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.

Clevedon Town 0-2 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Bank Holiday Monday, 2^nd January 2023

At the ‘Everyone Active’ Hand Stadium

Scorers:  Jack Bray-Evans (25’), Hayden Turner (45+3’)

Clinical finishing in a difficult tightly-fought contest enabled injury-hit Mousehole to gain the points that take them up to third place in the League table and put them in a good position to challenge for a promotion spot in the second half of the season

THE KEY POINTS

Today’s match has a distinct maritime theme as The Seagulls visit The Seasiders in north Somerset.

Continuous 70-mile traffic congestion all the way northbound up the M5 has significantly delayed Mousehole’s arrival, and the host club and referee have agreed to re-schedule the kick off to 3.30pm.

Both teams are on a commendable undefeated run of games, with Clevedon no doubt looking to be the first team this season to inflict a League defeat on the visitors.

Mousehole have four defenders unavailable today, so the ability to keep the home side at bay will be a real test of the squad’s strength and versatility.

It’s a cold, bright afternoon, and the pitch surface is soft.

……….

Goal for Mousehole on 25 minutes: Captain Jack Calver brings the ball forward from his central defensive position and passes left to Hayden Turner, who goes outside the full back to the byeline and chips a cross to the far post where JACK BRAY-EVANS has come in from the right to head home from inside the six-yard box – his debut goal for The Seagulls.

Goal for Mousehole on 45+3 minutes:  Seconds before half-time, great work on the right gives Reece Thomson the opening for a fierce drive from the inside corner of the penalty area, keeper Luca Smith parries the shot but the alert HAYDEN TURNER is first to the loose ball to convert high into the net from 8 yards.

At half-time Mousehole lead by 2-0 after a composed opening period.

54 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Jack Bray-Evans is replaced by Jude Boyd on the right-hand side of attack

71 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Reece Thomson is replaced by Andy Elcock in midfield

71 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell is fouled for a penalty as he jinks forward on the left in the box.  He’s clearly injured and in a lot of pain,  and play is held up for over two minutes as he receives on-field attention.

74 minutes:  Mousehole substitution – Tallan Mitchell is replaced by Callam Mconie

74 minutes:  Hayden Turner strikes the spot kick firmly and keeper Luca Smith makes a brilliant flying save – a replica of the penalty save he made against the same player at Trungle Parc last season

90+2 minutes:  Mousehole’s last substitute – Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by Aaron Dilley in a defensive midfield position, as Mousehole look to repel the wave of Clevedon attacks that have been coming at regular intervals since the penalty save

90+9 minutes:  The full-time whistle blows and it’s Clevedon Town 0-2 Mousehole, a great afternoon’s work in all departments – marred only by a serious-looking injury to Tallan Mitchell*.

*Thanks to Clevedon’s prompt help, Tallan Mitchell is taken to the local hospital where an X-Ray reveals a fractured collar bone.

CONCLUSION

Mousehole’s win is made all the sweeter by news of defeat for both leaders Saltash and second-place Bridgwater, and a draw for third-place Shepton Mallet. 

This moves The Seagulls up into third place in the table at the start of the second half of the League season, now just 8 points adrift of leaders Saltash with 4 games in hand, and 7 points behind second-place Bridgwater with two games in hand. 

Mousehole’s home and away games against Bridgwater – the first being away at Fairfax Park this coming Saturday – will be important – though, with another 15 games to play, not decisive

MOUSEHOLE line-up at Clevedon (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Steve Burt, Max Hill, Jack Calver (Captain), Kyle Fraser, Reece Thomson (Andy Elcock), Tallan Mitchell (Callam Mconie), Paulo Sousa, Jack Bray-Evans (Jude Boyd), Mark Goldsworthy (Aaron Dilley), Hayden Turner.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Michael Halford (Referee) with Callum Taylor-Barry and Andrew Davey (Assistant Referees)

ATTENDANCE:  174

NEXT FIXTURES FOR MOUSEHOLE

Saturday 7^th January, 3pm

Away v Bridgwater United (WLP)

TUESDAY 10^th JANUARY, 7.45pm

HOME v BUCKLAND ATHLETIC 

Les Phillips (WL) Cup 1^st Round

SATURDAY 14^th JANUARY, 3pm

HOME v WELTON ROVERS (WLP)

Saturday 21^st January, 2pm

Away v Millbrook (WLP)

Saturday 28^th January 3pm

Away v Street (WLP)

Mousehole’s Western League campaign has received a big boost with the arrival this week of striker Jack Bray-Evans.

The 27-year old first came to prominence at his home-town club Newquay, before joining Falmouth Town in October 2021, where he went on to be a ‘Golden Boot’ winning member of their treble-winning squad.

Last season, Falmouth won the League, League Cup and Senior Cup, together with promotion to the Western League Premier Division.  JBE scored an impressive total of 42 goals:  34 in the League and League Cup (10 for Newquay), one in the FA Vase, and 7 in the Senior Cup – scoring in every Round including the winner in the Final.

Asked what had prompted the move to Mousehole, Jack Bray-Evans explained: 

“The club made an approach for me and after having a meeting with the Manager (Jake Ash) and the Director of Football (Adam Fletcher) I feel this is the direction I need to go in with my football.  The set up and professionalism is top quality and as a player with a real desire to progress, I feel this is the best environment for me right now.  I have only fond memories at Falmouth Town, it’s a fantastic club and I leave on good terms with everyone involved there, but I couldn’t say no once this opportunity came my way and I can’t wait to get to work with the rest of the squad.” 

When asked what he hoped to bring to Mousehole, he went on to say:

“Firstly, I hope to bring a good personality to have around the club and in the changing room.  I will also bring with me a huge level of commitment and desire to be successful.  Being a striker, I obviously want to continue in the same form I’ve had across the past year in scoring goals, and also bringing some additional quality to the final third of the pitch.  The club already has a very talented squad of players and I’m pleased to be a part of this and hopefully add something extra to the team.”

Mousehole Manager Jake Ash is clearly delighted with the new signing:

“Getting Jack is a huge bonus for us. With the success he has had at Falmouth, and of course their tremendous support, we knew it would be difficult to persuade him to come across.  But he is really good mates with a few of our Newquay-based boys and they all stressed how hungry he is to improve.”

“Fletch and I were so impressed when we met Jack – I’m not sure I’ve sat down with many people who are as driven as he is.  At 27, he is in his prime and he has such a clear idea of what he wants to do and what he can bring us.  With Louis Price going away for a period, and Andy Watkins taking a step back, we needed some more attacking options and Jack will absolutely give us that.  It’s really clear his ambitions align with ours and I’m really confident he’s going to love being amongst the group here and bring so much to us, both on and off the pitch. 

I’d also like to thank Falmouth and in particular Westy (Manager Andy Westgarth) for their help in making this happen.”

The new signing will be immediately available for selection for Mousehole, who sit in fourth place in the League table after an unbeaten 13-match run since mid-August, and with several games in hand over the teams above.  Their next match is at Welton Rovers on Saturday – however, there is some doubt about that fixture going ahead, with below-zero temperatures forecast in north-east Somerset overnight.  The following match is on Saturday 17^th, away at Wellington, before the Boxing Day clash at home against Helston Athletic (12-noon) – which now has even more added interest.

Mousehole 3-2 Keynsham Town

Toolstation Western League, Premier Division

Saturday 3^rd December 2022

At Trungle Parc

Mousehole were made to work hard by a youthful and spritely Keynsham team, the victory extending The Seagulls’ unbeaten League run of 13 games stretching back to mid-August and keeping them in fourth place with games in hand on the teams above

5’: Keynsham are gifted an early goal through OWEN BRAIN, who takes advantage of a miskick by stand-in goalkeeper Jimmy Weeks to slot into an open goal from 10 yards

28’:  Mousehole equalise as JACK CALVER bursts forward on to a chance created by Jack Symons and Tallan Mitchell to poke low past the advancing keeper from 15 yards

33’:  Mousehole substitute – the injured Josh Otto is replaced by striker Mark Goldsworthy, with Jack Calver dropping back into central defence

63’:  Second Mousehole substitute as Jack Symons is replaced by Paulo Sousa in midfield

68’: Mousehole take the lead after Callam Mconie puts in a long bouncing cross from the left and MARK GOLDSWORTHY races in to get in front of keeper Joel Manning and touch the ball inside the far post.  Mousehole 2-1 Keynsham Town.

71’:  Just three minutes later, TALLAN MITCHELL extends Mousehole’s lead, turning inside the penalty area on the right and sending in a low right foot shot inches inside the far left-hand post.  Now Mousehole 3-1 Keynsham Town.

78’:  To their credit, the visitors get themselves back in the game, TYLER LINTON just keeping himself onside on the edge of the box to take the ball round keeper Weeks and fire into the net.  Now 3-2.

89’:  Mousehole’s third substitute – Callam Mconie is replaced by Jonny Ludlam.

FINAL SCORE:  MOUSEHOLE 3-2 KEYNSHAM TOWN

Design by Mousehole AFC

MILLBROOK v MOUSEHOLE

WESTERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

TUESDAY 22^nd NOVEMBER 2022 (7.45pm)

AT JENKINS PARK (PL10 1EN)

Mousehole have several good reasons to take a winning mentality to their East Cornwall rivals on Tuesday night.

The Seagulls currently stand in 3^rd place behind second-place Bridgwater United and leaders Saltash United, with a 15 and 16-point gap but having played three and four games fewer, respectively.  This is therefore an important ‘game in hand’, with the potential to close the gap on the top two.

Jake Ash’s side will be aiming to preserve their unbeaten away record in the League this season – the only team in the Division with no away defeats – having won four and drawn three so far.

Mousehole will also want to gain an element of revenge for their one and only League defeat this season (a statistic shared with Saltash and Bridgwater) – at home against Millbrook in mid-August, when the visitors took away all three points from Trungle Parc with a late winner after a well-organised performance.

Last Saturday, after defeats in the Senior Cup and the FA Vase, Mousehole got back to winning ways in the League with a fine 4-1 win at Sherborne Town, while Millbrook surprisingly went down 2-1 at bottom club Keynsham Town, leaving them in 10^th place in the table. 

However, The Brook have showed they can potentially beat anyone on the day, as shown by home wins in the last few weeks against Helston Athletic and (significantly) Bridgwater United.