Mousehole 1-1 Westbury 

Terrible weather which included rain and gale force winds, combined with road closures and a team from a long way away meant that the crowd for this game was the lowest at Trungle for many a year. With the team needing a positive result that was a disappointment but the men in white and green did not let it affect them. 

In a first half which was very tight the first chance fell to Mousehole’s returning loanee Ryan Downing. Yes, the same Downing who had traumatised the Seagulls’ defence in the Cornwall Senior Cup Semi Final. The question everyone’s lips was “could he play as well for us as he had against us?” He had the opportunity to answer that in the first few minutes.  

Tim Nixon chased a ball down the left and pulled it back to Downing around the penalty spot. With the goal gaping, the floppy haired forward passed the ball wide of the keeper but also wide of the goal. It was the sort of chance that screamed sitter. 

Mousehole were made to regret that miss only ten minutes later when Westbury found some space in the middle and sent a pass out to their left. With Seagulls’ defenders running back towards their goal none of them noticed a lone Westburyforward sneaking up behind them. When the cross came in the forward nipped ahead of everyone and got a touch to send it home ahead of Ollie Chenoweth’s diving grasp. 

With so much positivity coming on the back of Saturday’s plucky performance against Frome this felt like a blow to the solar-plexus. With half an hour left in the half there was plenty of time but thew teams seemed to cancel each other out to a large extent and neither keeper was overly troubled ahead of the break. 

Mousehole knew that Westbury, following a long minibus trip, would be happy to waste time and hold on to what they had so a quick start to the second half was vital. And that is exactly what they got just five minutes after the interval. 

From a Westbury goal kick* the ball was lifted high by the wind and attacked as it fell by an advancing Ed Harrison. From there it was flicked on by Downing into the path of Timothy ‘The Nightmare’ Nixon. On the edge of box he let it bounce and as it dropped again he smashed it home. A bit of a route one goal but no one was complaining. At that moment, for the first time in a long while, the momentum was with the men in white and green. 

Sadly, they could not capitalise and as the weather worsened and the wind strengthened it became harder and harder to play the sort of football that Mousehole has become famous for. Too often the ball went long, encouraged by the wind at the backs, but too rarely were clear cut chances made. The best chance of the remainder of the match fell to Westbury and it had Seagull hearts in mouths. A bit of pinball ended when the ball rolled into the path of the dark green’s number nine just ten yards out. With only Chenoweth to beat a goal looked certain but when there is Chenoweth to beat nothing is certain and the turquoise clad stopped did what he so often does and saved the day for Mousehole. 

They came into the game wanting a win, but in all honesty ended it happy with a point. It’s a question we may repeat a few times in the last few games: was it a point won or two lost? Time will tell. 

Mousehole 0-2 Frome 

Frome are so far ahead at the top of Division One South of the Southern League that they are practically in the Northern Section. Even the teams in the play-off zone are having to use binoculars to see them. Ahead of this game they had lost only twice. For Mousehole, hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, this was probably the last opposition they would have chosen to face after the miserable night at Willand. 

Whilst ultimately the result brought no more points into the Mousehole pot, it was actually a performance that reminded everyone; staff, players and fans, that we have a team who, on their day, can compete with the best. The fact that ‘their day’ has been too rare this season is not something to dwell on till the season’s end because this performance could possibly be the catalyst to a solid end of the campaign that may see relegation avoided. 

The first half was one of few chances, only eight in total and only two of them on target. That the majority of those fell to Frome was not a surprise. What was unexpected was that the apocryphal neutral visitor from Mars would have had trouble working out which team was the table topper and which had neck ache from looking over their shoulder. 

Where the performance against Willand lacked spine, endeavour and energy, this was a match where every Mousehole player stood up to be counted. In fact, the best chance was probably Mousehole’s and it came with moments to go before half time. With a free kick on the left the box was crowded like a Premier League corner. Jack Calver suddenly ran away from the melee to the edge of the box to receive a pass from Turner. He whipped his left foot at but a bobble sent it wildly wide. A neat move. 

The match was decided in a crazy four minute spell either side of seventy minutes. 

After sixty-eight minutes Frome took the lead. A long cross from their left flew a long way to the far post where substitute Dave Duru found space by pushing Sullivan in the back. Was it a foul? No one appealed and Sullivan didn’t go to ground so the referee didn’t have a decision to make. Duru controlled the cross with one touch then hammered it past Chenoweth from close range. 

Two minutes later Frome doubled their lead. The Frome winger skipped past our skipper and laid the ball back to his full back. He floated a cross to the back post where two Frome players stood in not so splendid isolation. Either could have put it way but it only needed one. 

Mousehole have come back from situations like this before but any chance of that disappeared a minute later when James Ward was sent for an early shower within seconds of the restart. It was the result of the perennial undoing of the team this season; the long straight ball from the other half. On this occasion it flew high and straight towards Ward and Duru. Ward was ahead of Duru when they seemed to tangle arms. Who initiated the contact was unclear but the referee deemed that Ward had pulled Duru back and prevented a goal scoring opportunity, or DOGSO as it is known. Ward trudged off and took with him any hopes left for a point in this game. 

Mousehole battled valiantly on but the gulf was now too much to overcome and so the 2026 undefeated home run came to an end. A disappointing result but an encouraging performance. 

Willand 4-1 Mousehole 

The statistics from the history of football going back to the days when the boots were hobnail and the shirts were woollen all suggest that if you score the first goal you have an eighty percent chance of winning the game and a ninety percent chance of not losing. For a number of season Mousehole AFC defied logic, statistics and history. This was a night when they would have preferred not to but in this thrice re-arranged fixture they did. 

A classic Tallan Mitchell and Mousehole goal in the third minute should have been the hors d’oeuvre to a fabulous relegation-fear relieving away victory. It wasn’t. 

Let’s enjoy the goal. A nice move down the left set Hayden Turner free with grass to run in to. He ran, looked up and saw Mitchell at the far post. The pass evaded the defence and found the diminutive number ten at the far post and he slid it home from a tight angle. To say that was as good as it got would be an understatement. 

It’s not unfair to suggest that from here on in it was men against boys as a beautiful start turned in to a horrible night. The wheels started to come off less than ten minutes later. A long straight ball from the Willand keeper led to chaos in the Mousehole defence. Ollie , Kaleb and Joel all went for the same ball along with a forward. They all arrived at the same time but, crucially, the Willand forward, who seemed the least likely to get there first, got his head to the ball just before being clattered. Penalty. Goal. One all. 

A long straight ball from the Willand full back led to chaos in the Mousehole defence. No one cleared it which left a Willand player, from a seated position, to play the ball into a team mate’s path to roll it home. Two one. 

On the half hour, the home side had a free kick near the half way line. I’m copy and pasting the next bit, it’s easier; A long straight ball from the Willand player led to chaos in the Mousehole defence. This resulted in Sullivan nodding past Chenoweth. Three one. Game over. 

The frustrating thing about the second half was that Mousehole had chances. Quite a few chances but Willand’s players put their bodies on the line, literally and metaphorically, to make sure we didn’t score. There was a period during which, had Mousehole scored, the comeback would have been on but these hopes were snuffed out just before the hour. 

A throw in on Willand’s left wasn’t cleared, when it could have been, and it fell to a lone striker on the edge of the box. He showed a composure that none of the men in navy managed at the other end when he touched it to his left and passed it inside the far post. 

More chances came Mousehole’s way after that but there was little conviction that they could get back into this game. Heads had dropped a long time before the final whistle. Only a few weeks ago there was still the outside chance of a play offbut Mousehole now finds themselves in a relegation scrap. 

JAKE ASH AND ADAM FLETCHER TO STEP DOWN AT END OF SEASON

Mousehole AFC can confirm that First Team Manager Jake Ash and Director of Football Adam Fletcher will step down from their roles at the end of the current season.

After several demanding seasons building and sustaining a team competing at this level of the game, Jake and Adam feel the time is right to pause and reflect on what has been achieved over a significant period. 

Jake and Adam made the decision some time ago that the end of the season would be the right moment to step down, and have since informed the board of their intention, which the club has, reluctantly, accepted.

While the original plan had been to keep this private until the end of the campaign, it is felt that making the decision public now provides clarity and allows the club to begin planning for the future, while maintaining full focus on the challenge of retaining our Southern League status.

Jake has led the Seagulls for seven seasons, while Adam has played a central role in the club’s football operations for eight years. Together, they have overseen one of the most successful and transformative periods in Mousehole AFC’s history.

Their tenure has seen the club grow both on and off the pitch, guiding the Seagulls through promotions, memorable cup runs, and the continued development of a strong footballing identity that has helped establish Mousehole as a respected presence in the Southern League.

Throughout their time at the club, Jake and Adam have helped establish an environment built on high standards – one that has been relentless in its pursuit of improvement, respectful in its values, and reflective in its approach – leaving a lasting impact on players, staff and supporters alike.

Mousehole AFC Chair Deryk Heywood said:

“Between them, Jake and Adam have given everything to Mousehole over a long period of time, and we’re incredibly grateful for what they’ve achieved.

Jake’s seven years have been nothing short of remarkable. The commitment he’s shown, alongside a full-time teaching job, is something I’ve never seen before. People see the 90 minutes on a Saturday, but the work behind the scenes is relentless – the preparation, the travel, the hours he’s put in to get us where we are. Over 300 games, promotions, winning the Western League and reaching the Southern League playoffs – it’s put Mousehole on the map and given us memories I’ll never forget. Now it’s time for him to enjoy some well-earned time with his family, who’ve all been right behind him.

Adam has been just as important in his own way. I can remember him being born, and to see what he’s become at this football club has been special. He’s a real football person with a brilliant eye for detail and creativity. Whether it was the look of the kit, the feel of the dressing room, or those little touches that make players feel valued, Adam was exceptional. It’s often the small things that make the biggest difference, and he understood that better than anyone. His energy and enthusiasm lifted everyone around him.

A football club is about people driving each other on, and both Jake and Adam have done that brilliantly. We’ll miss them both, but we wish Jake, Melissa and the girls, and Adam, Tegan, Stan and all their families, the very best for the future. They’ll always be welcome at Mousehole, and they’ll always be a big part of what this club has become.”

Manager Jake Ash said:

It has been an incredible honour to manage this football club for the past seven seasons.

From the moment I was given the opportunity, I knew it was a special place and together we have created memories and achieved things that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I’m immensely proud of what we’ve built – not just on the pitch in terms of promotions and players progressing, but in how we’ve relentlessly tried to drive the whole club forward, creating an identity and an environment that has allowed people to thrive.

But all of that comes at a cost, and the truth is my battery is empty. I can see it and feel it, and I know I can’t be what I want to be while the energy to be wholly relentless isn’t there. For this amazing club to keep moving forward, it deserves someone who can.

This hasn’t been an easy decision, but it is one that was made some time ago, to step aside at the end of the season. The intention was to keep this in-house until then, but as is often the case in football, word begins to spread. I wanted the people who matter to hear it from me, and not from someone else.

There is still work to be done between now and the end of the season, and I remain fully focused on finishing as strongly as we can. Myself and the staff are totally and utterly committed to this group and to this football club, and our full focus is on ensuring we finish the season strongly.

The journey isn’t quite over yet.

Director of Football Adam Fletcher said:

My eight years at the Mousehole AFC have meant far more to me than just the football. 

Together we have shared some incredible moments, three promotions, Western League champions and some unforgettable trips in the Algarve that strengthened our team and made memories for life. One of my biggest highlights was watching Kev’s “Champions” video as a group before heading off for an afternoon at Julia’s on the beach to celebrate our success. 

As much as the results mean so much to us all, it’s the people that have made it so special.  The staff, players, volunteer, board members and supporters are the heart of the club and have all had a huge impact on my time here. Some of whom started as strangers and became lifelong friends.

Mousehole has given me some of the best days of my life. I have given everything I could to the club in my time, and I hope that showed in everything that the club achieved together.

Now it’s time for a new chapter for the Mousehole, and some time away from working in football for me.

No doubt I will continue to support the club in any way I can and I look forward to seeing all of you next season, cheering you on from the sidelines as a supporter.

Everyone at Mousehole AFC would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Jake and Adam for their extraordinary commitment to the club. Their leadership, professionalism andpassion have played a huge role in shaping the modern era of the Seagulls.

With several important matches still to come before the end of the season, Jake and Adam will continue to lead the team as we look to finish the campaign strongly.

Further updates regarding the club’s football structure for next season will be announced in due course

As part of ongoing discussions around the club’s long-term future, on Monday 23rd March Mousehole AFC hosted a Fan Ownership Forum at Interiora Trungle Parc. You can watch the full meeting in the video above.

The summary below captures the key themes, questions and ideas raised as we begin to explore what this could mean for the club and its community.

🔑 Why the club is exploring fan ownership

• Running a Step 4 football club is financially challenging and often unsustainable
  • Example: away travel (~£1,500 per trip) can exceed matchday income
• Current structure places responsibility on a small number of individuals (directors)
• Desire to move towards a model where:
  • The club is owned by the community
  • Decisions reflect collective priorities rather than a few voices
• Key aim: long-term sustainability
  • Ensuring the club still exists and thrives in 10, 20, 30 years
• Recognition of differing priorities among supporters:
  • Some want on-pitch progression (promotions)
  • Others prioritise youth development and community football
• Fan ownership seen as a way to balance these competing visions democratically

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🧩 What fan ownership actually is

• Typically structured as a Community Benefit Society (CBS)
• Core principles:
  • One member, one vote (democratic control)
  • Members become co-owners of the club
  • Profits are reinvested, not distributed
• Membership:
  • Tiered cost to suit the pockets of fans across the economic spectrum
  • Provides a stake and voting rights, not free entry to matches
• Governed through elected board members, similar to:
  • A democratic organisation
  • Fans elect leadership → leadership makes decisions 

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⚖️ Key advantages of fan ownership

• Financial sustainability
  • Clubs must “live within their means”
  • Reduces risk of financial collapse
• Transparency
  • Fans can see accounts and understand budgets
• Community engagement
  • Club becomes more embedded locally
  • Encourages wider participation and support
• Volunteer growth
  • Ownership increases willingness to contribute time and skills
• Access to funding
  • Eligibility for grants and community funding streams
• Asset protection
  • “Asset lock” prevents stadium/land being sold without approval
• Stronger identity
  • Club reflects values and priorities of its community 

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⚠️ Challenges and limitations

• No financial gambling
  • Cannot overspend to chase promotion
• Slower decision-making
  • Democratic processes take time
• Increased governance
  • More structure, compliance, and admin
• No “sugar daddy” funding
  • Success must be built sustainably
• Requires active participation
  • Model depends on people contributing time, not just money

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⚽ The big strategic question: What kind of club do we want to be?

• Central theme of the evening:
  • There is no single “right” model without defining the club’s purpose
• Key tension:
  • Push for higher leagues vs. financial reality
• Example given:
  • Step 3 football could require:
    • Larger crowds (~600)
    • Increased travel (London trips, overnight stays)
    • Higher wages and operational costs
• Suggestion:
  • Build a long-term strategy before chasing promotion
  • Grow sustainably (crowds, income, infrastructure) first
• Club acknowledged:
  • Currently lacks a clear strategic plan
  • Intention to develop a shared vision across:
    • Fans
    • Players
    • Volunteers
    • Community stakeholders 

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👥 Membership & participation

• No fixed number of members required:
  • Could work with ~100 members
• Membership is:
  • About engagement and ownership, not just income
• Key benefit:
  • Unlocking skills within the community
    • Accountants, marketers, organisers, etc.
• Emphasis:
  • Everyone can contribute at different levels:
    • From strategic roles → to helping on matchdays

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🌍 Community reach & identity

• Membership can extend beyond Mousehole
  • Includes:
    • Former locals
    • Wider Cornish diaspora
    • Supporters aligned with club values
• Importance of storytelling:
  • Club identity and community roots are key to growing support

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🛡️ Governance & control

• Safeguards include:
  • Democratic voting
  • Membership rules (e.g. closing membership before elections)
• Prevents:
  • Small groups taking control unfairly
• Major decisions (e.g. selling club):
  • Require significant majority (e.g. 75%)

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💬 Key themes from Q&A

• Membership fees:
  • Flexible (set by the club)
• Model does not replace existing income streams
  • Still reliant on:
    • Gate receipts
    • Sponsorship
    • Bar revenue
• Travel and spending decisions:
  • Fans would have greater influence
• Model works at all levels:
  • From Football League down to Step 6
• Success depends on:
  • Clear vision + active community involvement

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🔮 Overall conclusion from the evening

• Fan ownership is:
  • A tool, not a solution in itself
• Its success depends on:
  • Defining what the club wants to be
  • Building a shared strategy
  • Engaging the community meaningfully
• Most important takeaway:
  • The future of Mousehole AFC should be shaped collectively, not by default

Tavistock 1 – 1 Mousehole 

For the third time in a week the Seagulls drew a match one all. For the third time in a week the Seagulls had to come from behind after a disappointing first half. 

With three ex-Tavi players in the Mousehole squad this was something of a reunion but unlike pub gatherings with old school friends it was anything but a happy night out. Tavistock are nailed to the bottom of the league table having only won three times this season. That the last of those three victories was in October and the one before that was at Trungle was not lost on anyone. 

All teams have bogey teams and for Mousehole, Tavistock fall into that slot. It doesn’t seem to matter where the two teams sit in the table, or what the occasion, it is a rare day when the Seagulls get the better of the Lambs. With neither team in good form presently it was almost impossible to predict how this game would go but the early exchanges indicated that the hex would continue to haunt Mousehole. 

From the off, the hosts looked like the team in mid-table. They were winning all the fifty-fifties, finding their men with passes and repelling any Mousehole advances with ease. They looked comfortable on the ball and very far from a team almost certain to go down. Maybe this was part of their new manager bounce, or maybe it was just because they were playing Mousehole. 

It’s been very rare recently that teams have to do something special to score against the Seagulls and so it was here on a chilly night in the Devonian heartland. Tavistock could have taken the lead sooner. In the tenth minute a diving Scott Simmons cleared one off the line with his chest. They eventually did, ten minutes before the break. A long ball from defence had Jack Calver, starting for the first time since the summer, turning in his own box. He should have whacked it clear but Jack’s too good a player to resort to that and so he tried to bring it down even under pressure from a marauding forward. 

His touch was good but the ball dribbled away into the forward’s stride as Calver slipped. Free in the box he found a colleague who only need to tap it home. And tap it home he did. He we were playing against the league’s ‘worst’ team and we were one nil down and hoping it wouldn’t get worse before the break. If it truly is darkest before dawn then surely this was pitch black and the sun was about to come up. 

With Jake Ash suffering from a cold, a result of which meant he was under doctor’s orders not to shout, he refrained from entering the changing room at half time. This saved his voice and possibly saved a few teacups. It’s unclear who took on the manager’s mantle in his absence but whoever it was, they were unable to catalyse the required transformation. There was more urgency about the Seagulls’ work but as in the previous two matches there wasn’t the guile to break down a stubborn defence. 

Mousehole huffed and puffed but for the umpteenth time this season it was not until the last ten minutes that they were able to make the breakthrough. It wasn’t pretty and it won’t win any awards but Liam Prynn’s strike in the eighty third minute brought some form of relief to the visiting fans. Hayden Turner pulled a low cross into the box, Mark Goldsworthy had a shot blocked and it ricocheted skywards. When it fell it was met by the hammer that is Liam Prynn’s right boot. It flew into the roof of the net much to the relief of all aligned with Mousehole. 

There were only three chances thereafter and they all fell to the home side. Thanks, as so often, to Ollie Chenoweth, Tavistock did not register again and the points were shared. And here comes a final sentence that we’ve seen before and we’ll see again. Whether that turns out to be a point won, or two lost will only be known after the last game of the season.