MOUSEHOLE 2-0 PORTHLEVEN

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE CUP

Sponsored by Walter C Parson Funeral Directors

Second Round Tie

FRIDAY 25^TH OCTOBER 2019, 7.30pm

AT TRUNGLE PARC

Rain-sodden conditions and a strong wind failed to spoil a milestone event in Mousehole AFC’s near-100 year history on Friday evening, as the new state-of-the-art floodlights – made possible with funding by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund from investment by the Premier League – were switched on in front of a large crowd of supporters and well-wishers from the West Cornwall community and beyond. 

And The Seagulls helped make it a night to remember with two spectacular goals in the last ten minutes to overcome their hard-working local rivals in the second round of the League Cup.

The much-anticipated switch-on ceremony was led by coxswain Patch Harvey and his Penlee Lifeboat crew in recognition of the close links between the club and the RNLI.

Over the 90 minutes the pitch stood up remarkably well to the day’s downpour, with both sides deserving great credit for producing a competitive and entertaining match. 

In an evenly contested first half, Amara Bakayoko had a succession of close-range chances around the half-hour mark, with Porthleven keeper Martyn Webster coming out on top each time, while at the other end keeper Mikey Flores pulled off a tremendous flying save to keep out a 20-yard drive by George Molcher destined for the top corner on 35 minutes. 

Porthleven were creating a few problems for The Seagulls with their pressing style, but all that changed after half time.  The hosts took control of the proceedings, stretching the game out wide, pegging their opponents back into their own half and setting up a series of opportunities.  Keeper Webster did well to prevent Mousehole building up a decisive scoreline, while by contrast Flores had very little serious work to do.

With the possibility of extra time looming, Mousehole’s patience paid off in the last ten minutes when Kieran Toland showed his qualities with two right-footed strikes from distance to the obvious delight of team mates and supporters alike, taking his tally to an impressive 22 goals in 18 matches.

In the 80^th minute the Scot hammered a 20-yard shot into the net off the underside of the crossbar and eight minutes later confirmed his side’s second-half dominance with a low swerving free kick from slightly further out that cannoned into the net via the inside of the post.

The celebrations continued in a packed clubhouse, starting with the presentation of the ‘Mousehole Man of the Match’ award to Kieran Toland and the ‘Star Player of the Month’ award to midfielder Steve Burt.

Ties for the third round of the WCP Cup, with the draw yet to be made, are scheduled to be played on or before New Year’s Day.

Mousehole will now embark on a programme of further ground developments, including increased and improved spectator accommodation, which will meet the requirements of the next level (Step 5) of the non-league pyramid if and when they qualify for promotion to the Western League.

With that aim in mind, Mousehole’s next fixture sees a return to League action when they take on visitors Newquay at Trungle Parc this Saturday, 2^nd November, kick off 3pm.  The floodlights are likely to be on again for at least the closing stages of the match, and there will be a display of fireworks donated by club sponsors TGP Construction.

Mousehole v Porthleven:  Mikey Flores, Billy Curtis (captain), Mark Richards, Jamie Devine, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Lez Cela, Rheiss McClean, Amara Bakayoko, Kieran Toland, Imani Matthews

Substitutes:  Gerens James (for Imani Matthews,62), Ben Williams, Tyler Tonkin, Scott Imade, Corey Harvey

Scorers:  Kieran Toland (80, 88)

Officials:  Referee – Mark Hosking; Assistants – George Pattison & Dave Rowe

Attendance: 151