Bridgwater United 2-2 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Tuesday 18^th April 2023

At Fairfax Park

Mousehole scorers:  Andy Elcock 88’, Josh Bissett 90+3’

SUMMARY

With time running out, Mousehole showed huge character to surge back from a two-goal deficit and secure a valuable point, which puts pressure on Saltash United as the two Cornwall clubs compete to be champions and gain automatic promotion.

KEY MOMENTS

The first half

At the half-way point Mousehole are looking well in control as they seek the win that would secure the title, but have yet to test The Robins’ goalkeeper Oliver Saunders

40’:  Goal for Bridgwater United.  In the only noteworthy incidents so far, Mousehole keeper Ollie Chenoweth has had to go full-length to save a low 30-yard free kick (35’), while at the other end Harry Bell has missed the target with a first-time volley from Hayden Turner’s cross to the far post (38’).  But the hosts take advantage of a misplaced pass out of defence to force a corner, which is delivered to the far post for centre-back JACOB SPENCE to head home under the crossbar – a ‘trademark’ Bridgwater goal.

At half-time it’s Bridgwater United 1-0 Mousehole.   Work to do for Mousehole if they are to get the three points, but Bridgwater are a strong side who look motivated to put the proverbial spanner in the works.

The second half

64’:  Goal for Bridgwater United:  Mousehole have made a bright start to the second period with Mark Goldsworthy stabbing just wide under pressure at the near post from Reece Thomson’s low cross (48’), but the home side have started to dictate proceedings, with Ollie Chenoweth making a great save to push a 30-yard shot out for a corner.  From the flag kick, JACOB SPENCE is completely unchallenged on the edge of the six-yard box and once again heads into the net to make it 2-0.  Two minutes later, it could have been 3-0 as Jack Thorne outpaces the stretched defence to create a one-on-one chance but fires over from inside the box – a goal that would have made it even more of an uphill battle for Mousehole.

88’: Goal for Mousehole.  Jake Ash has made all five substitutions to strengthen his attacking options, but the goal comes from midfielder ANDY ELCOCK who arrows a fierce and accurate 25-yard drive into the far top corner that zooms past Saunders’ outstretched dive to make the scoreline Bridgwater United 2-1 Mousehole.

8⃣8⃣ MINS AND WHAT A STRIKE

🎦 @ajmunro1607 pic.twitter.com/VZVYCwvjyg

— 𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗙𝗖 (@MouseholeAFC) April 19, 2023

90+3’:  Goal for Mousehole.  Jack Calver has been receiving on-field treatment for two minutes after a crude late tackle and the hosts are using every tactic to slow the game down, but Referee Williams is clearly indicating he’s going to add on a lot of time.  Two substitutes combine as Jack Bray-Evans muscles his way to the byeline and chips a cross into the middle where young JOSH BISSETT arrives with perfect timing and a great leap to head into the net for 2-2.

9⃣0⃣➕3⃣ AND THE EQUALISER @ajmunro1607 https://t.co/96GROF0ioV pic.twitter.com/LgmlogJlGz

— 𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗙𝗖 (@MouseholeAFC) April 19, 2023

There’s no time for celebration as the Mousehole players are quickly back for the re-start. Bridgwater are under severe pressure and take two minutes over a throw-in, but Mousehole look for a winner in the further added-on time with two corners, and Jack Bray-Evans goalbound low drive hits the keeper’s legs.  The final whistle goes on 90+9’, and a hectic last ten minutes ends with the scoreline Bridgwater United 2-2 Mousehole.  

The hosts have successfully prevented The Seagulls from capturing the league title on their own ground, but the away point has created a five-point lead over second-place Saltash United, who must now win at Ashton & Backwell United (Thursday evening) to take the race for the title into the final day – if The Ashes draw or lose, Mousehole will become champions with a game to play.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell (Josh Otto 61’), Adel Gafaiti, (Josh Bissett 79’) Max Hill, Kyle Fraser (Jack Bray-Evans 64’), Reece Thomson (Callam Mconie 64’), Jack Calver (Capt), Paulo Sousa (Andy Elcock 61’), Tallan Mitchell, Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner

MATCH OFFICIALS

Sam Williams (Referee) with Leo Martin and Toby Franklin (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  358

LAST-DAY FIXTURES – SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL

MOUSEHOLE v WELLINGTON Trungle Parc, 3pm

Saltash United v Shepton Mallet

Keynsham Town 0-3 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 15^th April 2023

At The AJN Stadium, Crown Fields

Scorers:  Tallan Mitchell 41’, Hayden Turner 44’, Paulo Sousa 68”

SUMMARY

After going ahead of Saltash United by one point to take over the leadership of the League on Easter Monday for the first time, Mousehole executed a near-perfect away performance five days later on Keynsham’s artificial pitch, the win extending their lead at the top and giving them every chance of becoming champions with just two games left.

KEY POINTS

The first half

Mousehole have dominated the first 20 minutes, with two very early near-misses by Hayden Turner (1’) and Mark Goldsworthy (2’)  and a Jack Calver 30-yard free kick hitting the woodwork (10’), but relegation-threatened Keynsham have started to come into the game with some good passing sequences but without providing much goal threat.

41”:  Goal for Mousehole.  A free kick is floated into the box, Hayden Turner and then Max Hill both have their shots blocked in front of goal and the ball comes out to TALLAN MITCHELL who drives a 20-yard first-time shot high into the net past keeper Joel Manning’s full-length dive.

44’:  Goal for Mousehole.  HAYDEN TURNER has just made a speedy 60-yard run culminating in a cross-shot that is inches beyond both Mark Goldsworthy’s lunge and the far post.  This time The Seagulls’ top scorer makes a similar run into space on the left, brings the ball inside and curls a low shot just inside the far post from 20 yards.

45+4’: Half-time score is Keynsham Town 0-2 Mousehole – so far so good for the visitors, but another goal would be helpful to dispel any nervousness among the sizeable group of away supporters

69’: Goal for Mousehole.  Keynsham have continued to play passing football, but the visitors have generally been in control, while also being denied a likely-looking penalty after Tallan Mitchell is bundled over in the act of shooting.  A third goal makes the contest more comfortable as PAULO SOUSA chases a long ball down the right, turns inside on to his left foot and fires a spectacular rising shot inside the far post for a 3-0 scoreline.

90+3”:  The full-time whistle goes and it’s Keynsham Town 0-3 Mousehole…..and it gets even better with the news that Saltash have lost to a last-minute goal at Clevedon, this now putting Mousehole four points ahead at the top. 

The maths is now a lot simpler: with Mousehole and Saltash each having two games left, a Mousehole win at third-place Bridgwater United on Tuesday evening, or in the last game of the season at home against Wellington on Saturday, will secure the Western League Premier championship – as would a Saltash defeat at Ashton & Backwell on Thursday.

Mousehole are therefore on the brink of a historic promotion to the Southern League, only the second Cornwall team ever to achieve that level. 

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti (Harry Bell 73’), Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Tallan Mitchell (Andy Elcock 65’), Jack Calver (capt) (Steve Burt 70’), Paulo Sousa, Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 65’), Mark Goldsworthy (Reece Thomson 68’), Hayden Turner.

MATCH OFFICIALS

John Reed (Referee) with Duncan Clarke and Dave Jones (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 125

MOUSEHOLE’S LAST TWO GAMES OF THE SEASON

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United *

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pmHOME v WELLINGTON – the last match of the ‘Regular Season’

Mousehole 2-0 Clevedon Town

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Easter Monday, 10^th April 2023

At Trungle Parc

Scorers:  Mark Goldsworthy 24’, Jack Calver 90+5’

Attendance: 324

SUMMARY

It was a great Monday afternoon at Trungle Parc:  the biggest home crowd of the season, Mousehole presented with the Toolstation Western League ‘Team of the Month’ award for March, mostly sunny Bank Holiday weather, two teams with a very watchable brand of football on a superb pitch surface, and the result in doubt right up to the end.  And, at 5 o’clock, a moment of history as Mousehole’s win enabled them for the first time to take over the Western League top spot, with the possibility of automatic promotion just two weeks away, but also guaranteeing them at least second place and a promotion play-off .

KEY POINTS

The first half

At the half-way point Clevedon have already had a couple of half-chances, keeper Ollie Chenoweth having to be alert to gather a loose ball in the first minute, and a long-shot from 30 yards just clearing the crossbar (10’)

24’:  Goal for Mousehole.  MARK GOLDSWORTHY – returning after a horrific shoulder injury sustained in the last home match against Shepton Mallet just nine days ago – puts himself in the way of a first-time clearance from the danger area by Sam Larkins and the ball cannons into the net.  Maybe a fortunate goal, but the direct result of actively sniffing out the most unlikely opportunities, as with his opening goal against Shepton. Mousehole 1-0 Clevedon Town.

At half-time it’s been a close encounter, with scorer Goldsworthy racing back 40 yards to thwart a dangerous Clevedon break from the half-way line (40’), and at the other end Paulo Sousa breaking through two tackles and driving forward to shoot against the inside of the post from outside the area (44’).

Second half

Into the last ten minutes and the score is still 1-0 to the hosts.  The game has ebbed and flowed, each side creating chances but the visitors stepping up the pressure in search of an equaliser.  Hayden Turner has put in some inviting crosses, while Mousehole keeper Ollie Chenoweth has once again kept his side in the game with a triple save (84’), and the visitors’ low cross into the danger area has eluded everyone and the far post (85’). 

90+5’:  Goal for Mousehole.  Two bits of impressive play – substitute Josh Bissett makes a jinking run towards the 18-yard line and draws a foul just outside the right-hand point of the box.  JACK CALVER walks up to the free kick and swerves a left-foot shot over the defensive wall which beats keeper Ryan Thacker for pace and accuracy as it goes into the near top corner of the net.  Mousehole 2-0 Clevedon Town.

90+6’: That’s the full-time whistle, the 2-0 win taking Mousehole above Saltash United into first position in the League, and also ensuring that the two Cornwall clubs, regardless of results elsewhere, will occupy the top two places at the end of the season – with the champions promoted automatically to the Southern League and the runners-up involved in a play-off with a lower-placed SL team.

The Seagulls stand one point ahead of the Ashes from the same number of games played and with the same goal difference.  Both teams will have to be at their best for the three-match run-in, with two consecutive matches away and one at home on the final Saturday (22^nd) of the regular season.

Mousehole face Keynsham Town on Saturday on their 3G pitch, with the Bristol side battling to avoid relegation, and then travel to Bridgwater United for a mid-week fixture with The Robins having a lot to prove after letting slip a sizeable lead at the top of the League in the first half of the season.  The last day sees Wellington visit Trungle Parc, the Somerset side being notorious for giving the top sides a hard time.  Details are below.

Meanwhile, Saltash travel to Clevedon Town, who put in a good performance at Mousehole on Easter Monday, and then face an equally tough challenge at Ashton & Backwell United just two days before their final match at home to the impressive Shepton Mallet.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP v Clevedon Town (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Reece Thomson (Andy Elcock 77’), Jack Calver, Paulo Sousa, Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 69’), Mark Goldsworthy (Tallan Mitchell 77’), Hayden Turner (Harry Bell 90’).  (Other substitute Jack Symons)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Paul Kempen (Referee) with Alan Hoon & Liam Bray (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 324

REMAINING FIXTURES FOR MOUSEHOLE

Saturday 15^th April, 3pm

Away v Keynsham Town *

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United *

*Seats on the team bus are available for supporters for these two away fixtures – 

contact Deryk Heywood 07969 625795 for details

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pm

HOME v WELLINGTON – the last match of the ‘Regular Season’

Western League Premier, Easter Monday 10th APRIL 2023

 

Helston Athletic 2-0 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Friday 7^th April 2023

At Kellaway Park

SUMMARY

It was not a good Friday for Mousehole as they put on their least convincing performance of the current campaign against ‘local derby’ rivals Helston Athletic who, with two quick-fire second-half goals just before the hour mark, inflicted the season’s first League away loss on The Seagulls, ended their superb 27-game unbeaten League run dating back to August, and temporarily denied them the opportunity to take over the top spot.

KEY POINTS

The first half

The hosts have fielded a strong side just three days before their appearance in the Cornwall Senior Cup Final and with the wind at their backs have looked the more impressive of the two sides, with the visitors probably glad to hear the half-time whistle with the score 0-0.  Hayden Turner has mis-hit a clear chance from 8 yards (10’)  but Ollie Chenoweth has kept Mousehole in the game with a fine tip-over from Ruben Wilson (30’).

The second half

58’: GOAL FOR HELSTON.  The home side have already come close with Ruben Wilson scuffing a shot in front of goal (51’) and Sam Carter driving just over from 18 yards (52’).  This time left-back TEIGAN ROSENQUEST wins a press on the touchline half-way into Mousehole territory and has an unchallenged 30-yard run into the penalty area where he slides the ball past Ollie Chenoweth to open the scoring.

59’:  GOAL FOR HELSTON.  It’s two goals inside two minutes as The Blues drive forward strongly and cut through Mousehole’s defence with ease, leaving SAM CARTER to place an accurate 15-yard shot low inside the far post.

In the final stages Mousehole have had more possession as Helston sit back and absorb pressure, with keeper Mike Searle making a flying save from Callam Mconie’s 20-yard drive (80’) and Hayden Turner putting a chance wide of the near post (81’).

At full time (90+7’), the score is Helston Athletic 2-0 Mousehole, a fully deserved victory for the home side which avenges their 3-0 loss at Trungle Parc on Boxing Day and extends their own good run of form to 13 games.

For Mousehole, playing their third game in six days, they move on quickly to Easter Monday, knowing that – regardless of results elsewhere – one win from the last four games will mathematically guarantee them second place and a promotion play-off opportunity, and that winning all four will guarantee top spot and automatic promotion to the Southern League.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Jack Calver (capt) (Kyle Fraser 68’), Steve Burt, Andy Elcock (Paulo Sousa 68’), Reece Thomson, Tallan Mitchell (Josh Bissett 68’), Jack Bray-Evans (Callam Mconie 46’), Hayden Turner.  (Other substitute: Josh Otto)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Ross Wilcox (Referee) with Neil Pitt and Scott Coutts (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 416

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

EASTER MONDAY, 10^th APRIL, 3pm

HOME v CLEVEDON TOWN

Saturday 15^th April, 3pm

Away v Keynsham Town *

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United *

*Seats on the team bus are available for supporters for these three away fixtures – 

contact Deryk Heywood 07969 625795 for details

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pmHOME v WELLINGTON – the last match of the ‘Regular Season’

 

 

 

 

Wellington 1-3 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Tuesday 4^th April 2023

At North Street

Mousehole scorers: Max Hill 21’, Hayden Turner 31’, 52’ (pen)

SUMMARY

With four changes and several positional tweaks from Saturday’s starting line-up against Shepton Mallet, promotion-chasing Mousehole came from a goal down to overcome a spirited display by Wellington – the only current side in the Western League Premier they had not beaten since promotion – the win meaning they have not lost in the League for 27 games and remain the only side with an undefeated away record.

KEY POINTS

11’:  Goal for Wellington.  In their first attack, a long throw is nodded on in front of goal and centre-back GLEN WRIGHT somehow scrambles the ball over the line.

21’: Equaliser for Mousehole.  The hosts have had two good chances (13’ and 15’) to increase the lead with quick forward balls, and Mousehole have sprung into life with a trademark four-man passing move requiring ‘keeper Shay Allen to tip Reece Thomson’s swerving 18-yard shot over the bar (20’).  This time Hayden Turner delivers an in-swinging corner from the left and MAX HILL rises the highest to power a header into the net from six yards.  Score now 1-1.

31’: Goal for Mousehole.  The game has continued to fluctuate, with Andy Elcock clearing a low Wellington shot off the line after a corner (23’), while at the other end Reece Thomson has headed against the bar (26’), and Hayden Turner put clean through by Tallan Mitchell has seen his effort blocked by the keeper.  Another corner arrives at the far post where HAYDEN TURNER makes amends with a great touch and balance to drive into the narrow gap at the near post.  2-1 to Mousehole.

At half-time it’s Wellington 1-2 Mousehole, the visitors coming back strongly in the later stages, including a moment of excitement a s keeper Allen races back to palm over Tallan Mitchell’s 35-yard lob after being hassled out of possession by Jack Calver on 41’.

Second half

52’:  Goal for Mousehole.  After some quick and incisive passing, Josh Bissett draws a foul just inside the home penalty area and HAYDEN TURNER converts from the spot.  Wellington 1-3 Mousehole. 

75’:  Mousehole have now largely nullified Wellington’s forward momentum – although Ollie Chenoweth has had to go full length to grasp a dangerous-looking long shot by Tom Burt (70’) – and have kept the home defence busy with threats of their own, Harry Bell charging through to head home Jack Calver’s free kick only to be declared offside (72’).

At Full-time the score remains Wellington 1-3 Mousehole.  A welcome win against a team who spoilt the party for The Seagulls in their very first Western League match with an injury-time goal in the 3-3 draw at Trungle Parc, and then foiled Mousehole’s late-season promotion ambitions with a home 2-2 draw after being two goals in arrears.

As it stands, Mousehole are in a good position to join fellow Cornwall side Saltash United in finishing in the top two places – the Champions gaining automatic promotion to the Southern League and the runners-up involved in a play-off.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Reece Thomson (Paulo Sousa 86’), Andy Elcock, Jack Calver (Capt) (Steve Burt 88’), Tallan Mitchell, Hayden Turner (Jack Symons 79’), Josh Bissett (Callam Mconie 62’).

Other substitute: Josh Otto

MATCH OFFICIALS

David Middleton (Referee) with David Trevaskus and Peter Horton (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 105

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Good Friday, 7^th April, 12-noon

Away v Helston Athletic

EASTER MONDAY, 10^th APRIL, 3pm

HOME v CLEVEDON TOWN

Saturday 15^th April, 3pm

Away v Keynsham Town *

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United *

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pm

HOME v WELLINGTON – the last match of the ‘Regular Season’

*Seats on the team bus are available for supporters for these last two away fixtures – 

contact Deryk Heywood 07969 625795 for details

————————-

IMPORTANT WIN KEEPS MOUSEHOLE IN THE HUNT FOR PROMOTION

Mousehole 2-0 Shepton Mallet

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 1^st April 2023

At Trungle Parc

Scorers:  Mark Goldsworthy 40’, Josh Bissett 89’

SUMMARY

Mousehole’s patient and powerful performance gained them a vital three points against one of the best sides in the League, with the finishing line of this absorbing season just three weeks and six matches away

KEY POINTS

• Mousehole’s biggest League attendance of the season (282) are here – the first Home match for a month – to help The Seagulls continue their impressive run of form as they challenge for a promotion spot. 
• It’s a dry, windy day, with the pitch surface on the soft side but in remarkably good condition after the recent huge amount of rain. 
• Jake Ash’s side will be looking to put behind them the disappointment of conceding a 96^th minute equaliser in the 3-3 draw away against the same side two weeks ago.

40’:  Goal for Mousehole.  With Hayden Turner having already hit the woodwork (16’) and Callam Mconie denied a plausible penalty (22’), the hosts’ misfortune turns as MARK GOLDSWORTHY shows the value of chasing apparently lost causes.  The alert Shepton keeper Tom Easterbrook comes out to gather a through ball but lets it slip from his grasp and Mousehole’s number 9 is on hand to pass the ball coolly into the empty net from 15 yards.

At half-time it’s Mousehole 1-0 Shepton Mallet, with Hayden Turner having just set up Callam Mconie for a shot superbly cleared off the line by visiting captain Matt Wood.

50’:  Mark Goldsworthy stretches for a header in front of goal but falls awkwardly and looks seriously injured.  There’s a seven-minute delay as the Referee sensibly allows medically-trained supporters to help with the on-field treatment.  The Mousehole scorer is led painfully off the field to generous applause all round, including from the Shepton Mallet players.  Jack Bray-Evans comes on in the striker’s role.

64’:  Mousehole are in control but have only a one-goal advantage.  As in many previous games, keeper Ollie Chenoweth is called into action to make a vital double save, firstly from a fierce long shot and then blocking the close-in attempt from the rebound.  Still 1-0, but only just.

89’:  Goal for Mousehole.  The hosts get the second goal their play has deserved, after Jack-Bray Evans has twice come close to extending the lead and keeper Easterbrook has atoned for his first-half error with a series of agile saves.  Youngster JOSH BISSETT has been on the field for nine minutes before he capitalises on Hayden Turner’s pass into space behind the defence on the right, advances speedily on goal, brings the ball on to his left foot and plants a low shot into the far corner.

At full-time (on 90+9’) it’s Mousehole 2-0 Shepton Mallet, with the hosts having broken the visitors’ commendable resistance and coming close to scoring more in added time.

The 2-0 win takes The Seagulls’ unbeaten League sequence to 26 games and sees them now just two points behind leaders Saltash United with two games in hand.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Jack Calver (Capt), Tallan Mitchell, Steve Burt (Kyle Fraser 90+6’), Reece Thomson (Andy Elcock 87’), Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 80’), Mark Goldsworthy (Jack Bray-Evans 57’), Hayden Turner (Paulo Sousa 90+3’)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Will Annear (Referee) with Eric Sleeman and Sam Doble (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  282

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Six games of the ‘Regular Season’ left – two at Home and four Away

Tomorrow, Tuesday 4^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Wellington *

Good Friday, 7^th April, 12-noon

Away v Helston Athletic

EASTER MONDAY, 10^th APRIL, 3pm

HOME v CLEVEDON TOWN

Saturday 15^th April, 3pm

Away v Keynsham Town *

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United *

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pm

HOME v WELLINGTON – the last match of the ‘Regular Season’

*Seats on the team bus are available for supporters for these three away fixtures –

contact Deryk Heywood 07969 625795 for details

If Mousehole finish the season:

• as Champions, they will be promoted automatically to Step 4 – the Southern League Division One South
• in second place, they will face an away Step 4 / Step 5 play-off match on Saturday 29^th April against a third- or fourth-bottom team in the League above, to decide which of the two teams will play at Step 4 next season

The club is proud to have been awarded Three Star Accreditation by the FA for the 2023/24 football season.

Shepton Mallet 3-3 Mousehole (half-time 0-0)

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 18^th March 2023

At West Shepton Playing Fields

Uncharacteristically poor defending from three set pieces left The Seagulls with just a single point, and although the draw ends an exceptional 13-match winning run, it extends the unbeaten sequence to an amazing 26 and maintains pressure at the top of the table

The key points

In a goalless opening session that lacked cohesion on a soft bumpy pitch, both sides have had their chances, with the hosts looking slightly the more threatening.

54’:  GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  A corner is swung in from the right and it somehow goes all the way to the far post where the unmarked DANNY CONSTABLE has the simple task of prodding the ball into the net.  That was a gift for Shepton, who could be on their way to being the first team to beat Mousehole on their travels in the League.

69’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The to-and-fro nature of the game has continued.  Jack Calver sends in an angled free kick from 25 yards, keeper Easterbrook appears to lose the flight of the ball in the sun, it bounces off his knees and MARK GOLDSWORTHY is more alert than anyone to drive the ball home from ten yards.  Another mistake but a welcome equaliser for The Seagulls.

73’:  GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  A much-disputed free kick is awarded centrally 20 yards out, it’s floated leftwards, headed back across goal and JOSH JENKINS is in space and completely unchallenged as he converts with a first-time low shot from ten yards.  2-1 to Shepton Mallet.

77’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE:  In a rare passage of quality play, Hayden Turner is set free on the left edge of the hosts’ penalty area, and his chipped cross into the six-yard box is headed in by REECE THOMSON.  One of the better goals of the afternoon.  Now 2-2.

90’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The visitors have dominated the last ten minutes, with a penalty claim waved away after Easterbook brings down the advancing Josh Bisset, Reece Thomson volleying Jack Calver’s cross just wide, and the home keeper scrambling back to prevent Hayden Turners half-stopped shot trickling over the line.  This time Jack Calver surges forward into the area on the left and is clearly tripped by Joel Sisson near the byeline before he can cross.  This time Referee Bugg points to the penalty spot, and HAYDEN TURNER duly puts Mousehole into the lead.  Shepton Mallet 2-3 Mousehole.  Prolonged celebrations on the pitch.  The 14^th straight win – which would put The Seagulls top of the table for the first time – looks in sight.

90+5’:  GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  Referee Bugg decides a coming-together merits a Shepton free kick – and it’s in a similar position to the one he awarded before their second goal.  After a delay, the free kick is driven into the crowded box and looks to have been cleared, but the loose ball is immediately returned from the right and ANDY MARTIN stoops to head home (on 90+6’) from close in front of goal, to spark jubilation both on and off the pitch. 

Full-time straight after the re-start:  Shepton Mallet 3-3 Mousehole.  A six-goal second half, plenty of controversy, poor defending and a dramatic ending – but Mousehole’s point could prove its worth in the final reckoning.

Conclusion

These were the first points dropped by Mousehole since Bonfire Night, and only the second time in 29 League games they have conceded as many as three goals.

Mousehole now have seven matches left (details below) and will need to perform better than this when Shepton Mallet – no doubt motivated by ending The Seagulls’ long winning run today –  visit Trungle Parc for the return fixture in two weeks’ time. Leaders Saltash are two points ahead of Mousehole but have played two games more – and that will be three more, after their home fixture this midweek against top-three chasing Barnstaple Town.

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Jack Calver (Capt.), Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell (Andy Elcock 66’), Reece Thomson (Paulo Sousa 90+3’), Jack Bray-Evans (Callam Mconie 68’), Mark Goldsworthy, (Josh Bissett 79’) Hayden Turner.  (Other substitute: Kyle Fraser)

Match Officials:

Daniel Bugg (Referee) with Ian Diamond and Jamie Carpenter (Assistant Referees)

Attendance: 313

Remaining fixtures for Mousehole:

This Saturday, 25^th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington

SATURDAY 1^st APRIL, 3pm

HOME V SHEPTON MALLET

Good Friday, 7^th April, 12-noon

Away v Helston Athletic

EASTER MONDAY, 10^th APRIL, 3pm

HOME v CLEVEDON TOWN

Saturday 15^th Aoril, 3pm

Away v Keynsham Town

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pm HOME v WELLINGTON

Ilfracombe Town 0-4 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League, Premier Division

At Marlborough Park

Saturday 11th March 2023

Scorers:  Jack Bray-Evans (43’, 51’), Hayden Turner (67’), Reece Thomson (90’)

A goal each side of half-time set Mousehole up for a dominant second half, with players of both sides  – and the match officials – deserving great credit in terrible conditions overhead and underfoot

KEY POINTS

43’:  Goal for Mousehole.  On a very wet pitch, with continuous rain and a strong wind, a moment of real quality as Mark Goldsworthy collects a forward ball, turns and places a perfect ball inside the full back for the sprinting Hayden Turner to cross to the edge of the six-yard box where JACK BRAY-EVANS arrives to head powerfully into the net.  A timely goal to break the deadlock.

At half-time it’s Ilfracombe Town 0-1 Mousehole, with home keeper Jimmy Thorne having somehow just kept out Jack Bray-Evans low shot from 18 yards.  The pitch is increasingly soggy but both sides have overcome the conditions with some determined play, though with different styles.

51’:  Goal for Mousehole:  JACK BRAY-EVANS makes it 2-0 – his second headed goal in seven minutes of playing time – with a sharp downward header from Callam Mconie’s right-sided corner.

67’:  Goal for Mousehole:  Mark Goldsworthy repeats his assist for the first goal – this time HAYDEN TURNER is in a slightly more central position and he drives an unstoppable shot into the net from 15 yards for 3-0.

90’:  Goal for Mousehole:  In the second half, The Seagulls have been dominant on a surface more suited to their winged namesakes, with Ollie Chenoweth having just one serious save to make – now two substitutes continue the ruthless attacking, Paulo Sousa’s twisting run dumping two defenders in the mud, keeper Thorne blocking the low shot and REECE THOMSON converting from close range.

Full-time score:  Ilfracombe Town 0-4 Mousehole.  Congratulations are due to both clubs and to the Referee for agreeing to this game going ahead when it might have been easier to call for a postponement.  Players of both sides responded with a commendably wholehearted performance, and the spectators got good value in the circumstances.

CONCLUSION

• This was Mousehole’s third win in a week, each in markedly different conditions: a hard-fought encounter with third-place Bridgwater, a win at Millbrook on a hard bumpy pitch, and a muddy success today.
• The current form guide in the League says 13 wins in a row and 24 matches since the season’s only loss in mid-August (2-1 at Home v Millbrook). 
• This has set up an interesting run-in to this season, with eight games remaining – three at Home and five Away – with The Seagulls three points behind leaders Saltash United with three games in hand.

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Olllie Chenoweth(GK), Harry Bell (Josh Otto 86’), Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Jack Calver (Capt), Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Jack Bray-Evans (Reece Thomson 65’), Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 68’), Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner (Paulo Sousa 78’).  (Other substitute: Andy Elcock)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Andrew Heapy (Referee) with Krzysztof Wegrzynowski and Colin Selley (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 89

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

Saturday 18^th March, 3pm

Away v Shepton Mallet *  

Saturday 25^th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington *

* Seats for supporters are available on the team coach for all away fixtures

– for details: Deryk Heywood (07969 625795)

NEXT HOME GAME:

SATURDAY 1^st APRIL, 3pm

HOME v SHEPTON MALLET