by Jeff Richardson

ENTERTAINING FOOTBALL ON SHOW AS MOUSEHOLE AND PARKWAY STEP UP PRE-SEASON PREPARATIONS

Mousehole 3-5 Plymouth Parkway

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 16th July 2022

At Trungle Parc

 

In the first home match in their pre-season preparations, Mousehole faced opposition from two leagues above, the classy visitors sailing into a 5-0 lead before The Seagulls mounted a stirring comeback to narrow the scoreline thanks to a Hayden Turner hat-trick – an enthralling afternoon for the 132 spectators in cooler conditions than recently.

The goals:

3 minutes:  Parkway’s BILLY PALFREY strikes an immaculate 20-yard free kick into the top left corner

11 minutes:  Jack Crago outpaces everyone on the left to provide a low cross from the byeline which RIO GARSIDE converts with a low shot inside the six-yard box

21 minutes:  The same approach play this time by Ryan Lane creates an unmissable chance for the perfectly positioned RIO GARSIDE.

31 minutes:  Parkway are physical, fast and sharp – RYAN LANE dispossesses Mousehole in midfield and drives deep into defensive territory before placing a low left-foot shot past keeper Ollie Chenoweth for a 4-0 lead.

36 minutes:  Recent signing from Exeter City Ben Seymour speeds into the penalty area on the left and his dangerous low cross bounces into the net off MAX HILL for an unfortunate own goal.

45+3 minutes:  Mousehole reduce the deficit with the last action of the first half:  Tallan Mitchell delivers a low free kick from the left and HAYDEN TURNER scoops the ball left-footed into the net via a defender’s deflection.

Half-time score:  Mousehole 1-5 Plymouth Parkway

49 minutes:  Mousehole get an early goal with a well worked move – Callam Mconie’s lofted cross to the edge of the box is headed on by Reece Thomson for Andy Watkins to supply a low cross from the right and HAYDEN TURNER finishes it off from six yards.  Scoreline now 2-5.

70 minutes:  It’s now 3-5 as HAYDEN TURNER completes a hat-trick, using his pace to intercept a back pass, take the ball round keeper Kyle Moore and coolly slot home from a narrow angle on the right.

Full time score:  Mousehole 3-5 Plymouth Parkway.  The hosts have given their Step 3 Southern League Premier guests a run for their money in this eight-goal football exhibition, and can take many positives from this performance.

Next for Mousehole:

Their fifth pre-season fixture is at home this Wednesday 20th July, against Step 6 South West Peninsula League side ST AUSTELL, kick off 7.30pm.

Two days later they complete their pre-season schedule with a visit to SWPL side LISKEARD ATHLETIC on Friday 22nd July, kick off 7.30pm.

The Step 5 Western League Premier Division season starts on Saturday 30th July, away at promoted TORPOINT ATHLETIC (3pm)

Then follows the first home League match on Tuesday 2nd August against SALTASH UNITED (7.45pm)

by Jeff Richardson

MOUSEHOLE IN HOT FORM WITH BIG PSF WIN AT TAVISTOCK

MOUSEHOLE IN HOT FORM WITH BIG PSF AT TAVISTOCK

Tavistock 2-4 Mousehole

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 9th July 2022

At Langsford Park

After two away wins against Step 6 teams – 1-0 at Wadebridge Town and 5-1 at Wendron United – Mousehole faced the biggest challenge of their pre-season programme with a trip to last season’s Western League Premier champions Tavistock, now promoted to Step 4 Southern League.  But on a very hot day The Seagulls swept aside the hosts with a convincing 4-0 first-half display, to run out winners despite a second-half comeback by The Lambs.

The goals:

7 minutes: Andy Watkins plants an expertly-judged pass into the stride of HAYDEN TURNER, who fires left-footed past the advancing goalkeeper into the far corner from just inside the box.

12 minutes:  Penalty!  Jack Calver is fouled as he latches on to Andy Elcock’s chipped pass into the box, and HAYDEN TURNER converts the spot kick for a 2-0 lead.

There’s a much-needed drinks break after 25 minutes.

45 minutes:  It’s 3-0 with a CALLAM MCONIE header from six yards as Paulo Sousa drives deep into home territory on the left, enabling Hayden Turner to provide the perfect cross.

45+2 minutes:  With virtually the last action of the first half, Mousehole get a fourth goal, CALLAM MCONIE sending a low left-footed free-kick from 20 yards round the defensive wall and into the far corner with the keeper beaten by the power of the shot.

Half-time:  Tavistock 0-4 Mousehole

64 minutes:  Tavistock win a penalty and last season’s Western League top scorer LIAM PRYNN reduces the arrears from the spot.  Now 1-4.

Another drinks break at 70 minutes as the temperature shows no sign of dropping.

75 minutes:  JOSH GRANT gets a second goal for The Lambs with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area.

Full time:  Tavistock 2-4 Mousehole

Next:  Mousehole’s first home game in their pre-season schedule is next Saturday(16th, 3pm) against Plymouth Parkway, who were promoted as champions from the Southern League Division One and start life this coming season as a Step 3 team.

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