted his 20th goal of the season with a simple finish.  The visitors continued to control the play in midfield and make chances, the post coming to Mousehole’s rescue after a corner and Tyler Tonkin making two goal-saving blocks in quick succession.

Mousehole gradually edged back into the game after the half-hour mark, and came close to scoring against the run of play in the 35th minute when goalkeeper Lee Fletcher was called into serious action for the first time when he parried Luke Johnson’s 25-yard drive and then Jake Andrew’s shot from the rebound at close quarters.  Connor Davey then drove wide from the edge of the box on 40 minutes after a rare spell of Mousehole possession, but a somewhat unexpected equaliser came a minute later when Luke Johnson’s left-foot shot from right of centre on the 18-yard line deceived Fletcher as it sped inside the near post.

The opening period of the second half was notable for a burst of torrential rain and a 30-yard free-kick from newcomer Chris Prout which the visitors’ ‘keeper pushed aside at full stretch at the foot of the post.  But Launceston came back at the other end and only last-ditch defending prevented them from regaining the lead.  As the rain stopped and the sun came out after the hour, Caleb Marsden replaced the injured Connor Davey – and that was later to have a decisive impact on the match.

The last 25 minutes were full of goalmouth action as both sides showed tremendous spirit in strength-sapping conditions.  ‘Keeper Steve Parker-Billinge brought off three top-class saves to thwart the visitors and the home goal survived further near-misses when shots were blocked or deflected.  In an incident-packed last ten minutes, Mousehole came close to snatching a winner with a Bradley Wills volley going wide, Jake Andrew seeing a point-blank header saved by Fletcher and the same player heading wide with a great chance in front of goal.  The excitement continued right up to the last kick, when Sam Davey moved forward into space and looked certain to score a winner for the visitors until Billy Curtis – on as a substitute only a few minutes earlier – got back to put in a magnificent challenge to save the day and take the tie into extra time.

The 30 minutes of extra time proved to be superbly competitive, with Mousehole showing great determination and fitness levels to dictate the play.  In the first period Caleb Marsden came close twice and Steve Parker-Billinge smothered a chance at the other end.  But the crucial moment came in the last minute of the 15 when Caleb Marsden put The Seagulls into the lead for the first time as he raced on to Bradley Wills’ penetrating pass to flick home as the defenders closed in.  The hosts dominated the second period with Fletcher in the Launceston goal by far the busier of the two ‘keepers, and the visitors being restricted to a solitary half-chance fired over from 15 yards by Liam Prynn with three minutes to go.

Mousehole vs Launceston
Celebration of Mousehole’s extra-time winning goal in the 2-1 League Cup triumph over Premier Division Launceston last Saturday: From left – Bradley Wills, Caleb Marsden (the scorer), Jake Andrew, Kevin Lawrence, Jordan Adlard, Luke Johnson and (foreground) Chris Prout.

The Seagulls’ reward is a home tie in the quarter-finals on Saturday 3rd March against Teignmouth, who play at Mousehole’s level in Division 1 East and currently occupy a top-10 position.

Mousehole’s other forthcoming Cup quarter-final ties at Trungle Parc are in the Cornwall Senior Cup on Saturday 3rd February against Newquay (providing another cup-upset opportunity against a higher-Division side),  and a week later in the Cornwall Charity Cup on Saturday 10th February against local West Division rivals Penzance.

Before that, Mousehole entertain Holsworthy this Saturday (27th) in a League match at Trungle Parc, kick off 2:15pm, looking for the points to maintain their challenge among the top-six in the Division 1 West table.

Mousehole v Launceston:  Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin (sub: Billy Curtis, 87), Calum Elliot, Liam Andrew, Chris Prout, Kevin Lawrence (captain), Jordan Adlard, Bradley Wills, Connor Davey (sub: Caleb Marsden, 64), Luke Johnson, Jake Andrew (sub: Josh Storey, 114).  Substitutes:  Matt McIlroy, Josh Nicholls

 

Scorers:  0-1 Launceston (Sam Davey, 5), 1-1 Mousehole (Luke Johnson, 41), 2-1 Mousehole (Caleb Marsden, 105).

Referee:  Matthew Carney     Attendance: 67.

VIEW the Match Programme here ?

MATCH PREVIEW – MOUSEHOLE v LAUNCESTON

ALL READY FOR CLARETS ON SATURDAY!

This Saturday (20th), in arguably their biggest game of the season, Mousehole have the opportunity to see how they measure up to the standards of a higher-league side when Premier Division Launceston visit Trungle Parc for a League Cup 3rd round clash. The tie was scheduled for 30th December but postponed after two days of heavy rain.  Kick-off is at 2pm and the winners will be decided if necessary by extra time and penalties.

It’s an excellent opportunity for the winners to progress to the quarter-finals and a home match against Division 1 East mid-table side Teignmouth.

Launceston are having one of their best seasons for a decade in the Premier Division.  The Clarets are currently in 8th place, with Sam Davey the third top scorer in the Division on 19 goals.  However, they have lost their last three games.  Their last two League results were defeats at Helston Athletic 4-1 and then narrowly at League leaders Plymouth Parkway 1-0 on 16th December.  Two weeks ago they lost 1-0 at Sticker in the third round of the Cornwall Senior Cup.

By contrast Mousehole have won their last seven fixtures with a goal aggregate of 23 against 4 and ‘clean sheets’ in each of their last four games, beating St Dennis 4-0, Porthleven 4-0 and Penzance 2-0 in the League and West Cornwall 2-0 in the Senior Cup.  With only one defeat since 23rd September and a 100% home record The Seagulls have climbed up the League table to 4th and also reached the quarter-finals of both the Senior Cup and the Cornwall Charity Cup, on top of Saturday’s big match.

Next Saturday (27th January) Mousehole return to League action for the first time since Boxing Day, when Holsworthy make the long journey to Trungle Parc (2:15pm).  On the following two Saturdays, it’s cup quarter-finals time at Trungle Parc, firstly in the Senior Cup on 3rd February against the winners of Premier Division Newquay versus Division 1 West Millbrook, and then in the Charity Cup on 10th February against Penzance, with both matches kicking off at 2pm.

MATCH PREVIEW – MOUSEHOLE v ST BLAZEY

MOUSEHOLE v ST BLAZEY

SATURDAY 13TH JANUARY 2018

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

AT TRUNGLE PARC, PAUL, KICK OFF 2:15PM

It’s 4th versus 5th on Saturday as Mousehole look to extend their 100% home record with a win over the early-season title favourites.

St Blazey were relegated from the Premier Division at the end of last season having gained only one win.  They are one of several south-west clubs who have had an illustrious trophy-laden history but are now experiencing leaner times.  After a change of team management and a rebuilt squad in the summer, they made a poor start to this campaign but have picked up form with only one defeat in the last 10 league matches since September.

During the same period Mousehole have also lost only once, beating all the sides above them in the table and earning a clean sheet in each of the last four matches.

Mousehole are two points ahead of St Blazey but have played three games more.  With both teams expecting to be among the top placings at the end of the season, maximising points particularly against closest rivals will help.  So, the outcome of Saturday’s match will be important, though not crucial.  A Seagulls win will extend the gap over the Green & Blacks to 5 points and lift them up to 3rd……and even up to 2nd if Liskeard lose at Plymstock.  And with Millbrook not in league action even a draw would be enough to go 3rd.

Mousehole are expected to have new signings Chris Prout (who played against The Seagulls for West Cornwall in the Senior Cup last Saturday) and striker Kayne Trevaskis available for selection.

The clubhouse will be open all afternoon for various refreshments, tickets for the half-time 50/50 draw are £1, and a full-colour programme with a cash prize ‘lucky number’ will also be on sale for £1.

caleb marsden jake andrew mousehole afc

MATCH REPORT – MOUSEHOLE vs WEST CORNWALL FC

Mousehole progressed to the quarter-finals of the County Senior Cup with a goal in each half at the expense of Cornwall Combination side West Cornwall on a bright, cold and windy afternoon at Trungle Parc.

The Seagulls had to work hard against their well-organised lower-league rivals and indeed in an impressive first-half performance the visitors hit the post twice in the 15th and 22nd minutes and had a couple of near-misses, but still went in at the interval a goal down.  However, the second half saw Mousehole take control, with their passing and movement pegging The Blues back in their own half for long periods.

West Cornwall’s danger-man Jowan Kitchener had driven narrowly over in the 11th minute before Connor Davey put the hosts ahead on 14, firing inside ‘keeper Ian Chatfield’s near post after a great interception and through-ball by Josh Otto. Tyler Tonkin then came forward from deep to thump a 20-yard shot against the underside of the crossbar and Davey came close to two more goals in the 34th and 45th minutes, the latter a swirling attempt from outside the box expertly tipped over by Chatfield.

Early in the second half, the visitors missed the target on the break in the 54th minute, but the last half-hour belonged to Mousehole, with Tyler Tonkin narrowly over with a 25-yard drive, before substitute Caleb Marsden sped down the left to slide the ball past Chatfield from an angle and Jake Andrew was in the right place to apply a simple finish from close range for 2-0 after 68 minutes.  Caleb Marsden was again in action on 84 with a volley from just inside the area that cannoned off the far post and across the line to safety.

Caleb Marsden (left) and scorer Jake Andrew celebrate Mousehole’s second goal
in the 2-0 win over West Cornwall in the Cornwall Senior Cup 3rd round last Saturday

West Cornwall will take heart from their performance as they look to consolidate a mid-table position in their first season in the Combination after promotion.

The win extends Mousehole’s 100% home record to 11 in a row and their fourth consecutive clean sheet.  With all other league matches in the West Division postponed, the unchanged table sees The Seagulls in fourth place on 30 points but having played three games more than most of the teams above and below them, one of which is St Blazey who are the visitors to Trungle Parc this Saturday (13th), for an important league match, kick off 2:15pm.

The weather affected four of the eight scheduled ties in the third round of the Cornwall Senior Cup quarter-finals last Saturday.  Bodmin v St Dennis, Camelford v St Austell, Carharrack v Torpoint and Millbrook v Newquay were all postponed, while the teams definitely through to the quarter-finals alongside Mousehole are Premier Division sides Saltash United, Falmouth Town and Sticker.  The draw for the quarter-finals – to be played on Saturday 3rd February – is expected to be made next Monday, 15th January.

Mousehole v West Cornwall:  Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin, Calum Elliot, Liam Andrew, Billy Curtis, Kevin Lawrence, Bradley Wills, Connor Davey (sub Caleb Marsden, 57), Josh Otto, Jordan Adlard, Jake Andrew (sub Matt McIlroy, 75).  Substitutes:  Danny Park, Josh Nicholls, Josh Storey.

Scorers:  Connor Davey (14), Jake Andrew (68)

Referee:  Rowan Clarke.     Attendance: 91

MATCH PREVIEW – MOUSEHOLE v WEST CORWALL FC

This Saturday (6th January) it’s Cornwall Senior Cup action at Trungle Parc as Mousehole take on visitors West Cornwall FC in a 3rd Round tie.  The pitch is in good condition despite recent rain, kick off is at 2:00pm, and extra time and penalties will decide the tie if necessary.  The winners go through to the Quarter-Finals on Saturday 3rd February.

West Cornwall are going through an exceptional period in their brief history, having been founded as recently as 2008.  After four promotions in five years they are now mid-table in the Cornwall Combination League, one Division below The Seagulls.  To get to this point in the Senior Cup they made headlines with a 2-1 away win at SWPL Premier Division side Callington Town, who are 30 places above them, and so will go into this Saturday’s game full of confidence.

Mousehole will need to continue their fine run of form – they’ve lost only once since 23rd September, and in doing so have built up a 100% home record, including three consecutive wins over sides above them at the top of the table.  The Seagulls’ last game was the Boxing Day ‘derby’ 2-0 defeat of Penzance that enabled them to finish the year in fourth place in SWP Division 1 West.

There’s added interest in Saturday’s game as the Camborne-based visitors have in their squad several ex-Mousehole players.  It’s also an opportunity for both sides to progress to the last eight and the challenge of potentially facing one of the top teams in the County.

The clubhouse will be offering the usual friendly atmosphere and a range of beverages, and 50/50 tickets will be on sale @£1, as well as a full-colour match programme including a cash-prize ‘lucky number’.

 

Camping West Cornwall

MATCH PREVIEW – MOUSEHOLE v LAUNCESTON

ALL READY FOR CLARETS ON SATURDAY!

In arguably their biggest game of the season, Mousehole have the opportunity to see how they measure up to the standards of a higher-league side when Premier Division Launceston visit Trungle Parc this Saturday (30th) for a League Cup 3rd round tie, kick-off 2pm.

It’s also an excellent opportunity for the victors to progress to the quarter-finals and a winnable-looking home tie against Division 1 East mid-table side Teignmouth.

The Seagulls have already won prize money from League Cup sponsors Walter C Parson Funeral Directors for being the longest-surviving Division 1 West side in this year’s competition, having won 3-2 at league leaders Ludgvan in the first round and claiming a Premier Division scalp by beating Camelford 1-0 at home in the second.

The Clarets however are having one of their best seasons for a decade in the Premier Division.  They are currently in 7th place, with Sam Davey the third top scorer in the Division on 19 goals.  They have played three times in December, beating Division 1 West side  Liskeard Athletic in the Senior Cup 4-1 at home, then in the League losing 4-1 at Helston Athletic but last time out two weeks ago going down narrowly 1-0 at league leaders Plymouth Parkway.

By contrast Mousehole have played five games during the month, all at home, and have won them all with a goal aggregate of 17 against 2, starting with a 5-1 victory over RNAS Culdrose in the Senior Cup, followed by 2-1 over then-league leaders Liskeard, 4-0 over both St Dennis and Porthleven, and a Boxing Day ‘local derby’ 2-0 defeat of Penzance.

This will be the third game to be played at Trungle Parc in seven days during a spell of very wet weather.  Early indications are that the pitch has been worked on and recovered well since the pounding it took on Boxing day – when the fixture was one of only three in the Division to get the go-ahead – and it looks like the investment in a drainage scheme during the summer is already paying handsome dividends.

Kick off is at 2pm and the tie will be decided if necessary by extra time and penalties.

Next Saturday (6th January) Mousehoe are in Cup action again when they take on Cornwall Combination side West Cornwall in the Senior Cup 3rd Round (2pm).

 

 

 

MATCH REPORT – MOUSEHOLE vs PENZANCE (Boxing Day 2017)

MOUSEHOLE 2-0 PENZANCE

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

TUESDAY 26TH DECEMBER 2017

AT TRUNGLE PARC

SEAGULLS FLYING HIGH IN FOURTH PLACE AFTER MAGPIES DEFEAT

Match Programme Boxing Day vs Penzance

A late goal in each half gave Mousehole the Boxing Day ‘local derby’ victory over Penzance, with players of both sides deserving great credit for putting on a competitive contest in horrible wet and windy conditions on a rain-soaked pitch.

Mousehole’s investment in improved drainage during the summer paid off with the game being only one of three in the Division to survive the weather, the others being at Bude and St Blazey.  And the three points enabled Mousehole to gain their tenth consecutive home win in all competitions and their third ‘clean sheet’ in a row, to move up the League table to fourth place.  Penzance are now in 10th place, 9 points behind Mousehole but with three games in hand.

The large crowd of 279 – the highest in the Division this season – saw both sides go close in the opening period, with Steve Parker-Billinge in the home goal producing important saves in the 25th and 28th minutes, and Paolo Sousa and Bradley Wills missing the target on 25 and 34 at the other end.

But Mousehole dominated the last few minutes of the half and took the lead on 44 minutes.  ‘Keeper Dom Angove had just made a great block from Sousa’s drive on 43, when in the next attack Jordan Adlard let fly fom 25 yards and the ball swerved and dipped into the far top corner.  There was still time for Angove to excel when he tipped over a fierce long-range Calum Elliot free-kick in added time.

It’s defence v attack in the Boxing Day ‘local derby’ at Trungle Parc, with Mousehole players (in white, from left) Liam Andrew (5), Kevin Lawrence (4), Calum Elliot, Bradley Wills and Paolo Sousa (16) trying to keep at bay the blue-shirted Penzance players Joel Allen (6), Daniel Lord, Joel McWilliams (11), Mark Vercesi and Ed Wilton (9), with Seagulls’ goalkeeper Steve Parker-Billinge (in orange) looking on.

It was again nip and tuck after the interval in worsening conditions, Mousehole’s Jake Andrew shooting wide from close in after a defensive mix-up on 64 minutes, but former Seagull Lewis Caspall coming within millimetres of an equaliser as he was on the end of Penzance’s best move of the match with a superb left-foot drive that beat Parker-Billinge but came back off the crossbar on 67.

The Magpies pressed forward in the closing stages and The Seagulls’ defence had to be at its best to deal with a series of wind-assisted in-swinging corners and to block several half-chances in the box.  The game became stretched as Mousehole created chances on the break, and it was Paolo Sousa’s third goal in two games that made the game safe as he made space for himself before calmly placing a left-footed shot inside the far post from 15 yards in the 89th minute of normal time.

Paolo Sousa (white, on right) curls in Mousehole’s second goal into the far corner of keeper Dom Angove’s net near the end of the Boxing Day ‘local derby’ against Penzance watched by team mates Kevin Lawrence (left) and Jake Andrew.

Mousehole:  Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin, Calum Elliot, Liam Andrew, Josh Otto, Kevin Lawrence (captain), Bradley Wills, Jordan Adlard, Luke Johnson (Connor Davey, 64), Jake Andrew, Paolo Sousa.  Unused substitutes:   Caleb Marsden, Billy Curtis, Josh Nicholls, Matt McIlroy

 

Penzance:  Dom Angove, Matt Laithwaite, NathanHampton (Kyle Hampton, 70), Frazer Cadman (captain), Daniel Lord, Joel Allen, Paul Robertson, Mark Vercesi, Ed Wilton, Lewis Caspall, Joel McWilliams (Ronnie May, 45).  Unused substitutes:  Finn Robinson, Jodie Hampton

Scorers:  Jordan Adlard (44), Paolo Sousa (88)

Referee: Kevin Knowles.     Attendance: 279