Last season, when Mousehole AFC officially re-named their Reserve side a ‘Development Team’, the purpose was to reinforce the aim of introducing local youngsters to ‘men’s football’ alongside more experienced players, and creating a pathway for them into the First team.

And there’s emerging evidence that this strategy is paying off.

The Development Team play in the St Piran’s League – effectively a ‘Step 7’ league two divisions below the Western League level of the First team.  Several young players have blossomed from this approach, earning the opportunity to train regularly with the First team and stake a claim for inclusion in their match-day squad.

On results, the blend of older and younger players has seen the Development Team more than hold their own in the league.  They currently occupy a mid-table position and, with games in hand on teams above them, have a great chance of finishing in the top six.

This season has seen some notable successes for the Development Team:

• 18-year old midfielder Charlie Willis has already made 14 First team appearances
• Winger Jack Symons made his First team debut aged 16
• Nine players were selected for First team action In the away League Cup match at Helston Athletic last month, holding the hosts’ full Western League team to a draw
• 17-year old goalkeeper Piran Jones has been called up by the FA’s English Schools squad
• In February, Dylan Walter (Mousehole born-and-bred grandson of lifeboatman Edwin Madron) stepped up from the youth section to make his debut for the Development team at the age of 16 years, 3 days,  and has been in the squad ever since
• More recently another 16-year old Steffan van Blerk did likewise, and also made a scoring debut for Cornwall FA Under-16s

Meanwhile, seasoned ‘older heads’ such as Gerens James, Callum George, Tyler Tonkin and Silas Sullivan are enjoying their football, with their added responsibilities to support the youngsters.

So, development is the name of the game, and there are many good reasons to look to the future positively.

16-year olds Dylan Walter (left) and Steffan van Blerk

Keeper Piran Jones in action

Wellington 2-2 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 9th April

Summary:

Mousehole surrendered a healthy looking 2-0 half time lead to drop down the League table to third place, as Wellington stepped up their game after the interval to claim a well-earned draw

Pre-match points:

Mousehole are making their last-but-one journey of the season, standing in second place in the Western League Premier Division  with just four games to go, including today’s

The Seagulls’ first-ever fixture after promotion to the WLP was against today’s opponents on 31st July.  The match in front of 192 spectators at Trungle Parc ended in a 3-3 draw, with Wellington recovering to score a last-minute equaliser

This is Wellington’s last home game of the season – an ideal opportunity for them to finish one of their best campaigns in recent years with a win against a higher-placed side

Mousehole are missing centre-back Mark Richards through injury sustained last Saturday in the 2-1 home win against Bitton.  The squad were not in action in midweek after Keynsham Town announced they did not intend to fulfil the scheduled Tuesday evening fixture at Trungle Parc.

The weather is bright and breezy, and the pitch, which slopes from goalmouth to goalmouth and from side to side, has a bumpy-looking surface

The key moments of the match:

10 minutes:  Mousehole have started strongly with Callam Mconie and Jack Calver coming close to giving The Seagulls an early lead

14 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell chases a through ball but home keeper Rob Hall is untroubled by the shot

17 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell sets up Louis Price for an angled 15-yard drive which is straight at the keeper 

24 minutes:  After an opening period of Mousehole dominance, Wellington’s Douglas Camilo suddenly drives a 30-yard shot past the angle of Ollie Chenoweth’s goal

27 minutes:  Wellington on the offensive again, Eli Collins’ fierce drive comfortably collected by Ollie Chenoweth 

32 minutes:  Mousehole come very close – Louis Price’s low cross into the box is met by Callam Mconie 8 yards out but he’s under severe pressure from the defence and the shot skims the top of the crossbar

33 minutes:  Keeper Rob Hall gathers a 25-yard shot by Tallan Mitchell

35 minutes:  A real moment of danger for Mousehole – a low cross from the left is scooped away from in front of goal by Max Hill

38 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Hayden Turner’s pace causes concern deep into home territory, and the wingman’s pass is converted by CALLAM MCONIE with a low right-foot drive from just inside the area. Wellington 0-1 Mousehole.

40 minutes: GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Billy Curtis and Louis Price make good progress down the right and from the inside pass CALLAM MCONIE gets it on to his left foot and drives powerfully into the top corner from 15 yards past the outstretched keeper

45+1 minutes:  Wellington are looking to get back in the game before half-time – Eli Collins’ fierce 25-yard shot is straight at Ollie Chenoweth

45+2 minutes:  A wonderful chance for 3-0 – Tallan Mitchell makes a darting run from the halfway line straight through the middle of the home defence but with only the keeper to beat he passes sideways to Louis Price who’s quickly closed down

45+4 minutes:  At the interval The Seagulls are 2-0 in the lead but it could have been more.  Wellington will no doubt think they can make something of this game.

The second half:

47 minutes:  Wellington are immediately on the attack, Jake Quick’s lofted shot touched down on to the line by Ollie Chenoweth

48 minutes:  Eli Collins tries an overhead kick inside Mousehole’s penalty area but it’s too high

50 minutes:  As Wellington continue their positive start, left-winger Nathan Byrne is next to have a go, his great run ending with a low angled drive deflected narrowly past the near post

54 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – the injured Steve Burt is replaced by Andy Elcock in midfield

59 minutes:  GOAL FOR WELLINGTON.  As the visitors’ defence backs off, JORDAN CASEY, a half-time substitute brought on to reinforce the attack, has time to turn and measure a precise 18-yard shot high into the far corner past Ollie Chenoweth’s full-stretch dive.  That goal has been likely since the interval.  Wellington 1-2 Mousehole

61 minutes:  Wellington are well on top now.  Miles Quick has a chance from 18 yards but it’s high and wide

63 minutes:  Nathan Byrne sends in a fierce drive and Ollie Chenoweth makes an alert full-length save

66 minutes:  Mousehole at last venture forward with conviction – Hayden Turner chases a long ball, Tallan Mitchell picks up the loose ball and fires over from 15 yards

67 minutes:  Louis Price makes a 30-yard surging run and shoots past the far post from inside the box

68 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Callam Mconie is replaced by Mark Goldsworthy in attack

70 minutes:  Jordan Casey turns superbly inside the visitors’ box and shoots wide of the far post 

72 minutes:  Wellington again on the attack – Douglas Camilo has a clear chance just six yards out as the ball comes right across the goal area from the left, but he lets Mousehole off the hook with a scuffed shot wide of the near post

79 minutes:  GOAL FOR WELLINGTON.  The equaliser has looked probable for some time, and it’s a very simple affair.  Right-back Mark Cornish is unchallenged as he plays a straight ball through a huge gap in the Mousehole defence, with Jake Quick taking the ball on and slotting calmly past the exposed keeper.  It’s now 2-2 and the home fans want more.

81 minutes:  And it so nearly happens!  An ungainly scramble on the edge of the six yard box results in a shot prodded just wide

82 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Louis Price is replaced by Paulo Sousa on the right side of attack

86 minutes:  Mousehole are trying to re-gain some control – Hayden Turner makes a speedy run down the left but Mark Cornish has had a good afternoon and gets back to snuff out the danger

87 minutes:  Andy Elcock lines up a low curling drive from 20 yards towards the far post, and keeper Rob Hall gets down quickly to keep it out

88 minutes:  Mason Raymond tries an ambitious rising 30-yard drive for Wellington

– it goes over the bar

90+4 minutes:  At full-time it ends 2-2, the proverbial ‘game of two halves’, and the second draw between the two sides in the League this season.  A game Mousehole should have won, but could have lost.

What this result means for Mousehole:

It remains to be seen whether the Wellington result has ‘put the boot’ into Mousehole’s promotion chances.  The Seagulls are now six points behind leaders Tavistock and one behind Exmouth.  This doesn’t include the as-yet unannounced consequences of the cancelled home match in midweek against Keynsham.  With two promotion places available and two weeks of fixtures left, there are likely to be more twists and turns before the season draws to a close.  Whatever the eventual outcome, Mousehole can be immensely proud of what they’ve achieved in their first WL season

Mousehole team (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (Gk), Billy Curtis (C), Josh Otto, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Steve Burt (Andy Elcock), Tallan Mitchell, Callam Mconie (Mark Goldsworthy), Louis Price (Paulo Sousa),   Hayden Turner

Other substitutes: Jared Sims, Jamie Devine

Match officials:

Mike Halford (Referee), with David Trevaskis and Jack Luzon (Assistants)

Attendance:  105

Mousehole’s remaining fixtures:

Good Friday 15th April:  

Home v Helston Athletic, 11am

Easter Monday 18th April: 

Home v Ashton & Backwell United, 3pm

Saturday 23rd April:  Away at Keynsham Town, 3pm

Match photo with thanks to twitter.com/@Wellington_AFC

Mousehole 2-1 Bitton

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 2nd April 2022

At Trungle Parc

Summary
The Seagulls recorded a vital win to maintain their challenge near the top of the table, enjoying a massive share of possession but finding the visitors determined and well organised.
Pre-match points
Mousehole are now into the last six fixtures in the last three weeks of their first season after promotion.
They were in mid-table when they travelled to second-place Bitton in November, coming away with an eye-catching 4-0 win with two goals each by Hayden Turner and recent newcomer Louis Price.  How times have changed!  It’s the South Gloucestershire side who are now occupy mid-table.
It’s a well-over 400-mile return journey for Bitton, and their pre-match preparations have not been helped by their coach driver trying to find the ground in Mousehole village.
It’s cool and breezy at Trungle Parc, with rain forecast during the match.
Before kick-off there’s a minute’s applause to remember the six-decades’ contribution to Mousehole AFC of Malcolm ‘Megs’ Brown, who passed away last year aged 85.  Megs’ family and ex-players are in attendance, and all proceeds and donations from this match are going to the Dementia Uk Charity.

The key moments

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

15 minutes:  Mousehole have made a bright start but Bitton have the first serious shot on goal, Jordan Williams’ attempt from 20 yards straight at home keeper Ollie Chenoweth
16 minutes:  The Seagulls inches away from an opener – Tallan Mitchell bisects the defence for Kyle Fraser to sprint to the byeline on the left and put a low cross evading everyone and just past the far post
22 minutes: Max Hill heads Hayden Turner’s long corner back inside where visiting keeper Matt Dunk climbs above Mark Goldsworthy to grab the ball in front of goal
24 minutes: Another low cross from the left by Kyle Fraser gives Mark Goldsworthy the chance to turn, but his 8-yard shot is half-blocked and rolls gently into the keeper’s arms
28 minutes:  Another good passing move ends with Jack Calver’s left-footed drive from the edge of the Bitton area going straight at Matt Dunk
31 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Mark Goldsworthy and Tallan Mitchell cleverly split the visiting rearguard for STEVE BURT to race into space from midfield and plant a right-foot shot from 12 yards across the keeper and high into the net.  A well-worked goal well worth waiting for!  Mousehole 1-0 Bitton.
35 minutes:  Bitton’s defenders are not afraid to put their bodies on the line as Mousehole continue in attacking mood – this time Tallan Mitchell’s goal-bound shot from 18 yards is half blocked, making Matt Dunk’s save more comfortable
37 minutes:  Bitton mount a rare attack, with David Duru making himself some space in the box but firing over the bar
40 minutes:  Hayden Turner’ right-footed swerving shot from the edge of the area hits the side-netting with keeper Dunk a hopeful onlooker
45 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy is through one-on-one inside the area but Matt Dunk saves with his legs
45+1 minutes:  The half-time whistle goes with The Seagulls having dominated possession but with only the one goal to show for it.  Mousehole 1-0 Bitton.
The second half starts amid the expected rain.
50 minutes:  GOAL FOR BITTON.  There’s a moment of hesitation in the Mousehole half, allowing DAVID DURU to speed through on goal – Ollie Chenoweth comes out to block the shot but the striker is first to the loose ball to touch it over the line.  An unexpected equaliser on the balance of play, but a well-exploited lapse.  Mousehole 1-1 Bitton.
56 minutes:  Hayden Turner puts Tallan Mitchell’s set-up over the line but it’s disallowed for offside
58 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy drives over from 18 yards after Tallan Mitchell again provides the assist with a run into the heart of the visitors’ defence
An hour gone.  Mousehole have resumed their possession play and at times it looks like a game of ‘attack v defence’ – but all credit to Bitton who are holding their positions well
67 minutes:  Double Mousehole substitution – Callam Mconie on for Mark Goldsworthy, and Andy Elcock on for Kyle Fraser
68 minutes: GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Tallan Mitchell is tackled when in on goal but it’s a corner not a penalty.  Callam Mconie’s first piece of action is to send in a left-footed dipping inswinger from the right-sided flag kick and LOUIS PRICE shows great speed, strength and power to race into the six-yard box ahead of his marker and the keeper to head home.  Mousehole 2-1 Bitton.
72 minutes:  Callam Mconie is fouled close to the side edge of the visitors’ penalty box, Tallan Mitchell puts a low free kick in and Hayden Turner side-foots it just past the near post.
78 minutes:  Bitton are still in this game at 2-1.    Fletcher Cripps aims a lob towards the top corner of Ollie Chenoweth’s goal, but the keeper has seen it all the way and gets back to make a comfortable-looking catch.
79 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Hayden Turner is replaced by Jared Sims
80 minutes:  A Bitton corner comes across from the left and centre-back Callum Ball bundles both keeper and ball into the net for an obvious foul 
85 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell takes a 25-yard free kick left of centre but his direct shot doesn’t curl enough and misses the far post
88 minutes:  Bitton are looking for possibilities up front.  A corner kick is driven across goal with no-one getting a touch.
89 minutes:  A Bitton free-kick from the right touchline is well defended
90 minutes:  Bitton’s Callum Ball is up front chasing a pass towards the byeline, but it goes out and the big defender skids into the pitch-side hoarding.  It’s a serious-looking leg injury requiring prolonged physio treatment, and eventually he has to be helped off.  The visitors will play the last few minutes with ten men, having already used their available substitutes.
90+3 minutes:  Louis Prices surges into the box and lays a pass inside for Tallan Mitchell whose mis-hit shot from 10 yards is cleared by a defender
90+4 minutes:  Andy Elcock’s low 20-yard drive is kept out at full stretch by Matt Dunk
90+5 minutes:  Callam Mconie has the ball inside the six-yard box on his renowned left foot, but his shot is brilliantly blocked by a defender
90+6 minutes:  Jack Calver hits a 20-yard right-foot drive at the well-positioned keeper
90+7 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell and Andy Elcock execute a smart one-two inside the area, Elcock’s shot is superbly parried by keeper Dunk and Jared Sims drives the loose ball over
90+8 minutes:  That’s full time, and a 2-1 win for The Seagulls.  With news of Exmouth’s win at Helston, it’s a case of the points being more important than the performance.

What this result means for Mousehole
Mousehole remain in second place, one point ahead of Exmouth and four behind Tavistock, all from the same number of games (30). With five games to go, Mousehole have three at home and two away (fixture details below).

Mousehole line-up v Bitton (with used substitutes):
Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Mark Richards, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser (Andy Elcock), Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Jack Calver, Louis Price, Mark Goldsworthy (Callam Mconie), Hayden Turner (Jared Sims)
Other substitutes:  Jamie Devine, Paulo Sousa

Match officialsRowan Clarke (Referee) with Luke Wilkes & Max Davies (Assistants)
Attendance:  104

Remaining Mousehole fixtures
*Tuesday 5th April: HOME v Keynsham Town, 7.30pm (OFF)
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
*Mousehole Development Team’s match at Trungle Parc versus St Ives Town has been put back a day to Wednesday 6th (6.30pm).

Helston Athletic 0-0 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Wednesday 30^th March 2022

At Kellaway Park

Summary

With their second score-less draw in a few days, a resolute performance against strong and direct opponents enabled Mousehole to move up to second place in the League – the highest-ever position in the club’s history – making the remaining six games of the season a very exciting prospect.

Pre-match points

This ‘local derby’ clashwas originally scheduled for Boxing Day, but an outbreak of Covid in the Mousehole squad led to the Western League postponing the fixture following Government guidelines aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.

Helston are currently on a good run of form, unbeaten in their last five games, after a disappointing January in which they dropped out of the leading positions.

Mousehole are in third place after a 0-0 draw at home against Exmouth Town on Saturday, but a win or even a draw this evening would see them climb above Exmouth into second spot.

The return Mousehole/Helston fixture at Trungle Parc is on Good Friday (kick off 11am), with Mousehole Development Team’s St Piran League match against Hayle following at 3pm.

Mousehole’s starting line-up news is that Kyle Fraser replaces the injured Josh Otto at left-back, Louis Price starts as the central forward and former Helston striker Mark Goldsworthy makes the substitutes’ bench after injury, as does Andy Elcock.

The weather is cool and dry, and there’s a very big crowd ready for kick off.

The key moments

22 minutes:  It’s been an uneventful first half of the first half, but Helston have the first real chance, Ollie Chenoweth palming out Reece Shanley’s cross-cum-shot and Stuart Bowker prodding wide from 8 yards under pressure

28 minutes:  Jack Calver has the large Mousehole contingent excited with a driven free kick just over the bar from 25 yards

30 minutes:  Louis Price forces his way through on the left and his cross goes just past the far post with Helston keeper Mike Searle looking relieved

32 minutes:  Max Hill does well to block a goalbound Helston shot inside the six-yard box

38 minutes:  Jack Calver whips another 25-yard drive past the far post

42 minutes:  Max Hill makes another important clearance in front of goal from Kai Cornish’s dangerous low cross

43 minutes:  The resultant Helston corner is scrambled off the line firstly by Mark Richards and then by Ollie Chenoweth

45+1:  At half time it’s 0-0, with Mousehole having done well to repel the hosts, who’ve arguably looked the more likely to score with Mousehole not yet finding their rhythm against a strongly pressing side on a dry bumpy pitch

The second half:

54 minutes:  Stuart Bowker is clear on goal with Ollie Chenoweth coming out to narrow the angle, and as the two collide there are loud shouts for a penalty as the Helston striker hits the ground – but Simon Long is unimpressed and awards a goal kick

71 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – winger Callam Mconie is replaced by midfielder Andy Elcock

15 minutes to go:  Helston are getting the ball forward at every opportunity, but without much success as Mousehole look reasonably comfortable at the back

80 minutes:  The Seagulls are showing signs of more positive forward intent.  Hayden Turner drives a curling free kick not far wide from an angle on the left

82 minutes:   Mousehole come very close!  Andy Elcock’s penetrating pass releases Louis Price for a surging run on the right and his low cross in front of goal is superbly cleared over his own crossbar by Jordan Bentley from point-blank range

87 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – midfielder striker Jack Calver is replaced by Mark Goldsworthy

89 minutes:  Helston have sight of goal – Stuart Bowker lets fly from 20 yards, his left-foot shot clearing the crossbar

90 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell is darting through the middle of the home defence and is thwarted before he can shoot by a last-ditch tackle just inside the area

90+3 minutes:  Helston have a free kick 40 yards out – maybe their last chance?  The visitors’ defence again deals competently with the floated ball into the box

90+4:  Louis Price leads the charge from his own half as Helston are caught upfield, but the full-time whistle brings the action to a close.  So, it ends scoreless in a game played at a hectic pace but with little fluency and few quality moments for the large crowd to admire.

What this result means for Mousehole

The Seagulls have shown great resilience to pick up consecutive 0-0 draws, and this point from their game in hand puts them above Exmouth Town into second place – a remarkable achievement in their first season after promotion.

Tavistock, Mousehole and Exmouth have now played an equal number of games (30), with 66, 62 and 61 points respectively.  Each side has some difficult challenges in their last six matches of the season, so the month of April should be a fascinating time with two promotion spots on offer.  Mousehole have four home games and two away (fixtures shown below)

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

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Mark Richards, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Jack Calver (Mark Goldsworthy), Callam Mconie (Andy Elcock), Louis Price, Hayden Turner.

Other substitutes:  Jared Sims, Jamie Devine, Aaron Dilley

Match officials:

Simon Long (Referee), with Darren Winkworth & Neil Rudkin (Assistants)

Attendance:  408

Mousehole’s remaining fixtures:

This Saturday, 2^nd April:  HOME v  Bitton, 3pm

This is also ‘Megs Day’, in honour of Malcolm Brown’s 60+ years of service to the club, with all former players invivted

Tuesday 5^th April (provisionally):  HOME v Keynsham Town, 7.45pm

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

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

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

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

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