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

MOUSEHOLE’S EARLY GOAL ENOUGH TO SECURE IMPORTANT WIN IN EAST CORNWALL

Millbrook 0-1 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League, Premier Division

Tuesday 7^th March 2023

At Jenkins Park

On a difficult evening on the banks of the Tamar – a bitterly cold wind, a bumpy pitch, a sparse crowd (with away supporters in the majority) and a resolute home defence – it was a case of “job done” as Mousehole banked another three points to keep them in contention for promotion with just nine games to go.

Scorer:  Jack Bray-Evans (2’)

KEY MOMENTS

2’: Goal for Mousehole.  Although in 14^th place in the table, Millbrook have gained some impressive wins at home against higher-placed sides, but on this occasion it’s Mousehole who seize the initiative, as Hayden Turner chases a long ball down the left, Jack Calver surges into the area and with a square pass gives JACK BRAY-EVANS the perfect opportunity to score with a low shot from 15 yards.

At half-time it’s 1-0 to Mousehole, who have dominated possession but been denied by a series of close offside decisions.

Into the last ten minutes, it’s still 1-0, with Millbrook defending manfully to keep Mousehole at bay, and the hosts must be thinking they can step up to get something from the match

At full-time the scoreline remains Millbrook 0-1 Mousehole, a game played in unpleasant conditions with few clear-cut chances, and from the visitors’ point-of-view the three points are the key outcome

CONCLUSION

That win is The Seagulls’ 12^th in succession in the League, in an unbeaten sequence of 23 games.  They are now just three points behind leaders Saltash United with three games in hand, and nine points ahead of third-place Bridgwater United with one game in hand.  Nine games are left, of which just three are at home, while the six away include three in a row for the rest of the month.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Lee Roberts (Referee) with Robbie Aitken and Martin Sanders (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE: 61

MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Reece Thomson, Steve Burt, Jack Calver (Capt), Jack Bray-Evans (Callam Mconie 70’), Mark Goldsworthy (Josh Bissett 76’), Hayden Turner (Tallan Mitchell 85’). 

Other substitutes:  Jack Symons, Paulo Sousa

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

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 *

* 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

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)