by Jeff Richardson

SEAGULLS IN PRE-SEASON GOAL FORM AT WENDRON

Wendron United 1-5 Mousehole

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 5th July 2022

At The Underlane

Mousehole made their second warm-up away trip to a South West Peninsula League side after the 1-0 win at Wadebridge Town on Saturday, this time recording a more comfortable scoreline against their hosts, who achieved an impressive third place in the League last season.

The goals:

8 minutes:  Hayden Turner’s right-wing corner kick to the far side of the six-yard box is headed back across goal by Mark Richard’s where LOUIS PRICE places a first-time left-footer into the roof of the net from eight yards.

23 minutes:  It’s 2-0 to Mousehole as TALLAN MITCHELL finishes off a fine passing move with a 20-yard curler into the far top corner of the net.

Mousehole make several personnel changes at half-time.

56 minutes: Recent signing from Penryn Athletic RYAN REEVES scores for the hosts, put through by a quickly taken free kick 20 yards out with the visitors’ defence unprepared.  Wendron United 1-2 Mousehole.

75 minutes:  Mousehole restore their two-goal lead.  Louis Price creates the opening just inside the Dron’s box for CALLAM MCONIE to drive a low left-foot shot into the far corner.

78 minutes:  A quick goal makes it 4-1.  Harry Downing sprints at speed to the byeline on the right and his low cross is belted first time high into the net by CALLAM MCONIE from the edge of the six-yard box with his less-preferred right foot.

86 minutes:  LOUIS PRICE’s close-range tap-in makes it 5-1 with the home defence failing to clear their lines.

Next:  In preparation for their second Step 5 Western League Premier season, Mousehole travel on Saturday (9th) to Tavistock, kick off 3pm.  The Lambs were promoted as WLP champions last season to the Southern League, and have recorded big wins in their two home PSFs so far: 5-0 v Falmouth Town and 4-1 v Liskeard Athletic.

by Jeff Richardson

USEFUL START FOR MOUSEHOLE’S PRE-SEASON PROGRAMME

USEFUL START FOR MOUSEHOLE’s PRE-SEASON PROGRAMME

Wadebridge Town 0-1 Mousehole

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 2nd July 2022

At Bodieve Park

A 78th-minute Louis Price goal gave The Seagulls a closely-fought win against their South West Peninsula League opponents in the first run-out after the summer break, with Manager Jake Ash giving game time to 22 players including a number of new signings, and 90-plus people enjoying an entertaining spectacle full of good football by both sides.

Mousehole’s goal, coming amid a series of top-class saves by man-of-the-match Bridgers’ goalkeeper Rob Rosevear, was from a typical back-to-front move.  Young debutant keeper Lewis Moyle gave Josh Otto the chance to advance 30 yards in possession, midfielder Jack Calvert’s quick turn took two opponents out of the equation, Andy Watkins’ movement created space for youngster Greg Eastman to receive the pass inside the penalty area on the left, and his composed square pass gave Louis Price the chance to side foot home from 15 yards.

Next up in Mousehole’s preparations for their second season in the Western League is a trip to another Step 6 side Wendron United on Tuesday 5th July, with the kick off at Underlane at 7.30pm.

KIERAN STEPHENS JOINS IPSWICH TOWN
by Jeff Richardson

MOUSEHOLE’S PERFORMANCE ANALYST MOVES UP TO IPSWICH TOWN

MOUSEHOLE’S PERFORMANCE ANALYST MOVES UP TO IPSWICH TOWN

Mousehole are proud to announce that their performance analyst Kieran Stephens has been recruited by League One club Ipswich Town.

This is a major step forward in his young career, after spending three years at Mousehole in a ‘behind the scenes’ role providing detailed analysis of video footage of the First team’s fixtures.

Manager Jake Ash speaks very positively of Kieran:

“He has worked so hard to refine our analysis programme, so that we can give better feedback to the players on their performance.  He has been incredibly diligent in analysing every video recording, which is a hugely time-consuming process.”

“I spoke to Ipswich as part of their recruitment process, and it was clear that the work he has done with us had really impressed them.  We are so pleased to have played a very small part in helping him to develop his skills and to step up into the full-time game.  I just hope he can still help us next season!”

A Sports Science student at Liverpool John Moores University, Kieran will have a one-year internship at Ipswich Town, working mainly with their Under-23 and Under-18 teams.  He says he faced a tough test during the recruitment process, being required to analyse a match video and present his key findings.

“At the Ipswich interview, my role at Mousehole certainly raised eyebrows – they found the approach used by Mousehole very unusual for that level of football.  But it’s been my ambition since the age of about 14 to specialise in the use of data in football, as a means of supporting improvement – and I’ve been fortunate to be able to work with a club like Mousehole who also think this is the way forward.”

“It’s going to be massive for me to be working within the professional game – a huge learning experience.  Looking to the future, I hope to gain a coaching qualification and get a full-time job with a professional football academy.  In the meantime, I’ll be spreading the word about Mousehole and maybe finding a way to be still involved.”

Mousehole Director Kevin Bishop, a former BBC sports journalist and author of a recently completed eight-part series “Way Out West”, a film documentary on a year in the life of `Mousehole AFC, sees the club’s value in offering young people the knowledge and skills to help with their career choices.

“Kieran Stephens’ progress is a perfect example of what young people can go on to do after gaining practical experience working within the club.  Our recently launched sports media traineeship scheme has already attracted a lot of keen interest – I firmly believe this and similar initiatives at Mousehole can provide a pathway for people to develop real employment opportunities in a field of genuine interest to them.”

Andy Watkins Mousehole AFC
by Jeff Richardson

MOUSEHOLE’S SUMMER RECRUITMENT CONTINUES WITH SIGNING OF ANDY WATKINS

MOUSEHOLE’S SUMMER RECRUITMENT CONTINUES WITH SIGNING OF ANDY WATKINS

Mousehole have further strengthened their First team squad in preparation for their second season in the Western League, with the permanent signing of Andy Watkins from Southern League Premier side Tiverton Town.

The vastly experienced striker, who has just turned 37, spent a short period on loan with The Seagulls last December as he regained full match fitness after recovering from injury.

A regular goal-scorer throughout his career, Watkins is one of the south-west’s most respected players, having previously featured successfully across non-league Steps 2 to 6, including for his home town club Launceston, then Bodmin Town, St Blazey, Plymouth Argyle, Bideford, Truro City and Bath City.

Notably, he played from 2006 to 2013 alongside Mousehole Manager Jake Ash for the Truro City side who won the FA Vase at the New Wembley in 2007 – the lowest-ranked team to do so – and who also climbed up the Leagues in record-breaking fashion.

Jake Ash sees his latest signing – a fellow PE teacher – as a brilliant move for the club: 

“It’s taken a lot of hard work to finalise Watto’s arrival – but then it should do for a player of his quality.  He has won so much in his career, and spent the last ten years or so playing high up the non-league pyramid.  That quality, knowledge and experience is going to have an immense impact on our group.” 

“His footballing intelligence, work rate and attitude will definitely help the team push on further after last season’s debut campaign at Step 5.  He will also have a huge ‘role model’ influence on and off the pitch, including with the younger players eager to improve their game.”

“He has always been a ‘class act’ – I remember, as a player alongside him, admiring how well he looked after himself.  And that’s not changed – it no doubt explains why he continues to be the player he is now, and the intrinsic hunger he still has for the game.”

“I know he’s keen to reduce the travelling that’s been the mainstay of his life for so many years – but he also, importantly, still wants to be part of an ambitious set-up.  I can’t wait to work with him!”

Andy Watkins is Mousehole’s second important signing of the month, after the arrival of 22-year old attacking midfielder Reece Thomson from Saltash United.

  • Mousehole’s six-match pre-season programme starts in less than two weeks’ time, with away trips to two Step 6 sides, Wadebridge Town on Saturday 2nd July (3pm), then Wendron United on the following Tuesday, 5th July (7.30pm).
  • The Toolstation Western League season starts on Saturday 30th July, with Mousehole away to newly promoted Torpoint Athletic (3pm), followed by a home fixture against Saltash United on Tuesday 2nd August (7.45pm)
  • The Emirates FA Cup starts at the extra-preliminary round stage on Saturday 6th August, with the draw expected to be announced by the FA on Friday 8th July.
Drew Symons and Tim Hurrell joiin Mousehole AFC
by Jeff Richardson

A NEW CHAPTER FOR MOUSEHOLE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Mousehole have announced a change in the leadership of their Development Team, with the appointment of Drew Symons & Tim Hurrell from Falmouth United.

Drew leaves Falmouth United after 15 years of service to the club during which he has been coach, committee member and more recently Chairman and First team manager.  During this period the club has expanded to offer football opportunities to 17 youth teams age 5-16 and a pathway to two Adult teams.  Drew has gained a wide range of coaching qualifications, and also works as a coach with Mousehole’s First team Manager Jake Ash at Penryn Development Centre, and as Head Coach at Plymouth Argyle U15s Centre of Excellence.

He will be accompanied in his new role by Tim Hurrell, his Assistant Coach at Falmouth for 12 years, a junior and senior level footballer with a wealth of tactical knowledge as well as sharing Drew’s passion for youth development.

One of the main aims of Mousehole’s Development team, who are members of the St Piran League – is to establish a real platform for players to progress to the club’s First team squad, currently playing two levels above in the Western League Premier Division.

Drew Symons was keen to pay tribute to Falmouth United, “It is a fantastic club, a special place with great people.  It has been a massive part of my life, enabling me to develop as a coach and progress my coaching career.  It was a big decision to leave the club, having now established the adult section, with players who have been with me since the beginning.  It has been a pleasure to coach them all and I wish them every success in the future.” 

He went on to talk about the fresh challenge at Mousehole and the ideas he intends to put into practice:  “Tim and I are looking forward to building a Development squad which replicates the professionalism of the first team.  As coaches who believe in youth development and creating the right learning environment, we are excited to work with the talent in the club and providing a pathway from youth to adult football.  Mousehole is clearly an ambitious club supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, all of which has made the opportunity too good to turn down.”

Drew Symons replaces the management trio of Craig Nicholls, Adrian Ferrell and John McCallum, who have been in charge of Mousehole’s Development Team for two years and took them to a creditable 7th place  in the League in the season just finished.  Adrian Ferrell and John McCallum have taken over as joint managers at Penzance AFC, while Craig Nicholls is currently considering his options.

Mousehole’s Director of Football Adam Fletcher had this to say about the changes: 

“First of all, we wish Adrian and John all the best in reviving the fortunes of Penzance AFC, and we also hope Craig will be able to make the most of his knowledge and experience.  All credit to those three for recruiting local youngsters into the Development squad and giving them ‘game time’ in men’s football in what is a pretty tough League.”

“We’re now looking forward to a new successful chapter, with Drew Symons and Tim Hurrell joining the club’s coaching team and continuing the trend of developing local talent and pushing them on.

”Two youngsters – Charlie Wills (aged 19) and Jack Symons (17) – have already broken into Mousehole’s Western League squad, making 25 appearances between them last season.  Manager and Head Coach Jake Ash gave Charlie Willis the accolade of ‘Young Player of the Season’ at the club’s recent Awards Evening, while Jack Symons is the son of…….none other than the new Development Team boss Drew Symons.

by Jeff Richardson

MOUSEHOLE START SUMMER RECRUITMENT WITH ‘BIG’ SIGNING

MOUSEHOLE START SUMMER RECRUITMENT WITH ‘BIG’ SIGNING

Mousehole AFC are delighted to announce the first summer addition to their squad with the signing of 6’4” attacking midfielder Reece Thomson.

The 22-year old scored 15 goals last season for fellow Western League Premier team Saltash United, including the winning goal that knocked Mousehole out of the Senior Cup at Trungle Parc.  He has previously been on the books of Plymouth Argyle, and recently made a highly impressive debut for Cornwall FA versus Devon.

Mousehole enjoyed a promising league campaign in their first season after promotion – to the highest level in the club’s history – finishing just four points short of a promotion place.  Significantly, the wheels are already in motion to strengthen the squad with further additions expected before Mousehole return for pre-season training at the end of the month.

Manager Jake Ash is enthusiastic about the new arrival: 

“As soon as we met Reece, it was obvious he was a brilliant fit for us and what we do.  He has a real focus and hunger to push himself in every way he can to become the very best version of himself – and that really excites us.  He made a huge effort to come down for our presentation evening to meet everyone, and I know the existing players and all the coaching team are really excited to work with such a great young player and person.”

Reflecting on his early preparations for the forthcoming season, the Manager added:

“We are really pleased to have retained everyone from last season, despite lots of interest from other clubs. That didn’t come as any surprise after the season the team had, but it’s really great to know that the players buy so much into what the club is about that they can turn down some very lucrative offers.”

 “Although we came really close last season to promotion, we still want to bring in two or three more to help push us on again and we are so delighted that Reece has agreed to be the first of those.”

by Jeff Richardson

MUCH TO CELEBRATE AS THE SEAGULLS END FINE SEASON WITH NARROW AWAY DEFEAT

Keynsham Town 2-1 Mousehole

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 23rd April 2022

At Crown Field

After conceding two very early goals, Mousehole dominated most of their final fixture of a highly commendable first season after promotion, the defeat not enough to dampen the spirit of celebration among players, coaches and supporters

Pre-match points

This is the first encounter between the two clubs, after Keynsham opted out of the fixture at Trungle Parc at the beginning of the month. 

Today marks the end of a near-6000 miles of away travel in this season’s Western League campaign.

It’s also the first time Mousehole’s First team have played a competitive match on artificial turf since games at Plymouth Marjon several seasons ago.

Mousehole are virtually guaranteed third place in the Premier Division table regardless of today’s results, while Keynsham will finish in a mid-table position, but with a strong home record.

Missing from today’s Seagulls’ line-up are Max Hill, Steve Burt, Mark Richards and Mark Goldsworthy through injury.

The  weather is cool and dry, with a stiff wind blowing across the pitch.

The key moments

2 minutes:  GOAL FOR KEYNSHAM TOWN.  Winger JAMIE NOBLE has space for a left-sided cross which is caught by the wind and ends up in the far top corner past a full-stretch Ollie Chenoweth

3 minutes:  The hosts continue their bright start as full-back George Rooke speeds upfield and shoots just wide from 25 yards

4 minutes:  GOAL FOR KEYNSHAM TOWN.  The home side’s 30+ goalscorer WILL HAILSTON scores from the penalty spot after he is fouled while turning inside from a low left-wind cross.  Keynsham Town 2-0 Mousehole – a dream start for the hosts, but 85 minutes still to play!

6 minutes:  Hayden Turner makes speedy progress  on the right and his cross is a fraction too high for Louis Price in front of goal

10 minutes:  Jack Calver carves out an opening for Louis Price and his cross-shot is sliced by defender Scott Gregory, fortunately for him straight into the keeper’s arms

14 minutes:  Hayden Turner’s goalbound shot from the edge of the area is deflected wide for a corner

Half-way through the first half:  A combination of the surface and the wind has caused the ball to bounce high, but Mousehole are now exerting more control

24 minutes:  A Tallan Mitchell free-kick finds Jamie Devine in a good position but the ball glances off the top of his head

25 minutes:  Little has been seen of Keynsham’s attacking force since those early goals, but they break forward from the defensive blockade and Ollie Chenoweth denies Jamie Doble with a low finger-tip save

31 minutes:  A dazzling Mousehole passing move gives Tallan Mitchell a shooting chance from 20 yards, but it goes wide

43 minutes:  A brilliant double save by the Keynsham keeper.  Mousehole cut through the defence on the right, Hayden Turner drives in a fierce shot kept out by Seth Locke at his near post.  Turner nods the rebound back into the middle where Tallan Mitchell looks certain to score, but Locke does superbly well to get across and claw out the header.

45+3 minutes:  The half-time whistle goes with Mousehole two goals in arrears – having made a slow start they have pushed Keynsham back and look likely to get the next goal.

The second half:

50 minutes:  Louis Price fires in a rising drive from the left and it just clears the far angle of post and bar

53 minutes:  Hayden Turner again has a goalbound shot deflected for a corner

58 minutes:  Mousehole twice denied by the woodwork!  Callam Mconie’s low shot from inside the area is touched on to the post by keeper Seth Locke.  The ball comes out to Jack Calver on the edge of the box and his magnificent first-time volley thuds against the same upright.  Callam Mconie has a great chance from the rebound but fires wide.

60 minutes:  Ollie Chenoweth’s first involvement for a long while – he pushes out Will Hailston’s shot after a rare Keynsham breakaway

64 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Jack Calver is replaced by youngster Charlie Willis in midfield

70 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Louis Price is replaced by another youngster Jack Symons on the right of the attack

20 minutes to go:  Mousehole have all the possession.  Keynsham are sitting back, closing down the spaces.

80 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Andy Elcock is replaced by Kyle Fraser, with Paulo Sousa moving from left-defence to midfield

82 minutes:  Keeper Seth Locke again rescues his side – Paulo Sousa makes a great run, pulls the ball back for Callam Mconie and the 10-yard shot on goal is well saved

86 minutes:  In only their second serious attack of the half, Keynsham’s substitute Matt Brown curls a 20-yarder over the angle of the goal

90 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Callam Mconie and Hayden Turner set up a shooting chance for TALLAN MITCHELL, and Locke is beaten at last as the shot flashes inside the post.  Now 2-1 with a few injury-added minutes left.

90+1 minutes:  Keynsham players and supporters are clearly relieved as Callam Mconie’s shot misses the target

90+3 minutes:  At full-time it’s Keynsham Town 2-1 Mousehole, an entertaining spectacle for an end-of-season game, with much credit to Mousehole for continuing to force the pace, and to Keynsham for refusing to give up their early advantage, aided and abetted by keeper Seth Locke who deservedly gets the man-of-the-match award.

What it all means for Mousehole

As the players and coaches leave the field there’s prolonged and enthusiastic applause by the several dozen supporters who’ve made the last of a series of long trips this season.

This time last year The Seagulls did not know they’d be playing in the Western League, so to finish in third place after promotion – and still being in contention for a further promotion to the Southern League right up to the last-but-one game of the season – is a very considerable achievement 

This is the highest-ever position in the club’s history – a really big statement in their centenary year.

Mousehole line-up at Keynsham (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis, Josh Otto, Jamie Devine, Paulo Sousa, Tallan Mitchell, Andy Elcock (Kyle Fraser), Jack Calver (Charlie Willis), Louis Price (Jack Symons), Callam Mconie, Hayden Turner

Other substitutes:  Sean Roberts, Aaron Dilley

Match officials: 

Mark Loughlin (referee), with Matt Landau and Damon McEllin (Assistants)

Attendance:  172Coming soon:  A full review of The Seagulls’ 2021/22 season

by Jeff Richardson

DRAMA AND INCIDENT IN SEAGULLS’ LAST HOME GAME OF SEASON

Mousehole 2-2 Ashton & Backwell United

Western League Premier Division

Easter Monday, 18th April 2022

At Trungle Parc

Mousehole scorers:  Jack Calver (87’), Jack Symons (89’)

Summary

Mousehole salvaged a deserved draw with two very late goals in their final home game of a superb first Western League season after promotion, with the match containing some highly controversial decisions and the single point making it still possible to reach the play-offs

Pre-match points

Ashton & Backwell United were promoted to the WLP from Division One this season and have spent most of it near the foot of the table – however, they beat Mousehole 1-0 In January with a hard-working performance, and have recently hit some good form, an unbeaten three-match run lifting them up a place above Street.

Mousehole have picked up three draws in their last five matches as they try to keep the pressure on Tavistock and Exmouth Town in the top three of the Division.  The Seagulls have a great home League record: 14 wins, with just two draws (against Wellington on the opening day and Exmouth last month), and a single defeat – against current leaders Tavistock in their post-Covid period at the end of August.

The home side have Mark Richards, Steve Burt and Paolo Sousa unavailable through injury.

The weather is clear, dry, bright and sunny, and Mousehole are kicking towards the Cricket Club End.

The key moments

The visitors start by strongly challenging Mousehole in possession of the ball, just like they did in their home match in January

5 minutes:  A huge talking point!  Callam Mconie gains possession in a central position 30 yards out with a clear run towards goal and he’s tripped by the last defender.  That looks very much like a red-card offence, but Referee Alan Bassett waves play on, much to everyone’s amazement.  As the ball is cleared out of play, there’s a chance of a re-think as the Referee consults the nearby Assistant, but the decision stands.  A big let off for the visitors, who would otherwise have been playing with ten men for 85 minutes.

20 minutes:  Ashton & Backwell are continuing to play with high energy – they certainly don’t look like a lowly WLP side

22 minutes:  As the home side mount a penetrating attack, Tallan Mitchell is brought down and Referee Bassett deems it to be right on the 18 yard line.  Hayden Turner drives a fierce right-foot shot which keeper Lewis Coombes parries and then does well to push out a close-range shot from the rebound

23 minutes:  Jack Calver powers a low 25-yarder just wide of Coombes’ near post

24 minutes:  Callam Mconie’s angled shot is kept out by Coombes’ boot for a corner

25 minutes:  Mousehole continue on top but miss a great chance – Louis Price is clean through but chips wide from 10 yards

28 minutes:  The visitors have a sight of goal – Henry Sady puts the ball over the bar from a difficult angle close in on the left

29 minutes:  Callam Mconie pounces on a defender’s mis-control but shots high and wide from 25 yards

32 minutes:  Ashton & Backwell so close to the opening goal – the alert Miles Hardidge takes advantage of hesitancy at the back and hits the post with a low shot from the edge of the box.  That was a clear warning – just like what happened in the previous head-to-head match

39 minutes:  Callam Mconie is in space 20 yards out but hastily shoots past the far post

42 minutes:  GOAL FOR ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED.  Mousehole concede a soft free kick 35 yards out, giving the visitors’ big defenders the chance to venture forward.  The ball is floated in from the right, it’s knocked down to the edge of the box where MILES HARDIDGE sends an instant shot inside Ollie Chenoweth’s near post.  1-0 to the visitors.

44 minutes:  Another big controversy!  Louis Price fires in a rising goalbound shot from 20 yards and it’s handled by a defender who looks to be standing well inside the area.  Again, Referee Bassett sparks big protests from the home side as he awards a free kick on the 18-yard line instead of a penalty.  After all the ‘discussions’ are over, Callam Mconie wastes the opportunity by mis-hitting the free kick into the defensive wall.

45+3 minutes:  Mousehole have another free kick, this time 30 yards out – Jack Calver’s direct strike goes over the bar

45+4 minutes:  At half time it’s 1-0 to the visitors, who have withstood a lot of attacking intent from the hosts, together with some very fortunate decisions in their favour.

The second half:

49 minutes: Mousehole have started on the front foot, Hayden Turner turning to fire into the side-netting from an acute angle on the left

50 minutes:  Keeper Lewis Coombes makes an important save, tipping over Callam Mconie’s right-footed volley from the edge of the box

54 minutes:  The visitors’ captain Joe Bishop comes up from his defensive duties to strike a 25-yard free kick just too high

60 minutes:  GOAL FOR ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED.  With Mousehole dispossessed on the attack upfield,  the ball is passed forward to Miles Hardridge who times his pass perfectly for ZAK FORD to run into a wide open space on Mousehole’s left and calmly roll the ball past the exposed Ollie Chenoweth inside the far post.  2-0 to the visitors.

62 minutes:  Mousehole close.  Lewis Coombes makes a brilliant diving save to keep out a powerful Callam Mconie drive and Louis Price’s first-time shot from the rebound comes back off the upright. 

66 minutes:  Hayden Turner’s speed is too much for the Ashton back line but Lewis Coombes wins the one-on-one battle

67 minutes:  Mousehole substitute:  Midfielder Andy Elcock is replaced by striker Mark Goldsworthy

72 minutes:  Mousehole substitute:  Striker Louis Price is replaced by Jared Sims, who’s going to play in an advanced midfield role

73 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell floats a free kick from the left into a crowded penalty area where Mark Goldsworthy’s header goes wide

77 minutes:  Ashton & Backwell are relentless in their work rate and show they can also be dangerous with the ball – Henry Sady’s attempt on goal from 18 yards clears the crossbar

84 minutes:  Injured centre-back Max Hill is replaced by 16-year old Jack Symons in an attacking role

85 minutes:  As The Seagulls commit to attack, there’s lots of space for the visitors to exploit once they regain the ball – it’s three against two but they don’t make the most of the opportunity

85 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy gets into a good position on the left and shoots low inches past the far post with keeper Coombes beaten.  This looks like it’s not Mousehole’s day.

87 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  A free kick is awarded inside the ‘D’ and JACK CALVER hammers a low left-footed drive into the far corner.  Mousehole 1-2 Ashton & Backwell United. (Image above courtesy of Jonathan Woozley)

89 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  JACK SYMONS shows great control to collect the ball 30 yards out, drive forward to the edge of the box and slot a left-foot shot inside the post – the youngster’s goal made all by himself!  Two Jacks, two goals!

90+1 minutes:  Mousehole going for a winner – a corner kick is well defended

90+5 minutes:  Commendably, Ashton & Backwell are turning defence into attack but they fritter away a glorious 3 on 2 chance with a poor cross

90+6 minutes:  At full time it ends 2-2.  That’s twice this season that Mousehole have found fellow-promoted Ashton & Backwell a tough side to play against.  The visitors look pleased with their draw despite surrendering a winning two-goal lead with only a few minutes to go.  For Mousehole, it’s a case of what might have been, if only some key decisions gone their way – and, just as  importantly if they’d converted the chances they created.  Ironically, after probably A&B’s best performance of the season, they’ve slipped back into bottom-but-one place after Street sprang a surprise by winning at Saltash.

What this result means for Mousehole

With four draws in the last six games, Mousehole are now in third place with just one fixture to play, at Keynsham next Saturday.  After both Tavistock and Exmouth recorded 9-0 home wins, The Seagulls have little chance of matching them on goal difference even if all the remaining results go their way.

Tavistock lead the table with 76 points, Exmouth are second on 73, with Mousehole third also on 73.  Exmouth host Tavistock on Wednesday – with the result going some way to sorting out the final placings.  If Tavistock beat Exmouth they will be champions, while Mousehole will be runners up and in the play-offs if their result at Keynsham is better than Exmouth’s final game at Shepton Mallet.  If, on the other hand, Exmouth win against Tavistock, Mousehole can only finish third.  Lots of ifs.

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Max Hill (Jack Symons), Josh Otto, Kyle Fraser, Tallan Mitchell, Andy Elcock (Mark Goldsworthy), Jack Calver, Louis Price (Jared Sims), Callam Mconie, Hayden Turner

Other substitutes:  Jamie Devine, Aaron Dilley

Match officials

Alan Bassett (Referee), with Stuart McVey and Thomas McCormick

Attendance:  189

Next Saturday, 23rd April:

Keynsham Town v Mousehole, 3pm

Coach travel for supporters – see details on our social media pages

by Jeff Richardson

IMPRESSIVE ‘LOCAL DERBY’ WIN SETS UP AN EXCITING LAST WEEK OF A MEMORABLE SEASON

Mousehole 3-1 Helston Athletic

Western League Premier Division

Good Friday, 15th April 2022

At Trungle Parc

Scorers:

Mousehole – Callam Mconie 5’ (1-0), Max Hill 73’ (2-1), Mark Goldsworthy 85’ (3-1)

Helston – Tyler Elliott 44’ (1-1)

Summary

The Seagulls extended their unbeaten home record to nearly eight months with an exceptional team performance to keep them in contention at the top of the Western League Premier Division in their first season after promotion, with their last home game coming up on Bank Holiday Monday and a final away game next Saturday

Pre-match points

This is the fourth ‘local derby’ encounter this season between the two most westerly teams in the League.  Mousehole won 3-1 at Trungle Parc in their first-ever FA Cup tie in early August.  Helston won in the Les Phillips Cup at Kellaway Park via a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 score at full time, and at the same venue the two teams battled out a 0-0 draw in the League at the end of March.

Helston are seventh in the Division, while Mousehole, undefeated in their last six games, lie in second place after being awarded the three points following Keynsham Town’s failure to fulfil their away fixture earlier this month.

Manager Jake Ash is without the injured Steve Burt and Mark Richards, who have made 65 appearances between them this season, while Paulo Sousa, Jamie Devine and Andy Elcock return to the starting line-up.

The weather is cool and at kick-off the earlier damp mist has lifted.  There’s a large Good Friday crowd inside Trungle Parc for this much-anticipated fixture.

The key moments of the match

Mousehole are kicking towards the Cricket Club End in the first half

30 seconds:  Helston make a strong start, putting the home defence under immediate pressure to win a left-sided corner.  Aaron Bentley powers a header goalwards from the flag kick and Ollie Chenoweth makes a fine reflex save to keep the ball out.  What a dramatic opening minute!

4 minutes:  At last, Mousehole get going and Hayden Turner fires in a low shot requiring keeper Mike Searle to make a sprawling save

5 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Jamie Devine brings the ball forward out of defence and slides a perfect through ball between the last line of defenders for CALLAM MCONIE to plant a fierce left-foot drive on the run past the keeper from 18 yards – the wingman’s 20th goal in his first season with The Seagulls.  Mousehole 1-0 Helston Athletic.

15 minutes:  Hayden Turner easily beats the central defenders in a chase down the middle but keeper Searle shows good judgement to win the 50/50 ball – just!

18 minutes:  Callam Mconie sends in a low cross from the right byeline, Hayden Turner scoops it goalwards at the near post and Searle gets down quickly to gather

20 minutes:  Mousehole are clearly in positive mood, and a frustrated Stuart Bowker is sent to the sin bin for expressing his feelings about the officials’ decisions

24 minutes:  More alert goalkeeping at the Helston end – Callam Mconie drives in a free kick, it’s deflected and Searle grabs the ball  in the nick of time with Tallan Mitchell ready to pounce

28 minutes:  This time Searle is fortunate – he miskicks a through ball, it spins backwards towards the left side of the unguarded goal and the speeding Paulo Sousa hooks the ball into the outside netting from an awkward angle

31 minutes:  Helston are restored to a full eleven, but it’s still Mousehole dictating play, with Jack Calver making a powerful run from midfield and shooting left-footed wide of the far post

32 minutes:  Josh Otto makes a superb interception and runs deep into the visitors’ territory to slide a cross towards the near post where keeper Searle again wins the battle with Hayden Turner, at the expense of a corner

35 minutes:  Helston mount their first threatening attack for some time – Ollie Chenoweth races out of his goal to dive on the ball at the feet of danger-man Tyler Elliot

37 minutes:  That shows the threat that Helston could pose – Mousehole need another goal to capitalise on their dominance.  Hayden Turner has a go from inside the area but Mike Searle goes down full length to make the save

39 minutes:  Yet again Searle thwarts Hayden Turner, parrying his low angled shot after a great set-up by Tallan Mitchell

42 minutes:  Callam Mconie races on to a through ball and round the keeper at pace, but the touch is too strong and it goes out for a goal kick

44 minutes:  GOAL FOR HELSTON ATHLETIC.  An attempted defensive clearance bounces down and spins conveniently for TYLER ELLIOTT to convert from 8 yards past an exposed Ollie Chenoweth.  That’s the first chance for the visitors since the opening few seconds, and they’ve taken it well.  Mousehole 1-1 Helston Athletic. 

45+ 3 minutes:  It’s 1-1 at the interval, Mousehole having much more possession and more goal attempts, but Helston capitalising on one mistake to set up an interesting second period

The second half:

48 minutes:  Amid the returning drizzle, Callam Mconie takes aim from fully 35 yards and Searle makes the save look comfortable as he takes the ball under the crossbar in front of the Solomon Browne Stand

60 minutes:  Jack Calver latches on to a half-cleared corner on the edge of the box and drives the ball towards the far post where Searle sees it late but still manages to keep the ball out at full stretch

61 minutes:  Louis Price is prominent in the next Seagulls’ attack, his low cross into the six-yard box superbly cleared by Josh Storey in front of goal

65 minutes:  Reece Shanley is the next to make an important clearance from close in

66  minutes:  Mousehole substitute:  Andy Elcock is replaced in midfield by Jared Sims

Half-way through the second period: Mousehole are making most of the running in search of a second goal, while Helston look as though they’re content to defend and hit on the break

72 minutes:  Keeper Searle saves his side again as Louis Price cuts inside from the right for an angled left-foot shot pushed out at the near post for a corner

73 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Callam Mconie swings the right-sided corner over towards the far post where MAX HILL heads down past the keeper and into the net – the young defender’s first-ever Seagulls’ goal in 22 appearances this season and 42 in total.  Mousehole 2-1 Helston Athletic.  A deserved lead on the balance of play, but what will the visitors’ response be?

75 minutes:  And here comes the response.  Max Hill has to clear a dangerous low cross in front of his near post and from the corner an almighty scramble in a crowded six-yard box ends with Ollie Chenoweth grabbing the ball safely.

77 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Callam Mconie is replaced by Mark Goldsworthy in The Seagulls’ attack.  What can the ex-Helston striker come up with in the closing stages?

83 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy has a half-chance inside the area but his shot is blocked

84 minutes:  Jack Calver shoots from distance, Searle spills, and he and Mark Goldsworthy collide as they both go for the loose ball – Referee Hunnisett waves the protests away

85 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  A speedy passing movement involving Jared Sims rips open the Helston defence, leaving Hayden Turner to advance on goal and he unselfishly squares the ball for MARK GOLDSWORTHY to poke into the net for his 17th goal of the season.  Mousehole 3-1 Helton Athletic – the same scoreline as in the FA Cup tie near the start of the season.  But, there’s still probably ten minutes of playing time left and you can’t discount Helston’s determination to come back from this deficit.

90 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy is sin-binned after disputing a throw-in and then commenting on a bad foul, so Mousehole will have to play through added-on time with ten men.

90+1 minutes:  Paulo Sousa was injured after a 50/50 collision and after prolonged on-field treatment he is replaced by Kyle Fraser

90+6 minutes:  Helston have a great chance at least to reduce the arrears with a free-kick in a central position just outside the ‘D’, but Ollie Chenoweth remains un-tested as Reece Shanley shoots harmlessly over the bar

90+7 minutes:   At the full-time whistle it’s Mousehole 3-1 Helston Athletic, a deserved result for Mousehole’s persistence and intensity.  That makes it 14 wins out of 17 home matches this season, with one defeat to Tavistock and draws against Wellington and Exmouth Town – and one home fixture left, on Easter Monday, against third-bottom Ashton & Backwell United.

See all the Mousehole goals and the managers after match thoughts on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/-nDbRRI0IRA

What this result means:

Mousehole lie in second place with two games remaining, one point behind Tavistock and two ahead of Exmouth Town with both having three games to play.  Mousehole play Ashton & Backwell at home and Keynsham Town away.  Tavistock play already-relegated Bridport at home, Exmouth away and Ashton & Backwell at home.  Exmouth play Millbrook and Tavistock at home, and Shepton Mallet away.  The team finishing first will be automatically promoted, and the runners up could be promoted either through their points-per-game compared with all other step 5 runners-up, or by winning a single play-off match away at a second-bottom step 4 side on 30th April.

Mousehole v Helston (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Max Hill, Jamie Devine, Paulo Sousa (Kyle Fraser), Tallan Mitchel (C)l, Andy Elcock (Jared Sims), Jack Calver, Callam Mconie (Mark Goldsworthy), Louis Price, Hayden Turner

Other substitutes:  Jack Symons, Billy Curtis

Match officials:

Neil Hunnisett (Referee) with Alan Hoon & Adam Price (Assistants)

Attendance:  355

Mousehole’s remaining fixtures

Easter Monday, 18th April: HOME v Ashton & Backwell United, 3pm

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