Mousehole 2-1 Bridgwater United

Toolstation Western League, Premier Division

Saturday 4^th March 2023

At Trungle Parc

Scorers:  George King (Bridgwater) 14’, Adel Gafaiti 45+2’, Own Goal (Jacob Spence) 71’

SUMMARY

In front of their fifth 200+ home attendance of the season, the second-place Seagulls faced the third-place Robins in an afternoon of hotly contested refereeing decisions, frequent stoppages, a flurry of yellow cards, two sendings-off, game-changing missed chances and a decisive ‘own goal’ – the victory extending Mousehole’s excellent winning sequence and keeping them handily placed for the last seven weeks of the current campaign.

KEY POINTS

14’: Goal for Bridgwater.  Mousehole have already missed a clear one-on-one chance but the visitors have started strongly and take a deserved lead, as a miscued defensive header in the windy conditions opens up space for GEORGE KING to stride forward and drive into the far corner from 15 yards.

45+3’: Equaliser for Mousehole.  Both sides have come close, with Mark Goldsworthy’s shot blocked in front of goal with Referee Shaun Edge turning away penalty appeals, and Conor Hartley denied by Seagulls’ keeper Lewis Moyle when clean through on goal.  With the half-time whistle coming, Jack Calver lofts a free kick from the right into a crowded area, it’s cleared as far as Hayden Turner on the left of the box, who controls in an instant, turns his marker the wrong way and chips in an inviting cross for ADEL GAFAITI to rise and send a downward header past Jake Viney in the Robins’ goal.

45+4’:  There’s a lot of added-on time in a half of frequent stoppages and disputes over decisions.  As Referee Edge blows for the interval, he’s involved in prolonged conversation with visiting captain Mark Armstrong, which ends with a Red card being shown.  The second half of Bridgwater’s season has been dogged by a poor disciplinary record and the former League leaders are now down to ten men for the whole of the second half.  Half-time score: 1-1.

The second half:

63’:  Bridgwater are handed a lifeline as Mousehole’s Andy Elcock is shown a Red card after reacting to a sin-bin dismissal.  The Seagulls’ advantage has disappeared and it’s now ten versus ten for the last half hour. 

71’:  Goal for Mousehole.  Hayden Turner drives a left-sided corner towards the near post where centre-back JACOB SPENCE gets ahead of a trio of Mousehole attackers but crashes a header into his own net for a spectacular own goal.  Mousehole 2-1 Bridgwater United.

10 minutes to go:  Bridgwater have had a dangerous period since conceding – they’ve stepped up the pace to gain a much-needed something from this game, and have exposed gaps in the home defence, with Jack Taylor and Jack Thorne each coming within inches of scoring.

90+4’:  At the full-time whistle, Mousehole have held out against a strong Bridgwater comeback.  A game of tenacity, character, controversy and the narrowest of margins – and a hugely important three points for The Seagulls.

CONCLUSION

Mousehole’s win – their 22^nd unbeaten League game in a row and their 11^th straight win since Bonfire Night – puts them six points ahead of Bridgwater with two games in hand, and keeps them six points behind leaders Saltash with four games in hand.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes):

Lewis Moyle (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Andy Elcock, Tallan Mitchell (Steve Burt 85’), Jack Calver (Capt), Callam Mconie (Reece Thomson), Mark Goldsworthy (Jack Bray-Evans 77’), Hayden Turner.  Other substitutes:  Josh Otto, Josh Bissett.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Sean Edge (Referee) with Ken Swift and Neil Rudkin (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  222

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Jake Ash’s team have 10 games remaining –

• 3 at Home: Shepton Mallet, Clevedon, and Wellington
• 7 Away: Millbrook, Ilfracombe, Shepton Mallet, Wellington, Helston, Keynsham and Bridgwater

The next five fixtures are:

TOMORROW, Tuesday 7^th March, 7.45pm

Away v Millbrook 

Saturday 11^th March, 3pm

Away v Ilfracombe Town 

Saturday 18^th March, 3pm

Away v Shepton Mallet  

Saturday 25^th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington 

SATURDAY 1^st APRIL, 3pm

HOME v SHEPTON MALLET

Buckland Athletic 1-4 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 25^th February 2023

At Homers Heath

Scorers:

Ryan Bush (Buckland) 24’, 1-0

Hayden Turner 31’, Half-time 1-1

Mark Goldsworthy 47’, Hayden Turner 88’, Reece Thomson 90+2’

SUMMARY:

The Seagulls’ strong second-half performance saw off the challenge of an in-form Buckland side undefeated at home in the League, the well-earned points taking Mousehole to ten straight wins and their overall unbeaten run to 21 games stretching back to August.

AS IT HAPPENED:

24’:  Buckland Athletic take the lead as RYAN BUSH is put through one-on-one to chip the ball past Ollie Chenoweth, with Mousehole’s protesting in vain at the absence of an offside flag.

31’:  Mousehole equalise as HAYDEN TURNER drives in a low free kick from near the corner of the hosts’ penalty area and the ball evades everyone in the box to nestle inside the far post.

At half-time, it’s 1-1, The Bucks having started positively but The Seagulls working their way back into the match to exert more control up to the interval.

47’:  Mousehole go in front barely a minute after the resumption, Andy Elcock finding Callam Mconie in space on the right and the wingman’s fierce left-foot shot half-saved by keeper Andy Collings, with the alert MARK GOLDSWORTHY first to the loose ball to score from close range.  Buckland Athletic 1-2 Mousehole.

88’:  Just as in the last three games, Ollie Chenoweth has made a couple of vital saves in the last ten minutes to preserve his side’s advantage, and Ryan Bush has hurriedly fired wide from inside the six-yard box – at the other end, Andy Elcock again exploits space in the Buckland defence, giving HAYDEN TURNER the opening for a goalbound shot from the edge of the box which diverts off Tom Strike to wrong-foot Collings.  Now 1-3 to the visitors.

90+2’:  Mousehole’s speed and movement provides a fourth goal – Andy Elcock (yet again) and fleet-footed substitute Josh Bissett combine to rip open the Buckland back line, Hayden Turner takes the ball past his marker and pulls the ball back from the bye-line for REECE THOMSON to convert first-time into the roof of the net from six yards.

Full-time (on 90+8 minutes): Buckland Athletic 1-4 Mousehole – memories of last season when it was 1-5, with all Mousehole goals then coming in the second half. 

CONCLUSION:

With leaders Saltash United not in action and third-place Bridgwater United only drawing at home against Ashton & Backwell, Mousehole’s win sees them handily placed just three points behind Saltash with three games in hand, and four points ahead of Bridgwater with one game in hand.  Both Saltash and Bridgwater have mid-week League games before an interesting fixture on Saturday when Bridgwater visit Trungle Parc.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Tallan Mitchell (Reece Thomson 70’), Andy Elcock, Jack Calver (Capt), Callam Mconie (Jack Symons 90’), Mark Goldsworthy (Josh Bissett 79’), Hayden Turner (Aaron Dilley 90+3’). Other substitute:  Steve Burt.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Mike Lazarus (Referee), with Shaun Mann and Gary Hammon (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 221

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE:

The month of March will be a testing time for Jake Ash’s squad, with just one home game (against Bridgwater) and four consecutive away fixtures (at Millbrook, Ilfracombe, Shepton Mallet and Wellington), before returning to Trungle Parc to play Shepton Mallet on April 1^st.

SATURDAY 4^th MARCH, 3pm

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED

Tuesday 7^th March, 7.45pm

Away v Millbrook

Saturday 11^th March, 3pm

Away v Ilfracombe Town

Saturday 18^th March, 3pm

Away v Shepton Mallet  

Saturday 25^th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington

SATURDAY 1^st APRIL, 3pm

HOME v SHEPTON MALLET

Mousehole 3-0 Ashton & Backwell United

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 18^th February 2023

At Trungle Parc

Scorers:  Callam Mconie 29’, Hayden Turner 37’, Josh Bissett 90’

SUMMARY

Facing the much-improved Somerset visitors, the second-place Seagulls had to work hard all over the pitch to extend their unbeaten League run to 20 games – and their 100% record since early November – with a first win in four attempts since both teams joined the Western League Premier Division last season

KEY POINTS

29’: Goal for Mousehole. The Seagulls have previously drawn two and lost one against The Stags, and have never even taken the lead against them.  But that is put right as some quick passing between Andy Elcock and Reece Thomson gives CALLAM MCONIE the chance to move inside two defenders on the right and drive left-footed past keeper Tom Roberts low into the far corner from 12 yards.  Mousehole 1-0 Ashton & Backwell United.

37’: Goal for Mousehole.  The visitors are looking dangerous on the break but HAYDEN TURNER helps calm the nerves with a sharp shot inside the near post from eight yards as Callam Mconie this time turns provider. 2-0 to the hosts.

The last 15 minutes:  Mousehole ‘keeper Ollie Chenoweth has single-handedly kept the visitors at bay with a vital one-on-one save – just like the two at Welton Rovers last Saturday – and three improbable point-blank saves as The Stags pile on the pressure.

90’:  Goal for Mousehole.  With quick wingers 17-year old Jack Symons and recent signing 19-year old Josh Bissett on as substitutes, as well as attacking midfielder Tallan Mitchell returning after breaking a collar bone six weeks ago, Mousehole have been looking to exploit the space at the back with speedy forays –  Tallan Mitchell is put through on the left and his pulled-back low cross is cleverly stroked past the wrong-footed Roberts by JOSH BISSETT from 15 yards to cap an impressive 20-minute appearance for the newcomer.

Final score:  Mousehole 3-0 Ashton & Backwell United

The win keeps Mousehole in second place in the table, six points behind Saltash with four games in hand, and two points ahead of Bridgwater with one game in hand.

MOUSEHOLE v ASHTON & BACKWELL (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Andy Elcock, Jack Calver (Capt), Reece Thomson (Tallan Mitchell 65’), Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 72’), Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner (Jack Symons 86’).

Other substitutes: Lewis Moyle, Steve Burt

MATCH OFFICIALS

Jonothan Green (Referee) with Kevin Knowles and Eric Sleeman (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  142

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Mousehole face a tough challenge between now and the end of March, with five of the next six fixtures away from Home, starting with the trip this Saturday to Buckland Athletic who have won five of their last six League games to rise up to 4^th in the table.  This is followed by a Home “six-pointer” against third place Bridgwater United, and then four consecutive away games, before returning to Trungle Parc on 1^st April to face Shepton Mallet again.

Saturday 25^th February, 3pm

Away v Buckland Athletic (currently in 4^th place)

SATURDAY 4^th MARCH, 3pm

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED (3^rd)

Tuesday 7^th March, 7.45pm

Away v Millbrook (10^th)

Saturday 11^th March, 3pm

Away v Ilfracombe Town (14^th)

Saturday 18^th March, 3pm

Away v Shepton Mallet (6^th)

Saturday 25^th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington (15^th)

SATURDAY 1^st APRIL, 3pm HOME v SHEPTON MALLETT

Welton Rovers 1-3 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 11^th February 2023

At West Clewes

Hayden Turner 3’, 89’ (pen), Mark Goldsworthy 40’

SUMMARY:

On their longest journey of the season to Midsomer Norton in north-east Somerset, Mousehole put in a strong whole-team performance against tough opponents, enjoying a recent home record of six wins in a row dating back to mid-October, including a notable success against second-place Bridgwater United the previous Saturday.  The Seagulls’ victory extended their own unbeaten sequence to 19 games (15 wins and four draws), maintained their no-defeats away record, and maintained second place in the League table.

THE KEY MOMENTS:

Mousehole are without Mark Richards, Tallan Mitchell, Josh Otto, Josh Baxter, Jack Bray-Evans and Harry Bell, but still name a strong 16, testament to this season’s squad depth.

3’:  Goal for Mousehole.  The buoyant hosts were expected to start on the front foot, but it’s Mousehole who have seized the initiative.  Jack Calver surges into space inside the Rovers’ half, drives towards goal, squares the ball inside and HAYDEN TURNER converts from close range.  Just 2 minutes 21 seconds after kick off, t’s Welton Rovers 0-1 Mousehole.

34’: Equaliser for Welton Rovers.  WILL GOULD beats the offside trap to latch on to a simple ball forward and lob over the exposed Ollie Chenoweth. 1-1.

40’:  Mousehole regain the lead.  Hayden Turner speeds to the byeline and crosses low towards the near post where MARK GOLDSWORTHY has got ahead of his marker to find the roof of the net from six yards – a classic Mousehole goal.

At half-time Mousehole have a slender 2-1 lead, with Welton’s direct play well dealt with at the back, but Ollie Chenoweth has had to make a crucial one-on-one save from Gould.

89’:  Goal for Mousehole.  Minutes after Ollie Chenoweth makes a potentially game-changing save, Mousehole’s two substitutes Jack Symons and Reece Thomson combine to open up the home defence on the right with some sharp passing, giving Mark Goldsworthy a great chance ten yards out – the striker is fouled in the act of shooting and HAYDEN TURNER scores from the penalty.

At full-time it’s Welton Rovers 1-3 Mousehole, a well-earned win on the road which sets up an interesting last two months of the season.

Mousehole are now five points behind leaders Saltash with three games in hand, and two points ahead of Bridgwater with one game in hand.

With 13 games left to play, The Seagulls have five at home and eight away, with plenty more challenging fixtures including home and away against both Bridgwater (in 3^rd place) and Shepton Mallet (in 6^th place), and away matches at Buckland (4^th) and Helston (7^th).

This coming Saturday the visitors to Trungle Parc are Ashton and Backwell United (8^th), with Mousehole looking to beat the west Somerset side for the first time in three attempts since promotion to the Western League.

*Mousehole’s senior teams recorded a trio of successes at the weekend, with the Development team beating St Agnes 7-2 to stay in contention at the top of the St Piran League, and the Women’s team winning 1-0 against RNAS Culdrose to move up to fourth place in the Cornwall Women’s Football League.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP AT WELTON ROVERS (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Steve Burt, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Andy Elcock (Reece Thomson 66’), Jack Calver (Captain), Paulo Sousa (Aaron Dilley 90+3’), Callam Mconie (Jack Symons 76’), Mark Goldsworthy (Josh Bissett 90’), Hayden Turner.  Other substitute: Lewis Moyle (GK)

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Will Payne (Referee) with Mark Oswin and Nigel Sykes (Assistant referees)

ATTENDANCE: 108

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE:

All Western League Premier Division, 3pm

SATURDAY 18^th FEBRUARY

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED (8^th)

Saturday 25^th February

Away v Buckland Athletic (4^th)

SATURDAY 4^th MARCH,

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED (3^rd)

The immense value of loyal volunteer support was fully recognised at Trungle Parc on Saturday as nine members of Mousehole AFC, with a combined total of 300 years’ involvement, were each presented with a long-service award by Western League representative Martin Painter.

Mousehole Chairman Deryk Heywood, announcing the awards before the match against Cadbury Heath, gave praise to a special group of people who were still serving the club in one form or another having been involved continuously for several decades.  Many had performed a variety of roles including player, team captain, manager, coach, club official, Committee member, match official and supporter.  He went on to say that without such selfless volunteers, there would be no club, and added that there were more people who would in due course be recognised for their long service to the club.

Saturday’s awards were presented to these members (with their years of service shown):

• Brian Stephens (46 years)
• Peter Robinson (45 years)
• Mark Trevail (34 years)
• James Prisk (34 years)
• Jeff Richardson (33 years)
• Darren Woodard (30 years)
• Tim Richardson (25 years)
• Jackie Robinson (25 years)
• Jamie Liston (21 years)

Buckland Athletic 2-0 Mousehole

Les Phillips Cup First Round

Tuesday 31^st January 2023

At Homers Heath

For the second season running, Mousehole were knocked out at the first stage of the League Cup – named after a former long-standing Chairman of the Western League – by a strong and hard-running Buckland side who took their chances well despite being under pressure particularly in the first half.

The key points

The tie, originally scheduled for early November, has already been postponed several times because of Buckland’s involvement in the County Cup, together with two weather call-offs at Trungle Parc resulting in a reversal of the venue.

In last season’s first round,  a much-changed Mousehole side did well to hold Helston’s first-choice team to an away draw before losing on penalties; this time, manager Jake Ash fields a stronger 16-man squad.

34’:  Goal for Buckland Athletic.  Very much against the run of play, with Referee Ryan Cornelius having dismissed three penalty claims for desperate tackles on Callam Mconie (twice) and Jack Calver, a huge gap appears in the centre of the Mousehole defence as the hosts’ captain and centre-back ROB FARKINS strides through from the half-way line to drive low past keeper Lewis Moyle from the edge of the area.

54’: Goal for Buckland Athletic.  The hosts break up a Mousehole attack and transfer the ball quickly into loads of space on the left for the speedy Josh Webber, Lewis Moyle parries Ryan Bush’s shot but SCOTT CROCKER is first to the loose ball to convert from close range. The hosts lead 2-0.

57’: More problems as Mousehole concede a penalty, but Lewis Moyle keeps the deficit respectable by beating out Stockton’s fiercely struck spot kick.

63’: Two Mousehole substitutes – Hayden Turner and Jack Bray-Evans for Josh Bissett and Callam Mconie

78’: Final Mousehole substitute – 17-year old Ryan Townson replaces Mark Goldsworthy.

Full-time score:  Buckland Athletic 2-0 Mousehole.  The Bucks progress to meet the winners of Saltash v Torpoint at Home in the second round.

Mousehole’s remaining season now consists of 15 League fixtures, nine Away and six at Home, starting with the visit of Cadbury Heath this Saturday (4^th February).

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes):

Lewis Moyle (GK), Harry Bell, Max Hill, Jack Calver (Capt), Kyle Fraser, Andy Elcock, Steve Burt, Jack Symons, Callam Mconie (Hayden Turner 63’), Mark Goldsworthy (Ryan Townson 78’), Josh Bissett (Jack Bray-Evans 63’).

Other substitutes:  Paulo Sousa, Aaron Dilley.

Fixtures for Mousehole (currently in 3^rd place)

All Western League Premier Division

SATURDAY 4^th FEBRUARY, 3pm

HOME v CADBURY HEATH (currently 18^th)

Saturday 11^th February, 3pm

Away v Welton Rovers (11^th)

SATURDAY 18^th FEBRUARY

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED (7^th)

Saturday 25^th February, 3pm

Away v Buckland Athletic (6^th)

SATURDAY 4^th MARCH, 3pm

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED (2^nd)

STREET 1-3 MOUSEHOLE

TOOLSTATION WESTERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

SATURDAY 28^th JANUARY 2023

AT THE TANNERY GROUND

The Seagulls maintained their impressive Western League form to close in on the Division’s leaders with a convincing performance against a much-improved Street team, to make it 13 wins and four draws since their only defeat in mid-August, and retain the only unbeaten away record in the League

Scorers:

Mousehole – Callam Mconie (11’), Jack Bray-Evans (44’), Max Hill (82’)

Street – Harry Foster (17’)

KEY MOMENTS OF THE MATCH

11’: GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The hosts finished last season in the bottom three, but have improved significantly since then to occupy currently a mid-table position with plenty of games in hand.  But they have played just once in a weather-disrupted two months, and they fall behind to a well-worked opening goal, with Hayden Turner speeding down the left wing for CALLAM MCONIE to convert the low cross from 15 yards with a well-placed left-foot shot low past keeper Liam Norris into the corner.

17’:  GOAL FOR STREET.  Captain HARRY FOSTER is gifted his 17^th goal of the season as he latches on to a too-short back-pass from the half-way line to slip past the advancing Ollie Chenoweth and equalise into an empty net.

44’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  HAYDEN TURNER is again the provider with a superb run to the byeline and a pull-back to the edge of the six-yard box where JACK-BRAY-EVANS gets in front of his marker to drive the ball inside the near post

45+2’:  At half-time it’s Street 1-2 Mousehole.  Lots of good football being played by both sides on a soft pitch.

65’:  Mousehole substitution – Andy Elcock for Jack Bray-Evans                      

71’:  Second Mousehole sub – ex-Hartpury University winger Josh Bissett, now on the books of Exmouth Town, replacing Callam Mconie

82’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  From a short corner routine, Hayden Turner is involved in another goal as he swings over a cross from the right and centre-back MAX HILL hooks an instant right-foot volley low into the corner of the net from 15 yards, to translate Mousehole’s second-half dominance into a clear winning position

90’:  Third Mousehole sub – Kyle Fraser is on for Hayden Turner, who’s provided the vital assists for all three goals

90+4’:  Final score is Street 1-3 Mousehole.  An important win for The Seagulls, which keeps them five points behind leaders Saltash with three games in hand, and moves them up to one point of second-place Bridgwater from the same number of games played, with two head-to-heads to come.  

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Jack Calver (Capt), Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 71’), Jack Bray-Evans (Andy Elcock 66’), Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner (Kyle Fraser 90’).  Other substitutes:  Charlie Willis, Lewis Moyle

ATTENDANCE: 116

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Tuesday 31^st January, 7.30pm

Away v Buckland Athletic

Les Phillips Cup 1^st Round

SATURDAY 4^th FEBRUARY, 3pm

HOME v CADBURY HEATH

Western League Premier

Saturday 11^th February, 3pm

Away v Welton Rovers

Western League Premier

SATURDAY 18^th FEBRUARY

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED

Western League Premier

Saturday 25^th February, 3pm

Away v Buckland Athletic

Western League Premier

SATURDAY 4^th MARCH, 3pm

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED

Western League Premier

Mousehole 2-1 Welton Rovers

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 21^st January 2023

At Trungle Parc

Mousehole scorers: Jack Bray-Evans 17’, Harry Bell 90+6’

Welton Rovers: Owen Punselie 88’

In only their third match since the beginning of December, third-place Mousehole were very nearly on the wrong end of an upset until a dramatic goal deep into added-on time gave them the vital three points against their hard-working north-east Somerset visitors

Key moments

15’:  Welton – remarkable for being the longest serving members of the Western League at 120 years, and on their longest journey of the season – have made an impressive start despite their 16^th position in the table, while Mousehole have struggled to get their passing game going

17’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Mark Goldsworthy turns a forward pass ‘round the corner’ into space midway through the Welton half for JACK BRAY-EVANS to use his strength and pace to hold off his marker and slot a perfect left-foot shot low past giant keeper Dominic Oaks and just inside the far post from 15 yards.

30’:  At the half hour mark the play has become scrappy and stop-start as Referee Rob Fleetham annoys both teams with his decisions and spends time lecturing them

45’:  The half-time whistle ends a scrappy opening period with no time added on for the numerous stoppages.  Mousehole 1-0 Welton Rovers.

Second half

59’: Mousehole make three substitutes as they look to freshen up their options on a soft slippery pitch that has begun to cut up:  Reece Thomson, Paulo Sousa and Jack Bray-Evans are replaced by Andy Elcock, Callam Mconie, and ex-Hartpury University and now Plymouth Parkway forward Aaron Goulty

66’:  Red card for Mousehole.  Andy Elcock fouls Lewis Russell just inside the Welton half and Referee Fleetham surprises everyone by deeming it to be a sending-off offence.  The hosts now down to ten men for half an hour, and a good chance for the visitors to get back in the game.

75’:  Last substitution for Mousehole:  Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by recent signing from Liskeard Harry Bell, who goes into the back four with Steve Burt coming forward to strengthen the midfield

88’:  GOAL FOR WELTON ROVERS.  The visitors have already come close with an effort cleared off the line, and have looked dangerous mostly from set pieces.  This time a right-sided corner to the far post is headed back unchallenged for OWEN PUNSELIE to nod a simple header over the line.  Mousehole 1-1 Welton Rovers – a major dent in the home side’s promotion aspirations.

90+6’:   GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Fortunately for The Seagulls, the Referee has this time added on the necessary minutes for stoppages.  Captain and today’s ‘man of the match’ Jack Calver lofts a perfect free-kick from 30 yards out on the right deep into the box where second-half substitute HARRY BELL marks his debut appearance with a brilliant downward header past keeper Oaks.

90+7’:  The final whistle goes amid scenes of huge celebration as the ten men have grabbed an against-the-odds win that keeps their promising season on track. 

With the leaders and second-place teams out of action, Mousehole remain in third place, but are now only five points behind Saltash with three games in hand and a better goal difference; and four points behind Bridgwater with one game in hand and two head-to-head matches to come.

Mousehole have now stretched their undefeated League run to 16 games  since their one and only League defeat 21 weeks ago in mid-August (v Millbrook at home, 2-1). 

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Steve Burt, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Jack Calver (C), Reece Thomson (Aaron Goulty), Paulo Sousa (Andy Elcock), Jack Bray-Evans (Callam Mconie), Mark Goldsworthy (Harry Bell), Hayden Turner.  Other substitute: Jack Symons.

Next for Mousehole:

This Saturday, 28^th January, 3pm

Away v Street

Western League Premier

Tuesday 31^st January, 7.30pm

Away v Buckland Athletic

Les Phillips Cup 1^st Round

SATURDAY 4^th FEBRUARY, 3pm

HOME v CADBURY HEATH

Western League Premier

Saturday 11^th February, 3pm

Away v Welton Rovers

Western League Premier

SATURDAY 18^th FEBRUARY

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED

Western League Premier

Saturday 25^th February, 3pm

Away v Buckland Athletic

Western League Premier

SATURDAY 4^th MARCH, 3pm

HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED

Western League Premier

Mousehole have moved quickly to strengthen their squad for the second half of the Western League Premier Division season with the signing of HARRY BELL from Liskeard Athletic.

The right-sided defender has an impressive pedigree, joining Torquay United at the age of 13 as a contemporary of Mousehole midfielder Tallan Mitchell, before moving to Yeovil Town Academy and latterly spending three successful years with high-flying Liskeard Athletic in the South West Peninsula League at Step 6.

Harry Bell explained his motivation for the move: 

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Liskeard and leave on good terms.  But I am excited to push myself at the level above and start taking my football seriously again.”

Mousehole Manager Jake Ash says he is really pleased to welcome the newcomer on board:

“I keep in touch with lots of managers in the Peninsula League and every single one I spoke to said Harry is the best there is at that level.”

“Having watched him on several occasions it is clear that he has so much potential: he’s strong, aggressive and can play.  For 22 years old, he has so many great attributes and he was obviously keen to progress and test himself at a higher level.  It’s good timing for us as well, given the injuries we’ve had defensively, and in Harry we have someone who is ready and capable to step straight in.”

Mousehole’s new arrival will be available for selection for their important League match at second-place Bridgwater United tomorrow (Saturday), with The Seagulls sitting seven points behind The Robins from two games fewer.  He will join the squad that achieved an excellent away win at Clevedon Town at the turn of the year with a second successive ‘clean sheet’, despite a growing injury list.