Mousehole 0-0 Exmouth Town

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 26th March 2022

At Trungle Parc

SUMMARY
Mousehole fought out a goal-less draw with promotion rivals Exmouth Town in difficult conditions, with the visitors having the better of the chances, but both sides probably content with a point in the circumstances.

PRE-MATCH POINTS 
It’s national non-league day, as well as Mousehole Youth day, so with fine weather, a top-of-the-table clash, and a good turn-out of both local and away supporters, this should be quite an occasion
Mousehole will be looking to extend their eleven-match winning run in the League at Trungle Parc going back to the beginning of September,  while also avenging their 3-0 defeat on a rain-sodden evening at Exmouth earlier in the month.
At the top of the table, Exmouth, Tavistock and Mousehole are all on 60 points, but separated on goal difference in that order, with Exmouth having played one game more
For Mousehole, Mark Goldsworthy (injured) and Paulo Sousa (illness) are missing from the match-day squad, with Jared Sims named as striker, and Josh Otto and Billy Curtis occupying the full-back positions.
This match was originally scheduled for New Year’s Day, but postponed by the Western League after an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Mousehole squad that also caused the Boxing Day local derby at Helston Athletic to be called off.
Before the match, a presentation is made to Steve Burt to mark his 250th appearance for Mousehole.  ‘Burtie’ joined the club in 2013, captained the 2015/16 League championship and Cup winning team – and also scored The Seagulls’ first-ever goal after promotion to the Western League this season.  He joins Billy Curtis who received his ‘250’ award a few weeks ago.
The weather at Trungle Parc is sunny, with a stiff breeze blowing up from the Cricket Club corner.

THE KEY POINTS OF THE MATCH
At kick-off It looks like a really big crowd in place, with Mousehole playing towards the Cricket Club end.
10 minutes: A great chance for Exmouth.  Ben Steer is in the clear to the left of goal after a defence-splitting move, but home keeper Ollie Chenoweth comes out to make a block from 8 yards
13 minutes:  Exmouth threaten again, with Aaron Denney turning on to a throw-in and shooting wide from 20 yards
21 minutes:  Jordan Harris has a sight of goal, his angled volley caught by the wind, staying in on the far touchline and putting Mousehole on the attack!
25 minutes: The same player muscles through to just inside the box but produces a harmless  shot straight at Chenoweth
27 minutes:  Mousehole’s first real attack.  Visiting keeper Robbie Powell comes out to half-clear from Hayden Turner, leaving Jared Sims to fire towards the unguarded net, but it’s scuffed away by a covering defender
30 minutes:  Levi Landricombe swerves a left-footed wind-assisted free kick from 19 yards towards the top corner – it looks a goal all the way until Ollie Chenoweth pulls off a magnificent save to turn it over the bar
31 minutes:  The Seagulls hit back, Jack Calver finding Callam Mconie in space inside the area – but alert defensive work crowds him out
40 minutes:  Ollie Chenoweth keeps out a menacing floated corner kick at the far post under pressure 
41 minutes: Exmouth close again – after a scramble in the hosts’ six yard box, Mark Richards is in the right place to scoop the ball off the line
43 minutes: Jordan Harris drives an 18-yard left-footer straight at Ollie Chenoweth
45+1 minutes:  Mousehole inches away from scoring with virtually the last kick of the half – Jared Sims chests the ball down in front of goal and somehow it’s scraped away before it can be prodded over the line
That’s half-time and it’s 0-0.  The visitors have had the better chances. The match officials for some reason are being engaged in prolonged and animated conversation by Exmouth players and staff.
The second half:
48 minutes: Mousehole substitute – the injured Josh Otto is replaced by Kyle Fraser in the same left-back position
50 minutes:  Exmouth’s Ace High is just too high with a 10-yards free header from a corner
54 minutes:  Mousehole have not yet been able to put together their familiar pattern of play, until Max Hill’s searching long ball puts Hayden Turner in space on the left and his low cross is driven over by Tallan Mitchell from just outside the area
63 minutes: Mousehole substitute – Jared Sims is replaced by Louis Price, a straight swap at central striker 
64 minutes: Close for Mousehole – Callam Mconie’s low left-footed cross-cum-shot from the right is hacked off the line at the far post
Half-way through the second half: Mousehole are beginning to make more of an impact
68 minutes:  Having said that, Levi Landricombe has the ball on his lethal left foot just inside the area but Steve Burt blocks the shot for a corner
69 minutes:  Exmouth’s Aaron Denny brings the ball in from the right and aims a curling left-footed drive towards the far corner – Ollie Chenoweth produces a flying save to keep the ball out
79 minutes:  Exmouth’s best chance of the match – Ben Steer has a wonderful one-on-one chance after a defensive slip and looks certain to score until Ollie Chenoweth advances to block the low shot from inside the area
85 minutes:  Ollie Chenoweth is nominated ‘Man of the Match’ for an outstanding goalkeeping performance 
90 minutes: Mousehole almost snatch a winner – Hayden Turner’s swerving low shot from the left is kept out at the far post by Robbie Powell’s fingertips
90+3 minutes:  At full time it’s 0-0.  Although the windy conditions have prevented both sides from showcasing their best qualities in front of a big crowd, there’s been plenty of goalmouth incident – hardly a boring nil-nil.

WHAT THIS RESULT MEANS FOR MOUSEHOLE
Mousehole’s first no-score draw of the season gives them a valuable point against strong opposition, and they remain in third place.  This was an important match, but not decisive, with Exmouth having six fixtures remaining and Tavistock and Mousehole seven – all including some difficult matches.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP(with used substitutes): Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Mark Richards, Max Hill, Josh Otto, Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Jack Calver, Callam Mconie, Jared Sims, Hayden Turner

Other substitutes:  Aaron Dilley, Jack Symons

MATCH OFFICIALS:
Jonothan Green (Referee), with Ken Swift and Dave Bartlam (Assistants)

ATTENDANCE: 384 – easily beating the previous highest League crowd of the season (212 v Shepton Mallet) 

REMAINING FIXTURES FOR MOUSEHOLE
This Wednesday, 30th March, Away at Helston Athletic, 7.45pm
Saturday 2nd April, Home v Bitton, 3pm
Tuesday 5th April, Home v Keynsham Town, 7.45pm
Saturday 9th April, Away v Wellington, 3pm
Good Friday, 15th April, Home v Helston Athletic, 11am
Easter Monday, 18th April, Home v Ashton & Backwell United, 3pm
Saturday 23rd April, Away v Keynsham Town, 3pm

Buckland Athletic 1-5 Mousehole (Half-time 1-0)

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 19^th March 2022

At Homers Heath

Summary

After a below-par first-half performance, Mousehole bounced back after the interval in sensational fashion to dominate the hosts and gain a big win that takes them level on points with promotion rivals Tavistock and Exmouth Town

Pre-match points

Mousehole travel to South Devon in third place, looking to keep up with leaders Tavistock, who have no game today, and second-place Exmouth Town, who have (on paper) a likely home win against second-bottom team Street. 

Buckland Athletic are having an inconsistent season and, despite having a superb run to the fifth round of the FA Vase, lie in 13^th place in the league table – however, they have a good blend of experience and youngsters and their record shows they are capable of beating anyone on their day.

The Mousehole v Buckland match at Trungle Parc in late January resulted in a 3-2 win for The Seagulls – in the end it was a close-run thing, with The Bucks putting in a strong performance to set up a tense finish.  Today it could be a tough afternoon for Jake Ash’s team.

The weather is dry, sunny and windy, the pitch is in good condition and the club’s facilities are first-class.

The key moments of the match

4 minutes:  Buckland hit the post.  Josh Webber’s low cross-shot from inside the area hits the far post, Ryan Bush drives the loose ball goalwards….. and it’s cleared off the line.

7 minutes:  Mousehole hit back.  Jack Calver has space 25 yards out and sends in a left-footer which keeper Andy Collings saves with a good low take.

9 minutes:  GOAL FOR BUCKLAND ATHLETIC.  Energetic pressing enables the hosts to steal the ball deep into Mousehole territory on the right and RYAN BUSH has a simple task to place the laid-back pass into the net from six yards.  Quite similar to the goal conceded at Ashton & Backwell in The Seagulls’ surprise 1-0 defeat in January.

30 minutes:  Mousehole have not made much of an impact so far, but there are now signs of some fluency in their play 

41 minutes:  Buckland break forward at speed and Richard Groves shoots wide of the far post

45+1 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy escapes his minder and is through one-on-one until keeper Collings rescues his side with a block 15 yards out

45+2 minutes:  Another attack by the visitors – Tallan Mitchell makes a determined run from the half-way line and as the Bucks’ defence retreats he drives a 25-yard shot past the angle of Collings’ goal

45+3 minutes:  At half-time it’s Buckland Athletic 1-0 Mousehole – a deserved lead for the home side who have so far successfully repelled Mousehole’s attacking instincts and have created a couple of opportunities of their own.  It’s a cliché but still true:  the next goal is so important!

The second half:

Mousehole’s wingers have switched – Callum Mconie is now on the left with Hayden Turner on the right.

51 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  A fine equaliser by MARK GOLDSWORTHY as he collects a quick pass inside by Callam Mconie some 30 yards out, holds off his marker and from 15 yards to the left of centre fires a low inch-perfect shot just inside the far post. Now 1-1.  That was the ‘so important’ goal mentioned at half-time!

53 minutes:  The Seagulls are now in control of the ball, the tempo and the pattern of play.  Buckland are relying on long-ball breakaways – Ollie Chenoweth has to be alert to come out and save at the feet of Josh Webber.

56 minutes:  Mousehole’s quick passing is causing The Bucks all sorts of problems, including giving away a series of free kicks.  From one of these, Jack Calver swerves a left-footer inches wide from 20 yards.

57 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Tallan Mitchell and Hayden Turner combine on the right for a driven cross into the danger area, where central defender NICK MILTON attempts to intercept but glances his header into the top corner of the net for an own goal that would have been superb if it had been an attacker.  Buckland 1-2 Mousehole. 

60 minutes:  It’s all Mousehole – Mark Goldsworthy has a clear sight of goal but passes instead to Tallan Mitchell, who’s crowded out

61 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Mark Goldsworthy has pulled the opposition over to their left and plants a brilliantly-weighted pass inside where TALLAN MITCHELL races unchallenged into the space and from 15 yards shoots high into the net past Collings’ left hand.  In the process, Goldsworthy has been felled by an ugly late challenge which earns Rob Farkins a yellow card.  The Seagulls are ahead by 3-1:  three goals in 10 minutes.

64 minutes:  In another fast break Tallan Mitchell crosses low and Jack Calver’s first-time shot from close in is somehow kept out by keeper Collings – an amazing save.

66 minutes:  Jack Calver has another shooting chance as Buckland fail to clear their lines – this time his 25 yard drive is deflected wide by Farkins with a diving header in front of the post

74 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by Jared Sims in the central striker’s position, and the captain’s armband goes to Mark Richards

80 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  HAYDEN TURNER is tripped as he twists and turns with quick feet just inside the hosts’ penalty area, and then dispatches the resultant spot kick to make it 4-1 to The Seagulls.  Buckland have been plugging away with little success, and any hopes they may have had of a comeback have now surely disappeared.

82 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Steve Burt is replaced by Charlie Willis in midfield

86 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  A slick passing move on the left destroys the defending cover and leaves JARED SIMS to slot the ball low past Collings – it’s now five away goals in just over half an hour and this finish is similar to the first.  Buckland Athletic 1-5 Mousehole. 

87 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Hayden Turner is replaced by Billy Curtis with Josh Otto going to left-back and Paulo Sousa moving forward

88 minutes:  Ollie Chenoweth makes a vital full-length save to cut out a dangerous-looking low cross from the left in a rare threat by the home side

90+4 minutes:  At full time it’s Buckland Athletic 1-5 Mousehole.  The Seagulls complete a league double over an established Western League side.  Sayings like “a game of two halves” and “it’s a funny old game” come to mind, as neither this scoreline, nor even this result, looked likely at half-time.  Whatever was discussed during the interval led to the ‘real Mousehole’ completely dominating the second half, with Buckland unable to cope with the intensity, passing and speed.

What this result means for Mousehole

A remarkable afternoon is capped by the news of Exmouth Town managing only a draw against Street, which means that Exmouth, Tavistock and Mousehole are now all on 60 points, separated only by small goal differences.  Among several important matters with a bearing on the end-of-season placings, Tavistock and Mousehole have a game in hand over Exmouth; Mousehole face Exmouth at home this Saturday; and Exmouth play Tavistock in the last-but-one fixture.

Manager Jake Ash speaking after the match https://youtu.be/XaJ4oC8pihg

Mousehole line-up(with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Mark Richards, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt (Charlie Willis), Tallan Mitchell, Jack Calver, Callam Mconie, Mark Goldsworthy (C) (Jared Sims), Hayden Turner (Billy Curtis).  Other substitutes:  Louis Price, Kyle Fraser

Next fixture for Mousehole

This Saturday, 26^th March, Home v Exmouth Town, kick off 3pm*

*Spectators are advised to arrive in good time as it’s National Non-League Day – the chance for non-league clubs to showcase themselves during the international break, plus a much-reduced league programme – and Exmouth are likely to bring a large number of their supporters

Mousehole’s remaining Western League Premier Division fixtures

Wednesday 30^th March:  Away at Helston Athletic, 7.45pm

Saturday 2^nd April:  Home v Bitton, 3pm

Tuesday 5^th April:  Home v Keynsham Town, 7.45pm

Saturday 9^th April:  Away v Wellington, 3pm

Good Friday, 15^th April:  Home v Helston Athletic, 11am

Monday 18^th April:  Home v Ashton & Backwell United, 3pm

Saturday 23^rd April:  Away v Keynsham Town, 3pm

Mousehole 8-1 Bridport

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 12^th March 2022

At Trungle Parc

Mousehole scorers:  Callam Mconie 3, Mark Goldsworthy 3, Louis Price, Hayden Turner

Summary

Mousehole got the expected win against the bottom club to maintain the pressure at the top of the table, but the event will be remembered for the resilience, endeavour and entertainment value provided by both teams in some of the worst playing conditions in living memory

Pre-match points

Bridport make their longest journey of the season today, facing almost certain relegation having been at the foot of the table all season – to survive, they would have to win all their remaining games while the two teams above them lose all theirs. They have a young squad who are known to play with a lot of spirit despite some huge defeats this season. 

Mousehole won 6-0 at The Bees in early December with the Dorset club only conceding a second goal just before the interval, and the second half continuing with just a few of the floodlights working.

With Division leaders Tavistock and second-place Exmouth Town not in action today, it’s a great chance for The Seagulls to exploit one of their games in hand and move within touching distance of the top two.

Manager Jake Ash makes changes from Wednesday’s game at Exmouth, with Josh Otto and Jared Sims in the starting line-up.

The weather forecast is for heavy rain and strong winds arriving in an Atlantic cyclone during the afternoon.  During the morning the pitch is playable, but is likely to get very wet as the game progresses.  As kick off approaches, the storm has arrived and it’s already very windy, very wet and very cold.

The key moments of the match

Mousehole start the match kicking towards the Solomon Browne Stand End with the fierce wind and driving rain at their backs

2 minutes:  Jack Calver gives Callam Mconie a shooting chance which is blocked by visiting keeper Josh Lucas

3 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  LOUIS PRICE gets himself some space 12 yards out and drives a right-footed shot high into the net.

6 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  CALLAM MCONIE has the ball on his favoured left-foot and scores from 20 yards low inside the near post.  It’s 2-0 for the home side and the pitch is already getting very wet.

8 minutes:  Keeper Josh Lucas blocks a one-on-one chance for Louis Price

10 minutes:  Lucas makes another good save, this time from Hayden Turner’s 20-yarder

11 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The Bees can’t make any headway against the wind and are being overwhelmed.  Tallan Mitchell makes a jinking run on the left and his low cross is converted from six yards by MARK GOLDSWORTHY.  Now 3-0.

14 minutes:   More pressure on the visitors’ defence but Lucas keeps out a shot by Callam Mconie

15 minutes:  Mconie’s wind-assisted corner finds Max Hill rising highest with a great chance for his first goal for the club, but his header flashes wide

16 minutes:  Hayden Turner crosses from the left and keeper Lucas grabs the ball on the line as Callam Mconie can’t force it home

20 minutes:  Louis Price swerves a shot past the far post

23 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell is wide from close range as he latches on to Callam Mconie’s right-sided cross

24 minutes:  Bridport at last make inroads into the Mousehole half, with Mike Hill on the end of a quick break and shooting past the far post

25 minutes:  Back come the home side and Jared Sims has a goalbound shot blocked in the area

26 minutes:  Keeper Lucas again rescues his defence with a solid one-on-one save from Tallan Mitchell

27 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  If you can’t beat the keeper from close range, try from further out!  CALLAM MCONIE drives an unstoppable 35-yard shot that is still rising as it hits the top corner of Lucas’s net.  Mousehole 4-0 Bridport.

30 minutes:  Keeper Lucas makes a double save off the line from Callam Mconie

34 minutes:  The underfoot conditions deny Mark Goldsworthy as he slices the ball wide from a few yards out

35 minutes:  That man Lucas makes a good block from Jared Sims

36 minutes:  Louis Price’s shot hits the far post and rolls along the line and out

37 minutes:  A half-chance for Bridport as Adam Steele fires over from a central position 18 yards out

As conditions worsen and puddles appear all over the pitch, Referee Richard Butter gets the two dugouts to agree to a shortened half-time interval

41 minutes:  Jared Sims sets up a chance from 8 yards for Tallan Mitchell but his shot is too high

45 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE:  HAYDEN TURNER is in space in the centre-circle and he takes aim with his right foot – the ball soars over Lucas and into the net for 5-0

45+2 minutes:  At half-time Mousehole have a five-goal lead – and but for the terrible conditions, some defiant goalkeeping and several missed chances, they could already be in double figures

The second half:

46 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Louis Price is replaced by Kyle Fraser

50 minutes:  Keeper Lucas twice keeps out shots from Hayden Turner

51 minutes:  Bridport take advantage of the having the wind and rain at their backs and the busy Callum Arnold tries his luck from distance, but it goes wide

53 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Max Hill is replaced by Billy Curtis

55 minutes:  GOAL FOR BRIDPORT.  A quick incisive move to feet gives RILEY WEEDON a bit of space on the 18-yard line and his low shot into the corner eludes Ollie Chenoweth’s dive.  Now 5-1.

58 minutes:  All credit to The Bees – that goal has given them some impetus:  Jaydon Scadding is high and wide from 35 yards and shortly afterwards the goal-scorer Weedon curls a shot just past the post from the edge of the area

63 minutes:  Riley Weedon is enjoying some space in the Mousehole half and drives wide from 25 yards

71 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Jared Sims is replaced by Charlie Willis

73 minutes:  Bridport are winning the second half 1-0.  Mike Hill has a snapshot from 25 yards but it’s too high, followed by an effort by Adam Steele that’s wide

77 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  After a good 20-minute period by the visitors, The Seagulls show their qualities, a quick passing moving from the halfway line ending with a perfectly executed lay-off by Charlie Willis for CALLAM MCONIE to score his hat-trick goal from 12 yards.  Mousehole 6-1 Bridport.

78 minutes:  It’s improbably great entertainment in truly atrocious conditions both overhead and underfoot.  Hard-working striker Callum Arnold has led the Bridport line impressively – his low 20-yard drive is held by Ollie Chenoweth at the second attempt.

82 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  MARK GOLDSWORTHY makes it 7-1 with predatory close-range tap-in past the keeper.

83 minutes:  Bridport on the offensive again – centre-back Jake Owen’s 18-yard shot is going inside the angle before Ollie Chenoweth gets across to touch it out for a corner kick

85 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Callam Mconie plants a through ball into the path of MARK GOLDSWORTHY who holds off the converging defenders and slots it past the keeper for his hat-trick

86 minutes:  Mousehole’s Jack Calver sends a right-foot drive just past the angle of post and bar

At Full-time it’s 8-1 to the hosts.  In a notable gesture Referee Butter applauds both sets of players for their efforts in the rain, wind and cold.  Massive credit is due to players and officials for getting the game completed in horribly exposed conditions on what is now a saturated surface – as well as sympathy for those exposed in their technical areas.  Mousehole’s groundsman Billy Jacka will be a busy man over the next day or two.  Bridport are relegated to Step 6 but with a group of young eager players, promising much for the future..

What this result means for Mousehole

The win today takes The Seagulls to within two points of Exmouth and three behind leaders Tavistock, with a game in hand on them both, and the goal difference still lagging behind, by 8 and 5 respectively.  Mousehole have 9 League games remaining, 5 at Home and 4 Away.

The question of promotion to the Southern league at Step 4 is likely to go right to the end of the season, with three possible routes:

• The champions are automatically promoted
• The runners-up are promoted either:

1. automatically, if their points-per-game total is among the best 10 runners-up across all the 16 Step 5 leagues nationally; or
2. (if outside the points-per-game top ten) they win a one-off promotion/relegation decider, away against a Step 4 team, on Saturday 30^th April

Mousehole line-up v Bridport (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Mark Richards, Max Hill (Billy Curtis), Jared Sims (Charlie Willis), Tallan Mitchell, Jack Calver, Callam Mconie, Mark Goldsworthy (C), Louis Price (Kyle Fraser), Hayden Turner.  Other substitutes:  Paulo Sousa, Andy Elcock

Match officials

Richard Butter (Referee) with Ray Emmans & Jaiden Berryman (Assistants)

Attendance:  103

Next fixtures for Mousehole

Next Saturday 19^th March, Away v Buckland Athletic, 3pm

Saturday 26^th March, Home v Exmouth Town, 3pm

Wednesday 30^th March, Away v Helston athletic, 7.45pm

* Mousehole’s Development Team are in action in the St Piran’s League Cup semi-final this Wednesday, 16^th March, against Porthleven at Hayle FC, Trevassack Park, kick off 7.30pm

Exmouth Town 3-0  Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Wednesday 9^th March 2022

At Southern Road

Summary

Mousehole were out-gunned by their hard-working promotion-chasing rivals on a soggy evening on the south Devon coast, where the conditions generally worked against The Seagulls’ style of play

Pre-match points

It’s a really big match between second and third in the race for promotion from the Western League Premier to the Southern League at Step 4.  A win for Exmouth would see them go just a point behind leaders Tavistock, while victory for Mousehole would take them to within three points of the top spot with two games in hand.  Whatever the result tonight, the return fixture at Mousehole on 26^th March could be even more important.

This match was originally scheduled by the League for Saturday 30^th April – the last match of the season – but was re-arranged after the FA announced that date would be reserved for the non-league play-offs.

Two seasons ago, Mousehole – then in the league below – visited Exmouth Town in their first-ever FA Vase tie and gained a creditable 0-0 draw at full time before losing in the penalty shoot-out.

Callam Mconie returns to the match-day squad after a three-match suspension, replacing Andy Elcock on the substitutes’ bench in the only change from last Saturday’s 3-0 win at home against Ilfracombe Town.

After prolonged rain, the pitch at Southern Road is very wet and soft, and with the rain continuing the surface is likely to deteriorate during the game.  A crowd of 300 to 400 was expected but the weather has reduced that number significantly.

The key moments

11 minutes:  GOAL FOR EXMOUTH TOWN.  A lofted free kick from the right of the penalty area is headed down and over the line by ACE HIGH close to the far post, with the visitors complaining about a push inside the six yard box.  1-0 to the hosts.

12 minutes:  A Mousehole half-chance – a through-ball sees Tallan Mitchell sprint past keeper Robbie Powell but it’s at a wide angle and a covering defender clears the danger

25 minutes:  Another sight of goal for Mousehole as Hayden Turner fires in a right-footer from the edge of the box with keeper Powell beating it away at full stretch

27 minutes:  Clear chance for an equaliser – Mark Goldsworthy seizes on an error at the back and has only the keeper to beat but hurriedly shoots wide of the near post from inside the area

30 minutes gone – Mousehole are on the front foot, but both sides are regularly mis-placing passes on the slippery surface

35 minutes:  Hayden Turner sends in an inviting long cross from the left and Louis Price glances his header wide as he’s challenged mid-air by the keeper

38 minutes:  GOAL FOR EXMOUTH.  A set piece comes in low from the right where JORDAN HARRIS has time and space to turn and drill a low left footer into the corner of the net from 12 yards.  The hosts are 2-0 up.

45+2 minutes:  That’s half-time.  The Seagulls have a lot to do to get something from the match against strong and determined opponents.

The second half:

47 minutes:  Levi Landricombe is not far wide with a looping header for Exmouth

50 minutes:  Mousehole put together a quick move out of defence ending with Robbie Powell smothering Hayden Turner’s goalbound drive

51 minutes:  The visitors come so close!  Keeper Powell flaps at a left-sided corner as he’s challenged by Mark Richards, Louis Price drives the loose ball low towards goal where it beats the keeper and looks certain to go in before it rebounds off Richards who cant get out of the way.  A big let-off for the home side!

63 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by Callam Mconie, who goes over to the right with Louis Price now in the centre

Half-way through the second period:  Mousehole are playing much better than in the first half but Exmouth are hustling them all over the pitch

70 minutes:  GOAL FOR EXMOUTH.  Levi Landricombe turns on the 18-yard line and chips a well-judged left-footed shot against the post with Ollie Chenoweth at full stretch, the ball rebounds kindly for JORDAN HARRIS and he guides his header into the empty net.  Exmouth now 3-0 in the lead.

71 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Steve Burt is replaced in midfield by Jared Sims

76 minutes:  The conditions underfoot are getting more difficult, but Mousehole mount another attack down the left flank, with Tallan Mitchell’s shot blocked by a defender and Hayden Turner driving wide of the far post.

79 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Paulo Sousa is replaced by Jack Symons, with Jack Calver dropping into a more defensive midfield position and the young sub joining the attack

90 minutes:  Callam Mconie hits the near side-netting with a drive from the corner of the penalty area

90+2 minutes:  Jack Symons hits the far post with a floated cross from the right, Tallan Mitchell collects the loose ball but hits keeper Robbie Powell with his shot.  A couple of moments which prove it hasn’t been Mousehole’s night!

90+5 minutes:  At full-time it’s Exmouth Town 3-0 Mousehole.  An efficient performance by the home side in very wet conditions, with Mousehole not able to impose themselves on the play.

What this result means for Mousehole

A positive result for Mousehole would have been useful, but a win for Exmouth was vital.  The Seagulls are now five points behind Exmouth and six behind leaders Tavistock but have two games in hand on each of them, albeit with an inferior goal difference.  All three teams have some difficult fixtures remaining, including Exmouth v Tavistock in the last-but-one match of the season.

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Mark Richards, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa (Jack Symons), Steve Burt (Jared Sims), Tallan Mitchell, Jack Calver, Louis Price, Mark Goldsworthy (Callam Mconie), Hayden Turner.  Other substitutes: Josh Otto, Kyle Fraser

Match officials: Matthew Uren (Referee) with Robert Williams & Dylan Williams (Assistants)

Attendance: 183

Next fixtures for Mousehole

This Saturday 12^th March, Home v Bridport, 3pm

Next Saturday 19^th March, Away v Buckland Athletic, 3pm

Saturday 26^th March, Home v Exmouth Town, 3pm

Wednesday 30^th March, Away v Helston athletic, 7.45pm

Mousehole 3-0 Ilfracombe Town

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 5^th March 2022

At Trungle Parc

Summary

St Piran’s Day was notable for The Seagulls taking their winning sequence to ten home league games stretching back to 4^th September, Hayden Turner’s superb brace – now with 20 goals for the season –  plus a second consecutive ‘clean sheet’ and a vital three points towards their promotion challenge, followed by news of the Development Team’s away win and 24 hours later an away success for the Women’s Team, making it a trio of senior team victories in a great weekend for the club.

Pre-match points

Ilfracombe Town have, like Mousehole, been promoted twice in recent years.  They currently stand in a commendable sixth position, and inflicted a 2-0 defeat on The Seagulls at their Marlborough Park HQ in late August.

Manager Jake Ash is able to name midfielder Andy Elcock among the substitutes, his first slot on the team-sheet since injury at Bridgwater in October, five months and 17 matches ago.  Meanwhile 14-goal Callam Mconie is serving the last of his three-match suspension after a red card at Clevedon.

Among the spectators is John Pool, Chairman of the Western League, and a sizeable turn-out of Committee members from Ilfracombe.

For this ‘Seagulls versus Bluebirds’ encounter, the weather is bright and cold, and there’s a typical Trungle Parc swirling wind.

The key moments

Before kick-off a well-observed minute’s silence is held for the people of Ukraine, with Mousehole Chairman Deryk Heywood accompanied by two youth players in the centre circle holding the yellow-and-blue national flag.

Mousehole are kicking towards the Solomon Browne Stand End in the first half

9 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell wins possession in midfield and his pass splits the visitors’ defence for Hayden Turner to sprint down the left  and put in a low cross – but it’s well cleared from the edge of the six-yard box

16 minutes:  Several minutes of confusion!  Mark Goldsworthy is felled by a late tackle just inside the Mousehole half.  Referee Stephen McCulloch waves play on despite the Assistant’s flag.  As the ball goes out of play ‘Goldie’ then receives on-field treatment from physio Ben Gibson.  It’s unclear what the decision is, but it looks like a Mousehole free kick has been given.

20 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.   The physio is off, the whistle goes, the free kick is quickly taken and the ball is worked up to JACK CALVER some 18 yards out.  He drives a low right-footed shot inside the near post with keeper Steve Oliver a mere onlooker.  More confusion as the visitors complain that Mousehole’s injured player did not leave the pitch after treatment.  The Referee looks as though he might disallow the goal as he goes over to talk to his Assistant….. but the goal stands!  Mousehole 1-0 Ilfracombe in the strangest of circumstances.  The visitors players and dug-out team are certainly not happy.  Nevertheless: it’s Mousehole 1-0 Ilfracombe Town.

21 minutes:  The visitors loudly claim a penalty as Jack Langford is tackled in the home penalty area – Referee McCulloch not impressed

27 minutes;  Hayden Turner makes another dash down the left, Mark Goldsworthy gets a touch to the low cross, and the ball trickles just past the far post

33 minutes:  Hayden Turner again and Jack Calver at the far post aims for goal but Oliver saves

43 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell skates in from the left and sends in a fierce right-foot drive which the diving Oliver pushes out for a corner

45+1 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  HAYDEN TURNER creates space for himself 25 yards out and sends a right-footed curving shot into the top corner past motionless keeper Oliver, who was probably hoping it was going wide.  Turner’s 19^th goal of the season.

45+3 minutes.  Back come Ilfracombe and Joe Barker puts in a dangerous-looking cross shot from the right that goes wide of the far post

45+5 minutes:  The visitors on the offensive again – Charlie Prentice has a sight of goal from 20 yards but shoots wide

45+6 minutes:  Half time and 2-0 to Mousehole.  Quite an eventful opening period with plenty of talking points.  Mousehole generally on top and playing on the front foot.

The second half

54 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Tallan Mitchell takes a free kick on the right hand side of the visitors’ penalty area, it’s played in low, Mark Richards steps over it and HAYDEN TURNER side-foots instantly into the net from 15 yards for goal number 20.  Judging by the players’ reaction, that looked like a well-rehearsed routine.  Now 3-0 to The Seagulls.

59 minutes:  Mousehole keeper Ollie Chenoweth is called into action, palming out a threatening long right-wing cross from Joe Barker at the far post

62 minutes:  Louis Price bustles through on the right and Steve Oliver blocks the fierce drive from eight yards

68 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Mark Richards is replaced by Josh Otto in the centre of defence

71 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Jack Calver is replaced by Jared Sims in midfield

75 minutes:  Ilfracombe come close – Jed Harper-Penman’s drive from the left is touched over by Ollie Chenoweth

76 minutes:  Hayden Turner is after a hat-trick goal – his angled shot is cleared off the line with the keeper beaten

77 minutes:  End-to-end action as Tom Davey heads a left-sided corner towards goal and it’s deflected over for another flag kick

78 minutes:  Hayden Turner is sin-binned for questioning the Referee’s decision over a free kick to the visitors.  Mousehole now down to ten men for ten minutes, and the hosts’ top scorer has lost ten minutes in his quest for a hat-trick

79 minutes:  From the free kick, Ollie Chenoweth is well positioned to keep out a snapshot by Mike Humphreys from 18 yards

80 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by 16-year old Jack Symons, who’ll play out wide, with Louis Price moving to the middle

82 minutes:  The young substitute creates a chance for Talan Mitchell whose 18-yard shot is pushed wide by Oliver

88 minutes:  Louis Price bends in a free kick from 25 yards, keeper Oliver gets across to keep it out, Max Hill is first to the loose ball but the keeper blocks the chipped shot

90+4:  That’s the full-time whistle.  3-0 to Mousehole and a massive three points in the race for the top two spots 

What this result means for Mousehole 

Mousehole remain in third place, two points behind Exmouth with two games in hand.  So this Wednesday’s game between second and third looks interesting, as does the return match at Trungle Parc on Saturday 26^th March 

Equally important, leaders Tavistock have lost away to second-bottom Ashton & Backwell (putting into perspective Mousehole’s unexpected defeat there in January), which means The Seagulls are six points off top spot with three games in hand 

With 11 games to go, six at home and five away, it’s going to be a thrilling last two months of the season!

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes): Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Mark Richards (Josh Otto), Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Talan Mitchell, Jack Calver (Jared Sims), Louis Price, Mark Goldsworthy (Jack Symons), Hayden Turner.

Other substitutes:  Kyle Fraser, Andy Elcock

Match Officials: 

Stephen McCulloch (Referee), with Alan Hoon & Darren Winkworth (Assistants)

Attendance: 152

Next fixtures for Mousehole:

This Wednesday, 9^th March, Away at Exmouth Town, 7.45pm

Saturday 12^th March, Home v Bridport, 3pm

Saturday 19^th March, Away v Buckland Athletic, 3pm

Saturday 26^th March, Home v Exmouth Town, 3pm

Wednesday 30^th March, Away v Helston athletic, 7.45pm

Helston Athletic 1-1 Mousehole (Helston win 4-1 on penalties)

Les Phillips Cup First Round

Tuesday 22nd February 2022 At Kellaway Park

Summary:
With Manager Jake Ash making use of the wide range of talent available, his new-look Mousehole line-up did themselves and everyone else proud with a terrific performance to force the tie to a penalty shoot-out at full-strength Helston Athletic
Pre-match points:
The Les Phillips Cup is the competition for all 40 Western League clubs, named after the former Chairman (1973 to 1988).
Mousehole are playing their first-ever match in the competition, having received a bye while Helston beat Millbrook 2-1 at home in the preliminary round.
Manager Jake Ash names a completely different starting XI to that in the last match at Clevedon, giving a taste of First team squad experience to nine of the promising Development squad who play two steps below in the St Piran League (West), together with a sprinkling of experienced First Team regulars.
The Development Team have recently hit form, winning their last two games 6-0 (away) and 5-0 in the League Cup against the previously unbeaten East Division leaders.
Helston name their usual Western League squad, with top scorer Stuart Bowker among a strong substitutes’ bench.
This is the second of four matches between the two sides this season.  Mousehole won the first 3-1, an FA Cup tie in August at Trungle Parc. The Boxing Day fixture at Kellaway Park was postponed by the League following evidence of the increasing spread of Covid infections in the Mousehole camp –  that match has been re-scheduled for Wednesday 30th March.  The return league fixture at Trungle Parc is on Good Friday (15th April).
The pitch has recovered well after recent storms and is in good condition for the time of year.
The key moments of the match:
2 minutes: Helston come close as Matt Wright  directs a header on to the crossbar and over
6 minutes:  GOAL FOR HELSTON.  A headed-on long ball puts MATT WRIGHT in the clear and he lobs over the stranded Piran Jones from inside the area
13 minutes:  Mousehole’s new side have made a shaky start, but they now put together a good quick passing move, with Louis Price forcing keeper Mike Searle to turn a low drive out for a corner
16 minutes:  At the other end keeper Piran Jones makes a point-blank save to prevent the hosts doubling their lead
23 minutes:  The 17-year old keeper makes another important save from Craig Veal, low down at the near post 
25 minutes:  Mike Searle makes an equally good save, clutching Jared Sims’ low 15-yard shot through a crowded penalty area
27 minutes:  Craig Veal drives in an angled volley on the run and Piran Jones tips it over the bar
36 minutes:  The young keeper races out quickly and bravely to block a one-on-one burst by Craig Veal 25 yards out
38 minutes: It’s not all one-way traffic as Mousehole test the home side’s defence with some slick passing and nimble movement
39 minutes:  The Seagulls come close.  Aaron Dilley whips in a free kick from the left of the ‘D’ and Mike Searle touches it over the bar
40 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE. The corner is worked to the edge of the box where Helston concede another free kick, this time to the right of the ‘D’.  LOUIS PRICE strikes the ball past the defensive wall and into the near corner, with keeper Searle unable to deal with the power of the shot.  An equaliser that looked increasingly likely as the visitors gained in confidence.
45+2 minutes:  The half-time whistle blows as Mousehole survive a late onslaught.  They have recovered well after a wobbly start.  Helston look frustrated as they leave the pitch.
The second half:
57 minutes:  Sending off!  Mousehole lose possession in their own half, Jamie Devine goes in to retrieve the ball from Helston’s Matty Bye, but the tackle is high and late.  Bye is injured, Helston players are incensed and Referee Shaun Edge immediately produces the red card.  The Seagulls are down to ten for over half an hour – an uphill battle and a test of resolve.
61 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Louis Price is replaced by Jacob Cleverly up front.  Aaron Dilley has dropped back into right-side defence with Billy Curtis moving centrally alongside Silas Sullivan.  It’s still a positive attacking formation.
64 minutes:  17-year old Jack Symons sprints past keeper Searle to the right of goal but is then crowded out by covering defenders
75 minutes:  Helston are understandably having a lot of possession, but Mousehole’s ten men look fit and well organised.  Substitute Stuart Bowker floats a left-sided cross to the far post where Matt Wright heads down into the side netting
78 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Aaron Dilley is injured after a late tackle and is replaced at right back by the versatile Jonny Ludlam.
80 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Jared Sims is replaced by 18-year old Logan Trevains
85 minutes:  Five minutes of normal time to go.  If the score stays the same, there’s no 30’ extra time or a replay – it’s straight to a penalty shoot-out.  That would be a remarkable achievement for this Mousehole side!
86 minutes:  Helston pile on the pressure – a danger-laden low cross comes in from the right but it’s safely handled by Piran Jones
90+4 minutes:  Young Jack Symons is causing the Helston defence a lot of concern with his speed and agility.  He brings the ball in from the left and tries a 25-yard shot, comfortably gathered by Mike Searle.
90+5 minutes:  Pure drama right at the end! Helston have a free kick 30 yards out, left of centre.  The big defenders are up looking for a floated ball into the box.  It’s played forward on the ground to Stuart Bowker wide of the wall, he turns and drives a fierce left-footer from 8 yards that looks as though it’s going inside the near post …..until Piran Jones gets there heroically to beat it out
90+6 minutes:  That’s the final whistle, it’s 1-1 and goes to penalties.  An immense Mousehole performance against one of the strongest teams in the Western League – and very much against the odds with a player short for the last 40 minutes or so.

The penalty shoot out – Helston go first:
Stuart Bowker scores: 1-0Billy Curtis for Mousehole: Searle savesSteve Colwell scores: 2-0Kyle Fraser for Mousehole – scores: 2-1Craig Veal scores: 3-1Logan Trevains for Mousehole: Searle savesTyler Elliot to win it for Helston – scores: 4-1
Helston Athletic go through to the second round of the Les Phillips Cup, with an away tie at Tavistock
What this result means for Mousehole:
Tonight’s squad deserved the chance to challenge themselves at a higher level –  they also deserved to take a full-strength Helston side all the way to penalties, with the performance showcasing the overall benefits of the coaching philosophy at the club.
Mousehole team sheet (with used substitutes):
Piran Jones (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Silas Sullivan, Jamie Devine, Kyle Fraser, Aaron Dilley (Jonny Ludlam), Jared Sims (LoganTrevains), Charlie Willis, Louis Price (Jacob Cleverly), Samim Azimi, Jack SymonsOther substitutes: Ethan Elwell (GK), Ryan Townson
Match officials: 
Sean Edge (Referee), with George Pattison & Neil Rudkin (Assistants)

Attendance: 259
Next fixtures for Mousehole:
This Saturday, 26th February, Away at Brislington (Bristol, BS4 5RS), Western League Premier, kick off 3pm
Saturday 5th March, Home v Ilfracombe Town, WLP, 3pm
Saturday 12th March, Home v Bridport, WLP, 3pm

Mousehole AFC are pleased to announce an important appointment, confirming Jared Sims as their new Head of Youth as well as adding him to their First team playing squad.

Adam Fletcher, Director of Football, explains the “perfect timing” to Jared Sims’ arrival at the club:

“We searched the country for the right candidate –  someone who would be a ‘good fit’, with coaching qualities, a good footballing pedigree and experience of playing at a higher level.  As soon as we learned (thanks to his friendship with our player Andy Elcock) that Jared had recently returned to Cornwall from abroad, we met him, discussed what we wanted, watched him play and coach, and realised the ideal person was right on our doorstep!”

Truro-based Jared played representative football for both West Cornwall and Cornwall Schools.  He began his early footballing career with Plymouth Argyle, where he progressed from the youth system to the First team and played nine games for the then League Two club. 

A season then followed at Truro City in the Southern League Premier with 23 appearances, before moving on to St Austell, scoring 19 goals in 43 games.

He has recently returned from working overseas after a three-year period in an education role.  He has a Level 2 coaching badge and is embarking on a UEFA ‘B’ qualification.

At Mousehole he will help to develop the quality of coaching throughout the Youth section, which currently consists of 13 teams across the age range.

Another aspect of Jared Sims’ role will be to expand football coaching at Penwith College, working with Matt James, who helped set up and develop Mousehole’s Youth section five years ago.  He also has his eye on running school-holiday coaching courses and tournaments. 

On the playing side, the 28-year old has already made three recent substitute appearances in Mousehole’s first-ever Western League campaign, making his mark by scoring shortly after coming on in the 5-1 win over Bridgwater United, and was in the starting line-up for the Les Phillips cup tie at Helston Athletic this week..

Manager Jake Ash, who played alongside Jared at Truro City, is delighted to have Jared on board:

“Jared has been an absolutely huge bonus to us, adding so much to the group already.  We were made aware he was coming back home and, knowing him from our Truro days, it was a ‘no-brainer’ to invite him to training.  You could immediately see the quality and intensity that show his footballing background”.

“I am certain that as he gets fitter and sharper, and adjusts to the way we play, he will be a massive asset on the playing side.  Not only that, he is a tremendous character and I am really confident he will make a big success of his role within the youth section too.”

Clevedon Town 1-1 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 12^th February 2022

At the EveryoneActive Stadium

Mousehole scorer: Hayden Turner (pen, 34’)

Mousehole returned from Somerset with a valuable point after one of the toughest contests of their inaugural Western League season, to maintain their challenge among the leading group of teams in the Premier Division. 

Pre-match points

Although Clevedon Town lie in a mid-table position they have recently struck a rich vein of form, being undefeated in their last five games including, in their last two matches, an impressive 2-1 mid-week win at fifth place Bridgwater United followed by a convincing 3-1 home win against fourth place Ilfracombe Town last Saturday.  So they’ll be looking to go one better today with success against third-place Mousehole.

The Seagulls had a very narrow 3-2 win against today’s hosts at Trungle Parc in mid-October with goals by Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner and a late winner by Callam Mconie.  Young goalkeeper Luca Smith was the star performer for the visitors that day, with a superb display of shot-stopping, including from a first-half Hayden Turner penalty.  

Mousehole are currently level on points with second-place Exmouth Town but with two games in hand, and ten points behind leaders Tavistock who have played four games more.  Jake Ash’s squad face a particularly difficult series of games – starting today – and will have to be at their best over the last ten weeks of the season if they are to finish in the top two places.

Clevedon Town spent 22 seasons in the Southern League, including four in the Premier Division, before returning to the Western League just seven years ago.  In the 1990s they moved from their town-centre location to a purpose-built modern stadium on the rural east side of the M5 motorway, next to the county training centre for Police dogs and horses.  Originally named after the Hand family, it now bears the name of a major sponsor and has a ground grading suitable for a much higher level.

This fixture was postponed in early January after persistent heavy rain had left the pitch unplayable.  Today it’s cold and drizzly, and the pitch surface is on the soft side.

The match as it happened

The opening minutes are lively, with both teams having goalbound shots blocked by good defending

7 minutes:  Clevedon come close.  Captain Archie Ferris seizes on lost possession in the danger zone and drives in a low left-footed shot from 18 yards and it goes just wide

10 minutes:  Mousehole put together a smooth move from left to right, Callam Mconie brings the ball on to his left foot but his low 18-yard shot is comfortably gathered by keeper Luca Smith

14 minutes:  Hayden Turner tears down the left past two defenders and his low cross is cut out with Callam Mconie ready to pounce

15 minutes:  Mark Richards makes a superb clearance from close to Mousehole’s goal after Archie Ferris’s header gives Ethan Feltham the chance for a whipped-in cross from the right

25 minutes:  Great Clevedon defending thwarts a threatening Mousehole attack, Mark Richards, Josh Otto and Tallan Mitchell combining to give Callam Mconie and Mark Goldsworthy the chance to put Hayden Turner in with a clear chance from just inside the box – Callum Eastwood gets his body in the way of the shot

26 minutes:  Mark Richards repeats his earlier heroics inside the six-yard box by hacking away a danger-laden low cross from the right

28 minutes:  Mitch Osmond swerves in a 25-yard free kick for Clevedon but Keeper Ollie Chenoweth shows good anticipation to catch the ball cleanly under the crossbar

31 minutes:  GOAL FOR CLEVEDON TOWN.  Mousehole concede possession just inside their own half, the ball is worked quickly down the left by Ferris and Feltham with defenders caught out of position, and the low cross to the far post is side-footed in by CAM SALMON.  1-0 to the hosts.

32 minutes:  Clevedon look buoyant.  Alex Camm has a shot but it’s straight at Ollie Chenoweth.

34 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Tallan Mitchell tricks his way past Glen Hayer into the area near the byeline but is then upended by the tall defender and injured in the process.  Referee Adam Wilson signals a penalty and is immediately surrounded by protesting Clevedon players.  There’s a delay and a yellow card for Hayer, either for the foul or the protests (or perhaps both?).  It’s HAYDEN TURNER versus Luca Smith from the spot and this time the keeper guesses the wrong way while the ball zooms into the opposite corner.  Mousehole get back on equal terms after just three minutes.

38 minutes:  Luca Smith has to be alert to keep out a near-own goal after Josh Otto crosses from the right

41 minutes:  At the other end, Ollie Chenoweth makes a diving save to keep out Sam Iles’ drive

42 minutes:  Dramatic moment as Glen Hayer is dismissed after charging unnecessarily into the back of Mark Goldsworthy as the Seagulls striker gets ready to receive a pass near the half-way line.  It’s a second yellow card, only eight minutes after receiving the first one.

45 minutes:  Mousehole create a chance against the ten men, Callam Mconie’s left-foot drive cannoning off Callum Eastwood before it can trouble the keeper

45+2 minutes:  At the interval it’s Clevedon Town 1-1 Mousehole.  Plenty of incident.  In theory, Mousehole should have the advantage in the second half, but what will be the home side’s tactics as they face 45 minutes with a man down?

The second half

The opening five minutes:  It’s all action from Clevedon as they surge forward with menace – a 25-yard shot deflected just wide, a corner headed narrowly over, and a well-executed volley by Cam Salmon kept out by a flying Ollie Chenoweth save, who also gets down to divert a Callum Eastwood shot inches past the post.  Archie Ferris then turns inside the box and shoots towards goal into a crowded six-yard box and Chenoweth shows great handling to capture the ball.  The ten men are well on top but Mousehole have an assured keeper.

51 minutes:  At last the visitors venture into home territory, Hayden Turner’s left-wing cross dealt with by Sam Iles at the far post

53 minutes:  Hayden Turner again makes inroads but his cross drifts past the angle of post and bar

63 minutes:  Mousehole’s passing is off-key against relentlessly pressing opponents who are re-gaining possession with alarming frequency.  Cam Salmon lets fly from 20 yards and Ollie Chenoweth goes full-length to touch it past the post.

64 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell shows his displeasure at the assistant referee’s decision over a throw-in near the half-way line, and is sent to the sin-bin.  Now it’s ten v ten for ten minutes.

67 minutes:  Hayden Turner floats a corner to Jack Calver just outside the box and his goalbound volley is caught by the well-positioned keeper

70 minutes:  At the other end, Archie Ferris sends in a fierce shot from fully 30 yards, it takes a slight deflection and is gathered safely by Ollie Chenoweth

71 minutes:  A straight red card for Callam Mconie.  He goes in for a 50:50 challenge on Mousehole’s right hand side with Callum Eastwood but it’s with too much force on the slippery surface.  Eastwood is injured, the Clevedon players are aggrieved, the referee consults the nearby assistant, and The Seagulls are down to nine men for a few minutes.

74 minutes:  Mousehole do well in the few minutes with their numerical disadvantage.  Tallan Mitchell returns from the sin-bin and so it’s now ten v ten.

76 minutes:  Luca Smith in the home side’s goal has been by far the less busy of the two keepers, but he has to react quickly at his near post as Mark Goldsworthy closes in on a low cross from the right

78 minutes:  Mousehole so close.  A well-worked left-sided attack involving Jack Calver creates an opening for Steve Burt to fire in a low drive from 15 yards which beats Luca Smith but is cleared off the line by Oli Babington

79 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Steve Burt is replaced by Jared Sims

80 minutes:  Clevedon midfielder Callum Kingdon meets a half-cleared corner with great technique and his first-time drive from 25 yards whistles past the post

81 minutes:  Mitch Osmond lobs a long right-sided cross towards the lurking Archie Ferris but Ollie Chenoweth shows great composure to take the ball under the crossbar

83 minutes:  Alex Twiggs maintains Clevedon’s pressure with a searching cross into the box which is superbly defended

85 minutes:  Mousehole substitute:  Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by Sean Roberts

86 minutes:  The Seagulls are looking to attack with quick breaks.  For that reason, Clevedon are having to be more cautious than they’d like to be as they search for a winner.

89 minutes:  A Mousehole corner is headed out to the edge of the box where Tallan Mitchell slices the loose ball well wide

90 minutes:  Mousehole are on the front foot but can’t quite find the killer final pass

90+4 minutes:  At full-time it’s Clevedon Town 1-1 Mousehole.  A very competitive match, with plenty of incident, twists-and-turns and attacking play.  In the circumstances, a good away point for Mousehole against a team showing strength and spirit all over the field – they look better than their mid-table position and are now unbeaten in their last six games.

What this result means

Mousehole remain third in the table, two points and two games behind Exmouth Town, who they have yet to play both home and away, and 12 points behind Tavistock with four games in hand.  There are 13 League games left, of which seven are at home and six away.  See also ‘Promotion criteria’ below.

Mousehole (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Max Hill, Mark Richards, Paulo Sousa, Tallan Mitchell, Steve Burt (Jared Sims), Jack Calver, Callam Mconie, Mark Goldsworthy (Sean Roberts), Hayden Turner.  Other substitutes: Billy Curtis, Jamie Devine, Kyle Fraser

Match officials:

Adam Wilson (Referee) with Dave Jones & Billy Wilde (Assistants)

Attendance: 105

Next fixtures for Mousehole:

This Saturday, 19^th February, Home v Keynsham Town, 3pm (League fixture)

Tuesday 22^nd February, Away at Helston Athletic, 7.45pm (Les Phillips Cup (WL Cup), First Round)

Saturday 26^th February, Away at Brislington, 3pm (League fixture)

Saturday 5^th March, Home v Ilfracombe Town, 3pm (League fixture)

Promotion criteria

Details of the FA’s arrangements for promotion this season from the Western League Premier (Step 5 to Step 4) have become clearer.  In summary, for Step 5 clubs:

1. Finishing in top spot means automatic promotion

2. If finishing as runners-up:

– The ten teams across the 16 Step 5 leagues with the best points-per-game are automatically promoted

– The remaining six teams each play a promotion/relegation decider away against a bottom-but-one team at Step 4

In addition:

• Clubs must be eligible for promotion to Step 4 by meeting the ground grading requirements at Step 5
• Clubs declining promotion are liable to be relegated

Mousehole 5-1 Bridgwater United

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 5th February 2022

At Trungle Parc

Mousehole scorers:  Mark Goldsworthy (12’), Hayden Turner (32’ pen, 61’ pen), Tallan Mitchell (78’), Jared Sims (89’)

Summary:

Mousehole avenged their two defeats at Bridgwater earlier in the season, with a highly-focused all-round display against strong opponents, to equal the best home result of the season and consolidate their position near the top of the league.

Pre-match points:

It’s fourth-place hosting fifth, with The Seagulls facing arguably one of the toughest challenges of this fascinating season, the visitors having one of the best away records in the League

The Robins have already beaten Mousehole twice this season at their Fairfax Park home, 6-2 in the League and 1-0 in the FA Vase.

Bridgwater are considered to be set-piece specialists, their winning FA Vase goal coming from a well-practised corner routine – so Mousehole will need to counter those threats.  At the other end on that occasion, the Robins had keeper Jake Viney to thank for his superb man-of-the-match performance – so again, Mousehole’s attack will need to be clinical with any chances that arise.

In the home line-up, Paulo Sousa returns to left-defence duties, in the only change to the starting eleven against Buckland Athletic last week, while manager Jake Ash names a strong bench

The weather is dry and cool, and there’s a good turnout of away supporters making their presence heard

The match as it happened:

Mousehole will be facing the Cricket Club end in the first half

3 minutes   Callam Mconie, Max Hill with a header, and Tallan Mitchell between them fashion an opening on the right for Jack Calver whose shot from 10 yards is high and wide

7 minutes:  The visitors look bright, quick and strong, but Callam Mconie creates space for an 18 yard left-footer which misses the far angle

10 minutes:  Callam Mconie again troubles Bridgwater with a right-sided run past two defenders, with his half-hit shot comfortably collected by keeper Jake Viney

12 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  From the edge of the box, Callam Mconie sends in another left-foot drive low towards the far post.  Viney makes a sprawling save, the ball squirms free and MARK GOLDSWORTHY converts from close range – he anticipated the possibility, arrived on the scene first, and the ball was in the net before the keeper could recover.  Mousehole 1-0 Bridgwater United.

14 minutes:  Hayden Turner shoots from distance and Viney this time saves safely

15 minutes: Bridgwater come close.  George King, who’s been prominent in the Robins’ midfield, fires in a low left-foot shot from 20 yards and Ollie Chenoweth shows good handling to keep it out

20 minutes:  Great defending by the visitors as Jacob Spence cleverly shepherds Tallan Mitchell away from a through ball

25 minutes:  Now excellent defending at the other end.  Adnan Hiroli puts in a dangerous low cross to the edge of the six-yard box, where Mark Richards makes a superb clearance under pressure

29 minutes:  Bridgwater on the attack – Ryan Brereton’s left-foot shot from 18 yards tests Ollie Chenoweth who gets down to make the save

32 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Tallan Mitchell rolls a left-sided free kick across the penalty area, Hayden Turner’s miskick causes confusion on the edge of the six-yard box, Mark Richards is in the thick of the action, and Jacob Spence handles the bouncing ball for a clear penalty.  HAYDEN TURNER despatches the spot kick for a 2-0 scoreline.

35 minutes:  The visitors again look dangerous as Ollie Chenoweth grabs a right-wing cross

38 minutes:  Bridgwater have their first set-piece opportunity 30 yards out left of centre, but the floated free kick into the danger area is well defended

43 minutes:  Mousehole close to 3-0.  Callam Mconie’s right-sided low cross just evades both Mark Goldsworthy and Hayden Turner in front of an open goal.

45+3 minutes: Referee Glanville blows for half-time.  An enthralling first half of football.  The hosts have a two-goal advantage – the next goal will be important!

The second half

54 minutes:  Bridgwater centre-back Ross Edwards makes a brilliant defensive clearance to clear away Hayden Turner’s low left-sided cross towards the near post

56 minutes:  Hayden Turner’s long free kick from the left towards the far post is just a bit too high for Max Hill, who’s come up from the back to try and match the visitors’ tall defenders!

57 minutes:  Keeper Jake Viney comes out fully 30 yards in his sweeper role to half-clear a long through ball – Hayden Turner has a chance but his shot goes over the bar with the keeper desperately back-pedalling

61 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Callam Mconie’s penetrating run down the right takes him at speed to the byeline inside the box, where he’s fouled before he can get his cross in.  HAYDEN TURNER converts the penalty kick for his 17^th goal of the season.  Mousehole 3-0 Bridgwater United.

63 minutes:  George King’s deflected 18-yard shot forces Seagulls’ keeper Ollie Chenoweth into a diving save    

72 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell’s swerving drive from the left corner of the Robins’ area is just wide of the far post with Viney at full stretch

73 minutes:  Mark Richards again makes a vital interception as a threatening low cross comes across the edge of the six-yard box

75 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Callam Mconie is replaced in the same right-sided position by Louis Price

78 minutes: GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Recent substitute Louis Price crosses low into the box where TALLAN MITCHELL’s shot for the far corner is strong enough to get past Jake Viney’s half-save.  Now 4-0.

78 minutes:  Mousehole substitute –  Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by Jared Sims in the striker role

86 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Paulo Sousa is replaced in defence by Kyle Fraser

88 minutes:  Bridgwater to their credit are attacking with great energy (and encouraged by their noisy supporters!)  – a cross is deflected across the goal-line with no-one near enough for a simple tap-in.  It’s out for a corner – their first of the match!

89 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  A goal on the break – Louis Price has plenty of space just inside the visitors’ half to take it on and place a square pass into the path of JARED SIMS who instantly side-foots it low past Viney from 15 yards.  Mousehole 5-0 up.

90+1 minutes:  The Robins have a free kick on the right in a promising position, but the free kick floats past everyone in the packed six-yard box and out for a goal kick

90+2 minutes:  Bridgwater substitute Acey Mead drives in a great half-volley from an angle on the right and Ollie Chenoweth makes a sharp reflex save at head height to push the ball out

90+3 minutes:  GOAL FOR BRIDGWATER UNITED.  A right-sided corner finds its way to the far side of the box, where GEORGE KING collects, turns unchallenged and curves the ball back into the far corner for a deserved goal

90+4 minutes:  The full-time whistle goes straight after the re-start.  Mousehole 5-1 Bridgwater United.  A high-tempo match full of entertaining football and a great atmosphere on the terraces.  

What this result means:

Mousehole move up a place to third in the table, level on points with Exmouth Town but behind them on goal difference.  Crucially, Jake Ash’s team have two games in hand over Exmouth – and play them twice over the coming weeks.  Tavistock are ten points ahead of Mousehole but have played four games more.

Mousehole (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Mark Richards, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa (Kyle Fraser), Tallan Mitchell, Steve Burt, Jack Calver, Callam Mconie (Louis Price), Mark Goldsworthy (captain) (Jared Sims), Hayden Turner.

Other substitutes:  Billy Curtis, Jamie Devine

Match officials:

Andrew Glanville (Referee), with Adam Price & Aidan Hagley (Assistants)

Attendance: 162

February fixtures for Mousehole:

Saturday 12th, Away at Clevedon Town, WLP, 3pm

Saturday 19th, Home v Keynsham Town, WLP,  3pm

Tuesday 22nd, Away v Helston Athletic, WL Cup (the Les Phillips Cup), 7.45pm Saturday 26th, Away v Brislington, WLP, 3pm