MOUSEHOLE v PENZANCE

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

BOXING DAY MORNING, KICK OFF 11am

AT TRUNGLE PARC, PAUL 

The Seagulls face The Magpies in the latest annual festive derby, with the home side 6^th in the League table and the visitors in 9^th, six points behind but with three games in hand.

Mousehole have won all nine of their home games this season, six in the League and one in each of the Cup competitions, and in each of their last three matches have beaten a team in the top six, including then League leaders Liskeard Athletic and two 4-0 wins in a row against St Dennis and, on Saturday Porthleven.

Penzance however are having a much better period than last season, when at the end of the year they were bottom of the League but got enough points after that to finish second-last, still in the second relegation spot but ultimately reprieved because of club decisions in the divisions above and below.  This campaign they have beaten three sides at the top, Liskeard and Millbrook away and Porthleven at home, and, without a fixture on Saturday, their last match on 16^th December was a 6-2 away win at Plymstock United, which followed an 8-1 home win over Bude Town.

In the Cup competitions, Penzance are still in the  Cornwall Senior Cup (away at Falmouth on 6^th January) and Cornwall Charity Cup (here at Trungle Parc again in the quarter-finals on 10^th February).

Penzance’s personnel include eight who were Seagulls a year ago, while Mousehole include four ex-Magpies.

The full-colour, advert-free match programme costs £1, containing among other things a cash prize ‘lucky number’, lots of information about this match and a ‘look behind the scenes’.

Spectators arriving by car are strongly advised to be in the ground early to avoid congestion.

MOUSEHOLE 4-0 PORTHLEVEN

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 23^RD DECEMBER 2017

AT TRUNGLE PARC

SUPER SEAGULLS UP TO SIXTH AFTER SECOND 4-0 SUCCESS IN A ROW

Mousehole started the second half of the League season by gaining a second consecutive 4-0 win to take their home record to nine wins out of nine and move up to sixth place in the table, in perfect preparation for the ‘local derby’ against Penzance at Trungle Parc on Boxing Day.

Having now beaten three sides above them in their last three games – leaders Liskeard Athletic, St Dennis and now Porthleven – The Seagulls find themselves on equal points with fourth place St Blazey and fifth place Porthleven, both of whom however have better goal differences.

In an evenly contested first half in which Jake Andrew had chances with two off-target headers from close range and Luke Johnson scuffed wide from in front of goal, Mousehole took the lead on 36 minutes shortly after a tactical change had seen Paolo Sousa and Luke Johnson switch wings.  It was Sousa who then came inside from the right to turn defenders this way and that, before planting a low left-footed shot from 22 yards that skidded just inside goalkeeper James Wignell’s near post.

Porthleven’s half-time team talk was wrecked within eight minutes of the restart as they conceded two goals.  Firstly Bradley Wills strode through to round Wignell and slot home for 2-0 on 50 minutes, and then Paolo Sousa’s clever footwork enabled him to do the same on 54, both chances created after Kevin Lawrence had intercepted the ball in midfield and threaded perfect passes between Porthleven’s big defenders.

Substitutes Connor Davey and Matt McIlroy came on with dramatic impact on 71 minutes, Davey’s darting run on the left and low cross to the far post being side-footed home by McIlroy for the fourth goal within seconds of their appearance, the move having again been set up by Kevin Lawrence.

The Fishermen were vulnerable to the ball being played quickly on the ground and Mousehole continued to fashion chances to add to an already impressive scoreline, but the visitors came close to reducing the arrears near the end with a header that went narrowly wide and a one-on-one shot superbly saved by the previously untroubled Steve Parker-Billinge.

Mousehole:  Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin (Billy Curtis, 58), Calum Elliot, Liam Andrew, Josh Otto, Jordan Adlard, Kevin Lawrence, Bradley Wills, Luke Johnson (Connor Davey, 71), Jake Andrew (Matt McIlroy, 71), Paolo Sousa.  Substitutes:  Caleb Marsden, Josh Nicholls

Scorers:  Paolo Sousa (36, 54), Bradley Wills (50), Matt McIlroy (72).

Referee:  Tim Burley.     Attendance:  81

• Next up is the Boxing Day match at Trungle Parc against Penzance (kick off 11am), who are three places and six points behind Mousehole but with three games in hand.  Spectators are advised to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion at the ground.

 

• Arguably Mousehole’s biggest game of the season takes place this coming Saturday (30^th) when higher-division Launceston – currently in 6^th place in the Premier Division and 20 places above Mousehole in the ‘pyramid’ –  are the visitors for a League Cup 3^rd round tie (2:00pm kick off).  The fixture has lots of added interest as it is an opportunity for Mousehole’s developing squad to measure themselves against another Premier Division side, having already disposed of Camelford in the 2^nd round, as well as the chance to earn a home tie in the quarter-finals against Division 1 East mid-table Teignmouth.

 

• Mousehole are in Cup action again the following Saturday (6^th January) in the Cornwall Senior Cup 3^rd round (2pm) against Camborne-based lower-league side West Cornwall who are currently 10^th in the 20-team Cornwall Combination League in their first season after promotion from the Trelawny League Premier Division as champions.

 

 

MOUSEHOLE 4-0 ST DENNIS

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 16^TH DECEMBER 2017

AT TRUNGLE PARC

MATCH PROGRAMME ST DENNIS

Recording their eighth consecutive win to maintain their perfect home record, Mousehole were on top form on Saturday with a convincing win over St Dennis, who started the game one place and three points ahead in the League table.  And despite dominating for the full 90 minutes, The Seagulls just failed to get the extra goal that would have seen them climb above their visitors into sixth place.

Both sides had several players unavailable, Mousehole without amongst others Max Hill (with a long term injury), Jordan Adlard (serving a one-match suspension) and captain Billy Curtis, but were on the front foot straight from the kick off and took the lead after 98 seconds when Bradley Wills drove a low left-footed shot in off the far post after great set-up work by Paolo Sousa.  Sousa on the left and Luke Johnson on the right constantly troubled The Saints back line, and Johnson’s driven cross was headed firmly in by Jake Andrew at the near post on 18.  The same scorer made it 3-0 after 39 minutes with a side-foot finish at the far post from Bradley Wills’ searching cross.  And on the stroke of half-time Luke Johnson’s dangerous ball in from the right sailed into the far top corner for 4-0.

Having been over-run by Mousehole’s passing and movement in the first 45 minutes, St Dennis withdrew into a more defensive formation in the second half in an attempt to limit further damage.  The Seagulls continued to press, with the game being played almost entirely in the visitors’ half, and had it not been for goal-line clearances, missed chances –  with Jake Andrew coming close to a hat-trick on several occasions – and some courageous goalkeeping by young ‘keeper Kieran Broadfield, the score could well have been at least doubled.  In the last ten minutes, St Dennis ventured forward for the first time and Carl Rickard forced goalkeeper Steve Parker-Billinge into a diving save, his only serious action of the afternoon.

Having achieved home wins against both League leaders Liskeard Athletic and top-six St Dennis in successive games, Mousehole face another interesting challenge this Saturday (23^rd) when local rivals Porthleven, currently in fourth place, visit Trungle Parc, kick off 2:15pm.

Mousehole:  Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin (sub Matt McIlroy, 79), Calum Elliot, Liam Andrew, Caleb Marsden (sub Josh Otto, 26), Kevin Moon, Kevin Lawrence (captain), Bradley Wills, Luke Johnson (sub Connor Davey, 70), Jake Andrew, Paolo Sousa.  Substitutes:  Josh Nicholls, Danny Park.

Scorers:  Bradley Wills (2), Jake Andrew (18, 39), Luke Johnson (45)

Referee:  Alan Hoon.    Attendance:  63

*Mousehole teams had a ‘clean sweep’ at the weekend, the Reserves winning 1-0 away against Penwith Exiles to go five points clear at the top of the Trelawny League Division 1; the Thirds beat Madron 6-1 at Marazion in Division 4.

Our Under-9s competed in  the inaugural Endorsed Cup tournament at Trungle Parc on Sunday in what was a very successful afternoon.

*Mousehole Women’s top-of-the-table encounter at St Agnes in the Cornwall Women’s League was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

An exciting encounter lies in store on Saturday (16^th) as Mousehole reach the half-way stage in the League season with the visit of ‘old foes’ St Dennis (2:15pm).

After last Saturday’s superb win over top-of-the-table Liskeard Athletic, The Seagulls have moved up into 7^th place, with a 100% home record – four League and three Cup wins – since resuming fixtures at Trungle Parc in October.

The Saints are currently one place and three points above Mousehole, but with a plus-10 better goal difference. They have been involved in several high-scoring games in League and Cup competitions this season, and have scored four goals in each of their last four fixtures.

The opening game of the season saw St Dennis and Mousehole share the points in a 4-4 draw, a match notable for a Jerome Slew hat-trick for The Seagulls, and a fight-back by The Saints from 4-1 down with 20 minutes to go, aided by a “much-discussed” refereeing decision to award a goal when a long-distance indirect free-kick was carried by the wind straight into Mousehole’ s net.

Saturday’s full-colour advert-free programme contains the season’s results and fixtures, news of the Reserves, Thirds and Women’s teams, the Liskeard match report, a history piece, a quiz, St Dennis factoids, and a cash-prize ‘lucky number’….all for only £1.

MOUSEHOLE 2-1 LISKEARD ATHLETIC

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, WEST DIVISION

SATURDAY 9^TH DECEMBER 2017, AT TRUNGLE PARC

SEAGULLS SWOOP TO DEFEAT LEAGUE LEADERS LISKEARD

 Match Programme Mousehole vs Liskeard

Mousehole’s best performance of the season earned them a richly deserved victory over top-of-the-table Liskeard Athletic, to make it seven home wins out of seven for the season and only one defeat in the last ten matches in all competitions.

The Seagulls were without Bradley Wills, Liam Andrew and captain Billy Curtis, but former Scottish Premier League midfielder Kevin Moon made his debut and Paolo Sousa returned to the squad.

Mousehole made a bright start and dominated the opening exchanges, but suffered a setback when young centre-back Max Hill was forced off with an injury after only 15 minutes. Elliot dropped back into defence to partner Jordan Adlard, with Sousa coming off the bench into midfield.

Liskeard showed why they are top of the league by surviving pressure for the first half hour and then going ahead with their first serious attack.  Jake Rogers prodded the ball over the line from close in after an angled free kick from 25 yards had scuffed its way into the six-yard box.  And they nearly doubled the lead on 34 when the League’s top scorer James Lorenz shot towards an open goal after rounding ‘keeper Steve Parker-Billinge, but the alert Elliot cleared the ball off the line.

Mousehole returned to the attack but were foiled by ‘keeper Josh Gilbert who made a series of outstanding saves in the ten minutes before half-time to deny Moon, Kevin Lawrence, Sousa and Luke Johnson, while Jake Andrew headed narrowly wide and Tyler Tonkin’s drive hit the post.

After another promising opening 15 minutes, the long-awaited equaliser came in the 61^st minute, Connor Davey showing great anticipation to get ahead of his marker in front of goal to turn in Johnson’s low cross after a superb driving run to the byeline past three defenders on the right hand edge of the penalty area.

With Mousehole well on top, Johnson had a goalbound shot beaten out by Gilbert on 67 before the inevitable second goal arrived in the 69^th minute.  Davey was again involved, his shot being half cleared before Andrew hooked the ball in left-footed into the far corner.

Liskeard came back strongly in the last ten minutes, Parker-Billinge producing a vital diving save on 82, and the resolute defence withstanding two threatening free-kicks and deflecting an on-target header from a dangerous corner.

The three points lift Mousehole up to seventh place in the league table, with the next two home games against teams in the top six.  St Dennis, currently in sixth place, are the visitors to Trungle Parc this Saturday (16^th), followed by fourth-place Porthleven on Saturday 23^rd, with both kick-offs at 2:15pm.

Mousehole: S Parker-Billinge, T Tonkin, M Hill (P Sousa, 15), J Adlard, C Marsden, K Lawrence (c), C Elliot, K Moon, C Davey (J Kissee, 83), L Johnson, J Andrew (J Nicholls, 75).   Substitutes:  B Wood, M McIlroy

Scorers:  Mousehole – C Davey (61), J Andrew (69).  Liskeard – J Rogers (30)

Referee:  Luke Wilkes.   Attendance:  66.

 

 

In other Mousehole AFC news:

• Victories for the Reserves and Thirds made it a treble-winning weekend, with the Reserves winning 5-2 at Mawnan to go two points clear at the top of the Trelawny League Division 1, while the Thirds had a Cup win at Probus after extra time and penalties.
• Mousehole Women’s match at Charlestown was postponed, as were all fixtures in the Cornwall Women’s League, so they remain second on goal difference, but with a game in hand, behind last season’s champions St Agnes.  And this Sunday (17^th) St Agnes host Mousehole, kick off 2.30pm
• Mousehole could win themselves a home tie against East Division side Teignmouth, who knocked out Penzance 4-3 on Saturday, in the quarter-finals of the SWP League Cup – if they beat Premier Division Launceston in the 3^rd Round on 30^th December at Trungle Parc.  Mousehole have already earned prize money from League Cup sponsors Walter C Parson Funeral Directors for being the last-surviving West Division side in this year’s competition.

 

This Saturday Mousehole face a big challenge when League leaders Liskeard Athletic visit Trungle Parc for a West Division match (2:15pm kick-off).

Mousehole have won all six games since resuming home fixtures in October after the stadium refurbishment, three of them in the League (against Dobwalls 4-1, Illogan 2-0 and Plymouth Marjon 4-2), together with a victory in each of the three Cup competitions (against Camelford 1-0 in the League Cup, Ludgvan 2-1 in the Charity Cup, and RNAS Culdrose 5-1 in the Senior Cup last Saturday).

The valuable League points have lifted Mousehole up to 9^th place in the table, and a win or even a draw would enable them to overtake Penzance who are on Cup duty.  Manager Kevin Richards has his eye on a good haul of points from the next three pre-Christmas home games – against Liskeard, St Dennis and Porthleven, all of whom sit above The Seagulls – so that maximum advantage can be taken of consecutive home games in the New Year and an attack on the top-six can begin to become a reality.

Liskeard Athletic were relegated four years ago and are having by far their best season since then.  They currently stand at the top of the table level on points with Ludgvan but with a far superior goal difference.  They have lost only once in the last nine League games – against ‘dark horses’ St Blazey –  and last week had a resounding 6-1 win at home to Wendron.  With 17-goal James Lorenz featuring in an attack-minded side having recorded a 7-2 hammering of Mousehole in August, as well as 6 against Wendron and three 4-0 wins against St Dennis, Plymstock and Bude, Mousehole’s defence will need to be at its very best…….but The Seagulls’ midfield and attack is perfectly capable of turning on the style, so a fascinating contest lies in store.

Mousehole will be without captain Billy Curtis who is away, and Josh Otto and Yeshe Briar who are on Cornwall U18s duty against Gloucestershire, but Max Hill will be available, as will Matt McIlroy after serving a 3-match suspension.

Saturday’s match programme includes a wealth of Mousehole-related information, including all results and fixtures, a match report, a good motivational piece by Kevin Richards, and some interesting stuff about Liskeard Athletic – all in glorious colour, an absence of commercial adverts, a cash prize ‘lucky number’ and at a new reduced price of £1 only!!!

MOUSEHOLE 5-1 RNAS CULDROSE

CORNWALL SENIOR CUP sponsored by RGB Building Supplies

SECOND ROUND TIE

SATURDAY 2^ND DECEMBER 2017, AT TRUNGLE PARC

MOUSEHOLE V RNAS CULDROSE PROGRAMME CORNWALL SENIOR CUP

Mousehole’s 5-1 victory over lower-ranked RNAS Culdrose, who are without a win and second bottom of the Cornwall Combination League some 28 places below The Seagulls in the non-league structure, saw them safely through to the Third Round of the Cornwall senior Cup.  The result also maintained this season’s 100% home record, which now numbers three league and three cup wins.

Manager Kevin Richards again put his faith in youth, with five local youngsters aged 20 or under on the team sheet, and deployed midfielder Jason Adlard and 16-year old Josh Storey in the two centre-back positions in the absence of captain Billy Curtis and Max Hill.

The Seagulls had already come close with a Calum Elliot header and a Luke Johnson shot before they took the lead on 17 minutes when Bradley Wills rose highest in a crowded six-yard box to head in Calum Elliot’s lofted free kick from near the left-hand touchline.

The Airmen hit back with a dangerous cross across goal from the right, but Mousehole continued to threaten at the other end with Calum Elliot shooting just past the post from 25 yards and Luke Johnson’s cross-cum-shot hitting goalkeeper Kieron O’Hanlon and the crossbar.

So it was no surprise on 32 minutes when the lead was doubled after some slick passing in the centre circle and a deft through ball by Kevin Lawrence put Luke Johnson in the clear to round the ‘keeper and slot home.

Kevin Lawrence then nearly got himself on the scoresheet with a near-post side-foot from Luke Johnson’s cross, but Culdrose pulled themselves back into the game in the 38^th minute with a well-worked goal, Ashley Spinks gliding in beyond the far post to drive in a searching low cross from the left.

O’Hanlon then denied Bradley Wills with a close-range block and the visitors will have gone in at the interval please to be only 2-1 in arrears after being on the back foot for most of the half.

But a dominant second-half performance by Mousehole put paid to any chance of a visitors’ come-back.  On 56 minutes it was 3-1 when O’Hanlon bravely smothered Jake Andrew’s run and Luke Johnson chipped the loose ball over the covering defenders into the net from 20 yards for his second of the afternoon.  Jake Andrew scored a similar goal on 65 with a lob over the stranded ‘keeper for 4-1 after a well-worked move.

In the final 20 minutes, last-ditch defending, goalmouth scrambles and missed chances restricted The Seagulls to one more score in the 80^th minute.  Kevin Lawrence claimed the goal from a few inches out as he touched over the line a low shot by Calum Elliot destined for the far corner.

Mousehole’s reward is a place in the Third Round of the Senior Cup which is due to be played on Saturday 6^th January, the date currently set for the home League match against Millbrook.

Mousehole:  Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin, Jordan Adlard, Josh Storey, Caleb Marsden (Connor Davey, 71), Kevin Lawrence, Bradley Wills, Calum Elliot, Danny Park (Josh Otto, 71), Luke Johnson, Jake Andrew (Josh Nicholls, 79).

Scorers:  Mousehole – Bradley Wills (17), Luke Johnson (32, 56), Jake Andrew (65), Kevin Lawrence (80).  RNAS Culdrose – Ashley Spinks (38).

Referee:  Mark Hosking

• This Saturday (9^th), Mousehole face a stern test when League leaders Liskeard Athletic visit Trungle Parc for a West Division fixture (kick off 2:15pm).

 

 

 

MOUSEHOLE WOMEN 8-3 PORTHLEVEN LADIES

CORNWALL WOMEN’S LEAGUE, sponsored by Pirate FM

SUNDAY 26^TH NOVEMBER 2017, AT MARAZION

 

SEAGULLS SWOOP FOR SEVENTH WIN OUT OF SEVEN

Mousehole Women maintained their 100% record with their seventh league win out of seven to add to their County Cup victory last week.

They remain in second place in the Cornwall Women’s League, three points behind last season’s unbeaten champions St Agnes with two games in hand, and five points ahead of third-place Helston who have also played two games more than The Seagulls.

Mousehole started on the front foot and almost scored with the first move of the game.  However, Porthleven had strengthened their side since the 13-0 defeat to Mousehole in the corresponding fixture at Gala Parc in September, and took the lead when a missed clearance in defence allowed their striker to run through and slot the ball home for an unexpected lead.

Chances came and went before Mousehole drew level, Katy Barker using her unstoppable speed to race on to a defence-splitting pass and fire into the net.

It was soon 2-1 to the hosts when once again Katy again terrorised the Porthleven right back and her cross was turned in for an own goal by a defender.

Sophie Wilson then got her customary goal to send Mousehole in at half time 3-1 to the good.

Mousehole could have been many more goals up but it was the way the team played that was the more pleasing feature.

Carly Jacka got her first goal of the game after a corner from the left which found her on the line to touch home for 4-1.

Jo Barker finally got the goal she deserved, running through on to the ball and rounding the ‘keeper before stroking the ball home.

Sophie Wilson and Carla Jacka each added their second goals to make the scoreline 7-1, Jacka’s coming direct from a free kick.

Megan Davison completed the scoring for Mousehole, but Porthleven never gave up, scoring two goals of their own, but too late to make an astonishing come back.

Mousehole Women:  Lyndsey Mayers (captain), Rosie Davison, Lucy Brown, Emma Hurworth, Tamara de Silva, Katy Barker, Sophie Wilson, Carly Jacka, Scarlett Clouter, Megan Davison, Jo Barker.

Substitutes:  Megan Edwards (for Rosie Davison, 40), Becky Edwards (for Scarlett Clouter 70), Stacey George (for Katy Barker 80).

Mousehole scorers:  Sophie Wilson (2), Carly Jacka (2), Katy Barker, Jo Barker, Megan Davison.

 

Mousehole now have three consecutive away League games before the Christmas break.  Next Sunday (3^rd December) they travel to St Teath, followed by a trip to Charlestown on 10^th, and then the ‘game of the season’ on 17^th at St Agnes.  All League fixtures kick off at 2:30pm.

RUAN MINOR 1-8 MOUSEHOLE RESERVES

CORNWALL JUNIOR CUP, sponsored by Bond Timber

THIRD ROUND TIE

SATURDAY 25^TH NOVEMBER 2017, AT GRADE RUAN RECREATION GROUND

 RESERVES ROMP THROUGH TO LAST 16 OF JUNIOR CUP

Mousehole Reserves progressed to the last 16 of the Cornwall Junior Cup*, making sure there was no cup upset when they visited Ruan Minor, who are currently two divisions below The Seagulls in Trelawny  Division 3.

Currently in mid-table with 12 points from 8 games, the hosts have a very good set up and were well supported for an entertaining 90 minutes by a large number of local spectators.

Mousehole went one up after 14 minutes following some good football, with Michael Fitchett and Tom Hooper combining and Jamie Simons providing the perfect ball to Lee Robinson to fire home.

Continued attacks by Mousehole followed, resulting in a number of corners in quick succession. From one of these, Nathan Goodspeed’s corner was punched by the home ‘keeper, but both the spinning ball and keeper ended up over the goal line for 2-0.

A good run from Michael Fitchett playing on the wing saw his shot saved and the ball fell to Joe Davies who slotted just wide of the post.

Ruan were stubborn in their defence, but from a free kick Joe Davies provided a good ball in to find Jamie Simons who then made it goal number 3.

Paul Williams in goal, deputising for Adam Robathan who broke a couple of fingers in last Saturday’s victory at Hayle, had a very quiet first half, thanks to a solid all-round team performance as in previous weeks.

The hosts put up some solid defence and a mixture of good goalkeeping, missed chances and bad luck kept the score down to 3-0 at the interval.

Within five minutes of the re-start, Tom Patrick got goal number 4.  Attacking from the wing, his initial shot hit the post, but he seized on the rebound to slot the ball home into the corner of the net.

A free kick on the edge of the Ruan box saw Joe Davies drive the ball home to make it 5.

Ruan came back with several attempts on goal but good defending and safe goalkeeping kept them at bay.

Mousehole’s midfield ‘engine room’ controlled play for the majority of the game, and valuable assistance came from the rolling substitutions which enabled all the squad members to play their part in the fixture.

Chris Bullock then scored a quick-fire hat trick to bring the scoreline to 8-0, following good play, awareness and a strong will.

Full credit is due to Ruan who kept battling away, and after a goalmouth scramble they managed to score a richly deserved goal.

Mousehole Reserves squad:  Paul Williams, Joe Davies (captain), Lee Robinson, Tom McGarry, Harry Tonkin, Jason Simmonds, Nathan Goodspeed, Michael Fitchett, Tom Patrick , Chris Bullock, Tom George,  Louis Main, Jamie Simons, Tom Hooper.

Mousehole scorers:  Lee Robinson, Jamie Simons, Tom Patrick, Joe Davies, Chris Bullock (3), Own Goal.

Next Saturday, Mousehole Reserves, leaders of the Trelawny League Division 1 table, are back in League action with an away fixture versus mid-table Threemilestone at Boscawen Park, Truro, kick off 2:30pm.

*The 4^th Round draw (last 16) for the Junior Cup will take place at 09:30 on Tuesday 28th November

MOUSEHOLE 4-2 PLYMOUTH MARJON

SOUTH WEST PENINSILA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 25^TH NOVEMBER 2017, AT TRUNGLE PARC

Mousehole’s win on Saturday maintained this season’s 100% home record – three League and two Cup victories – since returning to Trungle Parc in October.

With The Seagulls almost back to full strength after the previous week’s defeat at Elburton Villa with a severely depleted squad, these hard-fought three points saw them climb five places to 9^th, a good base for facing their next nine league games all of which are at home.

Plenty of goals and incidents helped keep the spectators warm on a cold afternoon, and good chances were missed at both ends before Mousehole took the lead on 22 minutes with a fine goal from Tyler Tonkin who came up from right-back to exchange passes with Calum Elliot and crash a 10-yard drive in from an angle.

To their credit Marjons hit back immediately and after going close with a header just wide from a corner, they equalised in the 24^th minute through midfielder Adam Smietanka’s lofted drive from 25 yards into the roof of the net.

Mousehole created the better chances in the remainder of the half, Calum Elliot having a shot deflected on 30 minutes after a period of sustained possession, and Tyler Tonkin almost adding his second with a lob over the bar just before the interval.

The Seagulls dominated the early stages of the second half, combative midfielder Jordan Adlard putting a fierce header marginally off-target from Luke Johnson’s driven corner, Liam Andrew flicking Calum Elliot’s cross against the crossbar, and the same player forcing a flying save from the ‘keeper with a close-range header.

But the inevitable goal came in the 56^th minute when Jordan Adlard was first to a loose ball amid a scramble on the edge of the 6-yard box and his brave header was cleared from behind the line, with the well-placed assistant referee flagging for the goal.

Amazingly, the visitors equalised once more within three minutes, when referee Mark Hosking deemed that a grounded player had been tripped inside the area, and the converted penalty made it 2-2.

An exciting eight minutes ended with Mousehole regaining the lead on 64 minutes.  The attack-minded Liam Andrew scored a richly-deserved first goal of the season, darting in front of the ‘keeper to nod into the net from Tyler Tonkin’s searching cross, an indication of the fluidity of The Seagulls’ play with both full backs getting on the scoresheet for the first time in recent memory.

Marjons were still in the hunt and wasted possible chances for a third equaliser in the 75^th and 78^th minutes, before substitute Bradley Wills made the lead more comfortable in the 84^th minute, driving home from 10 yards following a great break forward by Josh Otto and a blocked shot by Connor Davey.

With a 4-2 lead, Mousehole finished the game strongly, with Calum Elliot having a shot blocked by the keeper’s legs after Bradley Wills’ clever pass, and Connor Davey shooting wide after a shrewd Josh Otto pass put him in the clear.

Mousehole: Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin, Billy Curtis (captain), Max Hill, Liam Andrew, Kevin Lawrence, Jordan Adlard, Josh Otto, Connor Davey, Luke Johnson, Calum Elliot.

Substitutes:  Bradley Wills (for Kevin Lawrence, 70), Danny Park, Caleb Marsden, Yeshe Briar, Jake Andrew

Mousehole scorers:  Tyler Tonkin (22), Jordan Adlard (56), Liam Andrew (64), Bradley Wills (84)

Referee: Mark Hosking.     Attendance: 56

Mousehole will be looking to maintain their 100% home record this Saturday (2^nd December) when RNAS Culdrose – with only two points gained so far from 13 games in this season’s Cornwall Combination League – visit Trungle Parc for a Cornwall Senior Cup second round tie (2pm).