Mousehole 1-0 Shepton Mallet

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 11th December 2021

At Trungle Parc

Scorer: Callam Mconie (77’)

Summary

The biggest League crowd of the season at Trungle Parc made it a special occasion as they witnessed the naming of the Solomon Browne Stand in honour of lives lost in the Penlee Lifeboat Tragedy, and Mousehole’s 10th win in the last 12 matches, ending in an incident-packed last 20 minutes.

Pre-match points

Today is a momentous day for the club – the official opening of the Solomon Browne Stand to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Penlee Lifeboat Tragedy (a full report on the day’s events will follow separately).

Also, there’s a football match to be played, with Mousehole facing Shepton Mallet for the third time in a couple of months.  

In late-September, Mousehole won 1-0 away in the FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round with an early goal by Andy Elcock and backs-to-the-wall character with ten men for the last half hour.

Six weeks later they drew 2-2, also away, and again with early goals in each half from Connor Leak-Blunt and Mark Goldsworthy.  

On each of those occasions, The Seagulls were indebted to great goalkeeping performances firstly by Jimmy Weeks and then Ollie Chenoweth, the latter saving a penalty near the end.

Mousehole are on a top-of-the-form-table run of 9 wins in the last 11 League games, and stand 6th with games in hand over the teams above.  

Shepton Mallet are making their longest League journey of the season.  They are five points behind today’s hosts having played three games more.  They have brought a sizeable number of Committee and supporters today – the biggest away contingent seen at Trungle Parc for a League game this season.

For Mousehole, in their last home match of 2021, recent short-term signing Andy Watkins makes a start on the left of the attack, but the other new arrival Jack Calver is unavailable through injury.  Also missing are Andy Elcock, Paulo Sousa, Jamie Devine and Josh Magin, while Josh Otto is on the substitutes’ bench after illness, alongside Callam Mconie, Jonny Ludlam and Charlie Willis.

The match – as it happened

It’s drizzling continuously and the pitch surface is soft.  Mousehole, in their navy-blue kit, are kicking towards the Cricket Ground End.

12 minutes:  After an uneventful opening period, The Mallet create two moments of danger, Jacob Sloggett’s low cross from the left cleared and Fin Haines driving the loose ball over the bar from 25 yards.

13 minutes:  At the other end, Kyle Fraser puts in a similar low cross from the left which Louis Price miscues wide from 10 yards

14 minutes:  Louis Price shoots low from the edge of the box and keeper Tom Easterbrook smothers the skidding shot

16 minutes:  Hayden Turner, playing in a midfield role behind the attack, plants a 40-yard diagonal pass into the path of Andy Watkins running in from the left, but Joel Sisson just about pokes the ball out for a corner

17 minutes:  Hayden Turner’s short corner gives Tallan Mitchell a shooting chance and Easterbrook does well to tip the ball over the bar

19 minutes:  Louis Price miskicks in the area after a smart one-two with Mark Goldsworthy

20 minutes:  Hayden Turner’s shot from 25 yards skims past the post with keeper Easterbrook at full stretch

Half-way through the first half:  Mousehole look to be in control, with The Mallet only occasionally venturing forward, but their ‘most likely’ player Jacob Sloggett is now off injured.

35 minutes: Max Hill is up from the back and on the 18 yard line to receive a Turner/Mitchell short corner – his firm shot is confidently handled by Easterbrook

37 minutes:  Andy Watkins’ shot from the left is deflected towards the near post and Easterbrook again gathers safely

40 minutes:  Shepton have been defending solidly against a succession of Mousehole attacks – Mark Goldsworthy claims he’s pushed in mid-flight from a corner, but there’s no whistle

45 minutes:  Billy Curtis’ cross into the six-yard box is deflected by Mallet’s captain Andy Martin just past the post

45+1 minutes:  Max Hill brings the ball skilfully forward from the halfway line and his low shot from distance just misses the upright

45+2 minutes: At half time it’s 0-0. Mousehole have had most of the play but it hasn’t quite worked for them in the final third. Shepton Mallet have defended resolutely, with keeper Easterbrook’s safe handling of the slippery ball a key feature.

The second half

47 minutes:  Billy Curtis tries a left-foot shot from 25 yards through a crowd of players but it creeps wide of the far post

48 minutes:  A left-sided cross to the edge of the six-yard box finds Mark Goldsworthy, who turns sharply only to be denied a shooting chance by a superb block by Martin

49 minutes:  In comes the corner and Louis Price’s glancing near-post header just clears the far angle

51 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Max Hill is injured and replaced by Josh Otto in a like-for-like defensive position

54 minutes:  The Seagulls on the attack once more – Kyle Fraser’s cross sets up Mark Goldsworthy, who turns and shoots left-footed and it cannons off the near post

An hour gone:  The Mallet are being forced back into their own half and are relying on breakaways.  In one such instance, Josh Otto is yellow-carded for clipping Fin Haines as he races on to a forward pass 35 yards out, with the visitors demanding a red card – but the offence was a long way from goal with plenty of covering defenders

61 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Andy Watkins is replaced by Callam Mconie, who goes on to the right wing with Louis Price switching to the left

63 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy’s low shot from the right is safely gathered by Easterbrook at his near post

65 minutes:  A brilliant last-ditch tackle prevents Mark Goldsworthy pulling the trigger again

66 minutes:  Callam Mconie’s inswinging corner into the six-yard box results in a couple of ricochets and is then cleared

68 minutes:  At the mid-point of the second half it’s still 0-0.  Two good teams – one attacking, one defending.

69 minutes:  Louis Price bustles through into the penalty area but slices his drive wide of the near post

77 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  A free kick is awarded in a central position for a tackle 25 yards out as Mousehole break forward at pace.  CALLAM MCONIE takes aim with his trusty left foot and the shot whips low past the defensive wall and into the corner of the net, just evading Easterbrook’s fingertips.  It’s the wingman’s 11^th goal of the season.  

80 minutes: A dramatic incident!  Seagulls’ keeper Ollie Chenoweth – who hasn’t had much serious work to do – comes out to collect the ball from a downfield punt with no immediate danger, but accidentally handles just outside the penalty area.  Assistant Referee Ken Swift flags for the handball offence and Referee Lazarus has to decide whether or not this prevented a goal-scoring opportunity….and whether it’s a yellow or red card.  It’s a red, somewhat controversially – so Mousehole will finish the match with ten men and an outfield player as replacement keeper.

82 minutes:  Occasional substitute Jonny Ludlam is the man to don the keeper’s jersey, and he replaces Louis Price

83 minutes:  The visitors now have the perfect opportunity to grab an equaliser with the free kick on the 18-yard line and dead central.  The stand-in keeper hasn’t had a chance to warm up or handle the ball, so a direct shot at goal looks the most likely option.  However, it’s tapped sideways, the blue shirts swarm out and force the ball out wide, and the angled shot is comfortably saved by Ludlam.  Elation and relief on the terraces!

86 minutes:  Unsurprisingly, The Mallet are seeing much more of the ball, but Mousehole are digging deep and showing bags of character….and fitness.

88 minutes:  Shepton are caught upfield as Tallan Mitchell bursts forward and feeds Mark Goldsworthy with a wonderful one-on-one chance to make it 2-0 – his shot beats Easterbrook but also misses the far upright

90+2 minutes:  More drama!  Another great chance for the visitors as they win a corner on the right.  They station all their big men on the edge of the six-yard box for the inswinging flag kick, the ball is nodded down and looks to be going in before Jonny Ludlam somehow scoops the ball off the line.  Keeper Easterbrook is stranded midway in the Mousehole half as the home side break forward but again great covering defensive work snuffs out the chance.

90+5 minutes:  Still more to come!  Shepton launch a dangerous swirling cross from the right towards the far post where Jonny Ludlam bravely gets there first to punch the ball away.

90+6 minutes:  It’s full-time and Mousehole 1-0 Shepton Mallet.  Fittingly, the winning goal was scored at the Solomon Browne End.

A breath-taking finish to the match for the spectators, with lots of talking points.  Mousehole deserve the three points on the balance of play, the chances created and, late on, yet another determined rearguard action against The Mallet (after this season’s three encounters, they’ll be wondering what it is about Mousehole goalkeepers!).      

What this result means

Mousehole remain in a promising 6th place in the WLP table with 35 points from 17 games.  

Above them are Ilfracombe Town and Bridgwater United (both with 36 points from 19 games), Helston Athletic in 3rd (37 points from 18 games), Bitton (39 from 21) and, at the top, Tavistock with 46 points from their 21 games.  Mousehole have the second-best ‘points-per-game’ record in the League, behind Tavistock and marginally ahead of Helston. 

The ‘local derby’ at Helston on Boxing Day now looks to be quite important!

A note on this season’s promotion arrangements:  the first-placed club will be promoted to the Southern League Division One South at Step 4, and the second-placed club will also be promoted if they win a one-off promotion/relegation ‘decider’ away at the team finishing bottom-but-one in the League above.

Mousehole (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Max Hill (Josh Otto), Mark Richards, Kyle Fraser, Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Hayden Turner, Louis Price (Jonny Ludlam GK), Mark Goldsworthy, Andy Watkins (Callam Mconie)

Other substitute: Charlie Willis

Match officials:  Mike Lazarus (Referee) with Ken Swift and Adam Price (Assistants)

Attendance: 212

Next League fixtures for Mousehole:

Saturday 18th December: Away at Street FC, kick off 3pm

Boxing Day: Away at Helston Athletic, 12-noon

New Year’s Day: HOME vs Exmouth Town, 3pm.

JACK CALVER MAKES PERMANENT MOVE TO MOUSEHOLE

With an eye on an exciting and challenging second half of the season, Mousehole have reinforced their Western League squad with the signing of Jack Calver from Southern League Bideford AFC.

After being released as an apprentice by Plymouth Argyle in 2017, Jack Calver came to prominence as a teenager playing as a stylish left-back for St Austell in the South West Peninsula League.  He then moved up to join the highly successful promotion-winning Plymouth Parkway side before another upward step to Bideford.

This season, he has made a couple of substitute appearances for Mousehole as a dual-signed player, most notably in the away League win at Saltash United in early October, where he immediately imposed his authority in his preferred midfield role and scored a stunning long-range goal to help secure a 3-1 win for The Seagulls.

Mousehole’s Manager Jake Ash is delighted to be able to bring the talented 23-year old to Trungle Parc on a permanent deal:

“I first spoke to Jack at the end of the aborted 2019/20 season and then again at the end of last season, as he is a player I have really liked since I saw him playing for St Austell.  Even back then he stood out as someone who could play at a higher standard and possessed so many tools to admire.  I’ve personally been to watch him a few times in the last 12 months and each time it has cemented my opinion that he has everything we look for in a player at this club.”

“At just 23 I think he has so much room to still improve – training regularly, coupled with playing in a more central position than he has been, will kick him on even further, especially as he gets fitter and sharper.  I can’t wait to work with Jack to support and witness the next part of his journey, as I think everything is in place at this club to really help him flourish.”

Jack Calver is equally looking forward to life with The Seagulls:  “‘I’m more than happy the move is all sorted, and I can’t wait to get going now.  It’s a good group of lads who made me feel very welcome in the couple games I’ve already played for the club, which is always a good thing.  I feel the style of play will suit me and the type of player I am.  Hopefully I can get among the goals again and help us push for promotion to the Southern League.”

Mousehole’s new signing comes shortly after the arrival of Step 3 player Andy Watkins on a short-term dual-signing basis, as he regains match fitness following an injury sustained at parent club Tiverton Town.

Currently standing in 6^th place in their first season after promotion to Step 5, Mousehole may be without Jack Calver against Shepton Mallet at home on Saturday (11^th) because of a slight injury.

Bridport 0-6 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 4th December 2021

At St Mary’s Fields

Scorers: Hayden Turner (3), Louis Price, Callam Mconie, Mark Goldsworthy

SUMMARY

Against bottom club Bridport, Mousehole continued their fine sequence of results – now with 9 wins in the last 11 league games – to climb three places up the WLP table and set up an interesting second half of the season.

PRE-MATCH POINTS

Mousehole continue their inaugural Western League campaign by venturing into the county of Dorset for the first time, with the 150-mile journey to Bridport, situated 1.5 miles inland from West Bay on the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site and popular filming location.

Formed in 1885, “The Bees” have spent 45 of the last 50 seasons in the Western League, 34 of those in the Premier Division where they finished in a highest-ever third place in 2010/11. This season however is proving difficult, as they sit at the foot of the table with only three points from their opening 21 games – a 2-1 over newly promoted Ashton and Blackwell United in late August. In their last two outings they lost heavily to Bitton and Saltash, contributing to their current goal deficit of 87, but to their credit they lost narrowly by only a single goal away at Wellington a month ago.

“The Seagulls” are on a good run of form in the League, with eight wins, one draw and one defeat (at Bridgwater) in the last ten games, including last Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 win against Saltash with a 95th minute goal by centre-back Mark Richards. That win took Mousehole up to 9th place, with several games in hand over the teams above.

Mousehole are without Josh Otto, Paulo Sousa, Andy Elcock, Jamie Devine and Josh Magin for various reasons, while the substitutes’ bench includes Andy Watkins, a recent short-term ‘dual signing’ courtesy of Tiverton Town.

As expected at this time of year, the pitch surface is soft but there’s plenty of grass, and the weather is fine apart from the occasional rain shower.

THE MATCH – AS IT HAPPENED

1 minute: Hayden Turner is occupying an attacking midfield position, with Louis Price wide on the left

3 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Tallan Mitchell is fouled as he sprints onto an incisive reverse pass into the hosts’ penalty area.  HAYDEN TURNER puts the spot kick just out of the reach of keeper Greg Taylor.

7 minutes:  A chance for The Bees as Callum Arnold latches on to a sloppy pass out by the visitors, but his lobbed attempt is too high

11 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell and Hayden Turner set up a great chance for Louis Price who fires over from 10 yards 

12 minutes:  Another chance for Bridport, with  some last-ditch defending needed to thwart winger Harry Boulton

29 minutes:  The hosts threaten again with a long ball down the right enabling Harry Boulton to slide the ball inside where Callum Arnold shoots wide of the near post 

Half an hour gone, and Bridport are very much in the game.  There’s a fascinating duel happening on the left with the hosts’ 17-year old Malakai Stanners matching Louis Price for strength and speed.

31 minutes:  Hayden Turner drives over from just inside the area after Callam Mconie’s pass

41 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell’s astute pass releases Hayden Turner for his customary left-wing sprint and first-time low cross from the bye line, but the unmarked Callam Mconie puts it wide at the far post 

44 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Steve Burt gets forward into space on the right of the box and his superb cross is headed home by LOUIS PRICE.  A much needed goal coming at the right time!

Half-time: It’s  Bridport 0-2 Mousehole.  The Seagulls are not at their best, but that second goal will have deflated the hosts after maybe their best opening 45 minutes of the season.  But more importantly, a floodlight failure means there’s a real possibility the match will have to be abandoned.  Mousehole will not fancy a mid-week trip here if the fixture has to be re-arranged!

Second half: Some of the lights (7 of the 20) are back on and the Referee has curtailed the half-time interval to get play underway, with the respective managers’ agreement. 

50 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Mark Goldsworthy’s pull-back from the left, after a great run into space, wrong-foots the home defence and CALLAM MCONIE makes no mistake from six yards.

53 minutes: Keeper Greg Taylor makes a one-on-one save versus Mark Goldsworthy

56 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell’s opinion earns the Referee’s displeasure and he will spend the next 10 minutes in the ‘sin bin’

59 minutes: Louis Price’s overhead kick from a corner is too high

An hour gone:  Mousehole now look to be in total control, despite playing with only ten men

65 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Hayden Turner races past two defenders on the right and puts a low cross into the danger area where MARK GOLDSWORTHY is in the right place to bury the chance.  Bridport 0-4 Mousehole.

It’s getting dark but fortunately the weather is quite fair and the partial floodlighting is adequate.

69 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Louis Price is replaced by Charlie Willis, who goes into midfield

72 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  It’s 5-0 after keeper Taylor crashes into Mark Goldsworthy as he gets to a through-ball first, and HAYDEN TURNER drives in the penalty

73 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Steve Burt is replaced by Andy Watkins, who takes up a left-sided wing-back position

82 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Callam Mconie’s low cross is converted by HAYDEN TURNER for his hat-trick.

85 minutes:  Mousehole’s dominance continues in the gloom as Tallan Mitchell looks to get on the scoresheet, with keeper Taylor saving the shot with his legs

90+1:  A nasty injury for Mark Goldsworthy as he skilfully turns his marker on the halfway line but receives a blow on the ankle in the process 

90+4 minutes:  At full time it’s Bridport 0-6 Mousehole.  The Seagulls had to work hard to assert themselves against The Bees, whose commendable eagerness was better than their ball retention.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP (used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Max Hill, Mark Richards, Kyle Fraser, Steve Burt (Andy Watkins), Tallan Mitchell, Hayden Turner, Callam Mconie, Mark Goldsworthy, Louis Price (Charlie Willis)

Other substitute: Jake Ash

THE RESULT – WHAT IT MEANS

This expected win takes Mousehole up to 6th place, the highest position on the football pyramid in the club’s history, and at the same time has greatly improved their goal difference. The teams above have played between one and five games more, so there’s plenty of positive anticipation as the half-way point of the League season approaches.

MATCH OFFICIALS:  David Lilly (Referee) with Stuart Griffith & Stephen Fall (Assistants)

ATTENDANCE: 86

NEXT FIXTURES FOR MOUSEHOLE:

This Saturday, 11th December, kick off 3pm: HOME v Shepton Mallet, Western League Premier.  Includes official naming of the ‘Solomon Browne Stand’ by RNLI.

Saturday 18th December, 3pm, away at Street FC, WLP.

Boxing Day, 26th December, 12noon, away at Helston Athletic, WLP. New Year’s Day, 1st January 2022, 3pm, HOME v Exmouth Town (WLP)

Mousehole AFC have acquired the services of the vastly experienced Andy Watkins on an initial one-month loan deal (dual registration)

The Cornwall-born and Launceston-based striker has been one of the south-west’s most accomplished non-league players in recent times, with successful periods at the higher end of the National League System.

His early footballing career began at Launceston, followed by spells at Bodmin Town, St Blazey, Plymouth Argyle and Bideford.  He joined Truro City in 2006, scoring 143 goals in 295 games, and was a member of Truro City’s victorious FA Vase team at the New Wembley in 2007.  In 2013 he moved to Bath City, making 200-plus appearances and scoring 50-plus goals before joining Tiverton Town in 2020.

Now aged 36, ‘Watto’ is currently looking to gain full match fitness after suffering a prolonged injury playing for Tiverton Town, and will join Step 5 Mousehole for the club’s December fixtures.

Mousehole’s Manager Jake Ash – a member of the highly successful FA Vase and serial promotion-winning Truro City side – is delighted to bring in one of his former playing partners: 

“While it may only be a short term thing, it’s a brilliant signing for us. Having spent a large chunk of my playing career alongside him, I know exactly what Andy will bring to the group while he is here.  His ability goes without saying, but his intelligence, work rate and attitude are so infectious and the group of young lads we have here will learn so much from him.”

“I want to thank Tiverton Town, and especially Scott Rogers, who have been brilliant in assisting with this ‘loan’, just as they were recently with their goalkeeper Jimmy Weeks for our FA Vase run.  Scotty said that Andy had been Tivvy’s best player in the games before his injury, so our intention is to get him flying again, ready to go back and push them on again.”

“In the meantime, I am certain that however long he is here, Andy will add an incredible amount of quality and experience which can only help the team in both the short and long term.”  

Mousehole 2-1 Saltash United

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 27^th November 2021

At Trungle Parc

Mousehole scorers: Own Goal (9’), Mark Richards (90+5’)

SUMMARY

In a superbly entertaining and evenly contested game played in appalling conditions, Mousehole came out on top against their Cornish rivals with a last-gasp goal to maintain their impressive run of form and climb up the League table into a promising position.

PRE-MATCH POINTS

After promotion to Step 5, this is the third encounter of the season between the two sides at the extreme west and east ends of the county.  As a result of the geography of the Western League, it’s now classed as a ‘Cornwall derby’ despite the 75 miles separating the two clubs.

The Ashes knocked Mousehole out of the Cornwall Senior Cup by 2-1 at Trungle Parc at the beginning of October, but four days later The Seagulls gained revenge with a 3-1 away win at Kimberley Park in a League fixture.  Saltash currently stand four points above Mousehole in the League table but have played three games more.

Despite heavy rain during the last 24 hours, the pitch has survived both a 9am and 2pm inspection, but the weather forecast is not good.  Wisely, the club decided yesterday to postpone today’s official opening of the Solomon Browne Stand and associated events, until the next home match on Saturday 11^th December.

Mousehole are missing several regulars – Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Andy Elcock and Josh Magin – through illness or injury.  Max Hill will be deployed in front of the back line and Kyle Fraser in a left wing-back position.  Unusually, The Seagulls will be wearing their navy-blue away kit.

There’s a strong wind blowing from the car-park end with intermittent heavy rain, and more promised.  Mousehole start the match playing towards the Cricket Club end.

THE MATCH AS IT HAPPENED

8 minutes:  Saltash have imposed themselves in the opening stages.  A dangerous cross comes in from the right and keeper Ollie Chenoweth makes an agile diving save to cut it out in front of goal.

9 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Louis Price picks up the ball just inside his own half, slaloms past three opponents in a great 30 yard run and finds Connor Leak-Blunt who sends in a wicked low left-foot drive from outside the area.  The shot skids on the surface and bounces back off Ashes keeper Ryan Rickard, Mark Goldsworthy anticipates the chance superbly, the ball cannons off the keeper again, hits a defender and creeps into the empty net.  Definitely an OWN GOAL but exceptional play by Louis Price, Connor Leak-Blunt and Mark Goldsworthy in the build-up.  Mousehole 1-0 Saltash United.

11 minutes:  Back come the visitors, with goal-creator Louis Price clearing away a long right-wing cross towards the far post

17 minutes:  Saltash on the attack again, with Reece Thompson’s driven shot from 18 yards deflected past the near post

22 minutes:  Louis Price whips in a corner, Ryan Rickard flaps at it and the ball is scraped out for a corner

23 minutes:  Kyle Fraser finds space to plant a low 30-yard left-foot drive past the far post

24 minutes:  Saltash come close when a right-sided cross from the byeline is deflected into the side netting for a corner

26 minutes:  The action continues apace.  Hayden Turner sends in a wind-assisted shot from fully 45 yards – Ryan Rickard is well placed to clutch it under the angle.

33 minutes:  Nearly a second Seagulls goal.  Mark Goldsworthy turns and shoots from 20 yards.  It looks as though it’s going into the top corner before Rickard palms the ball on to the post at full stretch.

34 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy again causes concern to the visitors’ defence – he turns quickly and shoots from 12 yards but it’s too high.

40 minutes:  Connor Leak-Blunt puts in another 20-yard left-foot drive but this time it zips wide

41 minutes:  Alfie Wootton has a good chance to level the scores for The Ashes –  his unchallenged downward header at the far post misses the target

45+ 1 minutes:  At half-time it’s Mousehole 1-0 Saltash United – evenly contested, with the visitors mounting several promising attacks, but the hosts forcing Ryan Rickard to be the busier of the two keepers.  The big question for the second half:  which side will benefit more from the wind?

46 minutes:  Saltash have reinforced their attack with the addition of Scott Crocker

48 minutes:  Scott Crocker looks pacy but The Ashes over-hit several forward passes in the strong wind

49 minutes:  Amid a hail shower, Hayden Turner outpaces the defence on the left to create a one-on-one chance but Ryan Rickard palms away the lofted shot from inside the area

50 minutes:  Max Hill heads down a Louis Price corner and Rickard grabs it in front of Mark Goldsworthy

51 minutes:  Hayden Turner again makes headway down the left and his low cross is cleared in front of goal

52 minutes:  Mousehole have made a good start playing into the wind, but at the other end Saltash’s Sam Hughes gets only a faint touch to Reece Thompson’s cross when well placed

54 minutes:  That near-miss seems to have caused Saltash to step up a gear.  They’re enjoying a lot of possession in midfield for the first time in the match.

56 minutes:  GOAL FOR SALTASH UNITED.  SAM FARRANT races forward onto a long diagonal ball, lets it drop and volleys a superb left-footed strike into the far top corner.  A quality equaliser.  Will this give the visitors the impetus to go on and win the match?

62 minutes:  Connor Leak-Blunt’s third 20-yard left-foot drive of the game nearly squirms underneath keeper Rickard

68 minutes:  Mousehole are working hard to press high up the pitch.  Saltash lose the ball trying to play out from the back but Louis Price hastily drives the loose ball a long way off target from just inside the box.

71 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Louis Price is replaced by Callam Mconie, in a like-for-like right-wing position

72 minutes:  Ollie Chenoweth keeps Mousehole in the game, pushing out a goalbound shot from a central position inside the area

73 minutes:  A definite Mousehole escape.  A low left-sided cross travels across an open goal where Sam Farrant just can’t reach it to tap it into the unguarded net.

75 minutes:  Great credit to both sides in appalling conditions.  They’re both looking for a winner.  The game is open and it’s the proverbial definition of ‘end-to-end’.

80 minutes:  Saltash have three corners in a row.  A shot is deflected just past the upright.  The inswinging corner is scrambled out.  Captain Dave Barker glances the third wide with a header.

83 minutes:  Mousehole under attack again.  A sense of relief in the home ranks as substitute Reece Brown gets clear on the right but stumbles over the ball on the tricky surface.

84 minutes:  Hayden Turner pulls the ball back after a left-sided run, Mark Goldsworthy beats Rickard with his shot but it’s cleared off the line.  Heroic defending!

85 minutes:  It’s thrill-a-minute stuff as Sam Hughes’ works himself into a great position close in on the right but his cross goes over the heads of his teammates in front of goal

85 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Max Hill is replaced by Charlie Willis

85 minutes:  Centre back Mark Richards is announced as ‘Mousehole Man of the Match’ for his impressive display against strong opponents

86 minutes:  Dave Barker is up from the back for The Ashes and shots just over from 18 yards

89 minutes:  Connor Leak-Blunt tries another shot from distance – Ryan Rickard makes the save

90 minutes:  As we approach added time, it doesn’t look as though either side will settle for a draw

90+3 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by Jack Symons

90+4 minutes: The Seagulls have one last go and win a corner on the right.

90+5 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Callam Mconie’s left-footed flag kick dips in the wind and MARK RICHARDS gets ahead of his marker 8 yards out to side-foot the ball low into the corner past defenders and keeper. That surely confirms his ‘Man of the Match’ status!  Jubilation on and off the pitch!

90+6 minutes:  The full-time whistle – Mousehole 2-1 Saltash United.  Massive credit to both teams in awful conditions.  Heartbreak for Saltash who will think they could have won it in the second half.  Immense character and belief by Jake Ash’s Seagulls.

After eight wins, one draw and one defeat in the last ten League games, Mousehole are now up to 9^th in the WLP table, and have several games in hand over the teams above them.

Mousehole (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Mark Richards, Josh Otto, Kyle Fraser, Max Hill (Charlie Wills), Tallan Mitchell, Connor Leak-Blunt, Louis Price (Callam Mconie), Mark Goldsworthy (Jack Symons), Hayden Turner.

Other substitutes:  Jamie Devine, Silas Sullivan

Match officials:  Jon Green (Referee), with Darren Winkworth & Dave Bartlam (Assistants)

Attendance: 108

NEXT FIXTURES FOR MOUSEHOLE

This Saturday, 4^th December, 3pm:  Away at Bridport (WLP). 

Coach seats are available for supporters – see online details

Saturday 11^th December, 3pm: HOME v Shepton Mallet (WLP). 

Includes the official opening of the ‘Solomon Browne’ Stand to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the Penlee Lifeboat Tragedy.

BRIDGWATER UNITED 1-0 MOUSEHOLE

BUILDBASE FA VASE SECOND ROUND

SATURDAY 20^TH NOVEMBER 2021

AT FAIRFAX PARK

SUMMARY

This season’s FA Vase adventure was ended by a solitary goal but The Seagulls can hold their heads up high after a positive performance in which they controlled much of the play, struck the woodwork and found The Robin’s keeper in fine form with several exceptional saves

PRE-MATCH POINTS

Today’s FA Vase tie is the highest level of national competition Mousehole have ever played in.  They reached this stage with a 1-0 away win at fellow Western League Premier side Shepton Mallet, followed by a 4-0 home win against WL Division One team Wells City.

Bridgwater are one of Somerset’s biggest clubs, having spent ten years until recently in the Southern League at Step 4.  They are making their first appearance in this season’s FA Vase competition, having been exempt so far because of their 2020/21 achievements in reaching the Fourth Round.

In the WLP, Bridgwater are four points above Mousehole having played two games more, but The Robins have a superior goal difference by a 10-goal margin.  Six weeks ago they inflicted a heavy defeat (6-2) on The Seagulls at Fairfax Park. 

It’s The Robins versus The Seagulls – two sides in identical form over the last six league games, with four wins, one draw and one defeat.

If scores are level at full-time, the tie will be decided by a penalty shoot-out: no extra time and no replay.  Today’s prize money is £900 for the winners, and £275 for the losing team.

Mousehole are without ‘keeper Ollie Chenoweth and Louis Price, both cup-tied, and the injured Andy Elcock, Jamie Devine and Josh Magin.  Jimmy Weeks makes his third FA Vase appearance in goal for The Seagulls – he has yet to concede a goal.

AS IT HAPPENED – THE KEY MOMENTS

2 minutes:  In a dangerous-looking Bridgwater attack, Paulo Sousa makes a vital headed interception at the far post.  The hosts pack the six-yard box with their tallest players as the corner comes over, but it’s headed over.

5 minutes:  Bridgwater repeat their corner routine, but again the header misses the target

6 minutes:  Mousehole venture forward and Callam Mconie is too high with his effort

7 minutes:  The Seagulls come close.  Hayden Turner on the left receives a superb diagonal ball from Connor Leak-Blunt, moves inside onto his right foot and strikes a swerving 18-yarder just past the far angle

9 minutes:  The Seagulls are playing positive football – Tallan Mitchell drives in a first-time volley from the edge of the penalty area and home keeper Jake Viney just manages to push it out at full length for a corner

16 minutes:  Hayden Turner skips past three defenders at pace from just inside The Robins’ half and his angled cross-shot is acrobatically kept out by Viney

17 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell is in space after a great run and pass inside by Connor Leak-Blunt, but keeper Viney again makes a great save – his third in quick succession – palming the low curling shot out at full stretch.  The keeper has kept his side in the match so far.

23 minutes:  Callam Mconie latches on to Connor Leak-Blunt’s set-up and sees Viney dive to push the shot out at the near post.  Mousehole look threatening every time they approach The Robins’ box, but that man Viney is defiant!

24 minutes:  Paulo Sousa makes a trademark surge down the left hand side and Mark Goldsworthy heads the cross down from 10 yards – this time it’s a more comfortable save for the keeper

26 minutes:  Bridgwater return to the attack, with Jimmy Weeks beaten to the punch from a high cross – Josh Otto reads it perfectly to clear away from an open goal at the expense of a corner

27 minutes:  The home side’s physical presence is again in evidence from the corner, with centre back Jordan Greenwood turning on a knock-down and volleying over from 8 yards.  A difficult chance, but a warning for The Seagulls.

30 minutes:  Half an hour gone and it’s still 0-0, despite lots of attacking intent.  The home keeper has been the busiest and most effective player on the pitch.

38 minutes:  We’ve gone through a scrappy period, but Bridgwater put together a sweeping side-to-side move and Josh Otto is obliged to head a dangerous cross out for a corner.

39 minutes:  GOAL FOR BRIDGWATER.  The hosts’ tactics pay off, as their big players crowd in front of goal and Jordan Greenwood heads the driven corner kick into the roof of the net from six yards.  Bridgwater United 1-0 Mousehole. 

40 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell is again thwarted by Jake Viney as an 18-yard shot towards the corner is finger-tipped around the post

41 minutes:  Callam Mconie’s left-footed corner kick from the right hand side whistles across goal at head height and out at the far side.  Mousehole claim a corner, the referee says goal kick.

45+1 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy robs the ball from the two centre backs and Talan Mitchell shoots the loose ball over from 20 yards.

45+2 minutes: At half time The Robins have the lead, but The Seagulls will be disappointed not to be in front on the balance of play and attempts on goal. 

The second half:

47 minutes:  Mousehole straight on the attack – Hayden Turner’s cross-shot from the left is kept out by a flying save by Jake Viney

49 minutes:  Hayden Turner again makes progress on the left – this time he gets to the byeline and crosses towards the near post where Mark Goldsworthy side foots the ball against the crossbar with Viney for once beaten.  The ball is cleared before any Mousehole player can capitalise.

An hour gone.  It’s still 1-0 with Mousehole on the offensive and Bridgwater looking to break quickly

61 minutes:  An extraordinary moment as Callam Mconie’s corner kick zips low across goal with no-one getting a touch

67 minutes:  Hayden Turner drives in a centrally positioned free kick from 25 yards and Viney punches it out to safety

70 minutes:  Seagulls’ captain Billy Curtis is laid low by a late tackle and requires prolonged treatment

73 minutes:  Bridgwater race forward into space after a Mousehole attack and Adnan Hiroli has a chance but is wide of the near post

76 minutes:  A Bridgwater corner predictably causes a problem for the visitors.  Jimmy Weeks makes a reflex save from close range – his first serious save of the match!

78 minutes:  Another Bridgwater corner and the bodies pile in.  Mousehole’s centre back Mark Richards is down requiring lengthy on-pitch treatment. Mousehole substitute – Mark Richards is replaced by Sean Roberts who takes up his usual midfield position.

81 minutes:  The Robins are pressing forward a lot more.  A corner kick this time goes right across goal and out.

82 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy has a half-chance at the other end, his shot from an angle going across goal rather than in

83 minutes:  Bridgwater exploit the space as Mousehole are committed to attack, but 18-goal leading scorer Jack Taylor misses a great chance to make the tie safe by missing his header in front of goal

84 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell creates a glimpse of a chance for Hayden Turner, who shoots wide under extreme pressure from two defenders

87 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Connor Leak-Blunt is replaced by Kyle Fraser, who takes up a left-sided position with Hayden Turner moving inside

88 minutes:  A Bridgwater corner again creates danger with the header clearing the crossbar.  Seconds later another heading chance is straight at keeper Jimmy Weeks.

90+5 minutes:  We’re well into added time caused by the earlier stoppages.  Referee Lilley indicates there are still several minutes to go.  The home crowd are increasingly anxious.  Can Mousehole get the goal to take the tie to penalties?

90+6 minutes:  A good chance for Mousehole but Callam Mconie is well wide with a free kick from 20 yards.

90+12 minutes:  The full-time whistle and it’s Bridgwater United 1-0 Mousehole. 

CONCLUSION

A gallant performance by Mousehole – a massive difference compared with the League defeat a few weeks ago.  It says something that the man-of-the-match was the home side’s goalkeeper, who made several top-quality saves.  On another day, a different result?  The League now becomes the focus, with The Seagulls looking to win their games in hand and climb up the table.   

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP (with used substitutes): 

Jimmy Weeks (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Mark Richards (Sean Roberts), Josh Otto, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Connor Leak-Blunt (Kyle Fraser), Callam Mconie, Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner. 

Other substitutes: Max Hill, Charlie Willis, Jonny Ludlam, Jake Ash

MATCH OFFICIALS

Dave Lilley (Referee) with Mandy Kerfoot & Ian Smith (Assistants)

ATTENDANCE:  327

NEXT MOUSEHOLE FIXTURE

This Saturday, 27^th November, kick off 3pm:  Home v Saltash United (WLP).

Close to the 40^th anniversary of the Penlee Lifeboat Tragedy, this fixture will include the official opening of the ‘Solomon Browne Stand’ by RNLI Penlee Lifeboat, with Mousehole AFC donating half the gate money to the Branch, and Mousehole Male Voice Choir also performing.

Shepton Mallet 2-2 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 30th October 2021

At West Shepton Stadium

SUMMARY

The Seagulls scored early in each half to record their second League draw of the season, with a resolute performance preventing The Mallet from delivering the hammer blow to avenge their FA Vase defeat last month.

PRE-MATCH POINTS

Mousehole are returning to the scene of their FA Vase tie in the Qualifying Round six weeks ago, when an early Andy Elcock goal and an outstanding defensive performance late in the game, including from stand-in goalkeeper Jimmy Weeks, saw them claim an impressive and historic win.

Since then, The Mallet have lost five of their last six games, and without doubt will be looking to make amends for that Vase defeat and also halt their mediocre run.

This will be Mousehole’s 12th Western League game since promotion – after today they will have completed one-third of the season’s fixtures.  Currently they have five wins, one draw and four defeats, and stand three points behind Shepton with three games in hand.

Mousehole travel with a somewhat depleted squad, with Andy Elcock, Jamie Devine, Josh Magin and Sean Roberts injured, Kyle Fraser ill, Mark Richards recovering from injury and on the bench, and two youngsters Charlie Willis and Jack Symons also substitutes.  Meanwhile keeper Ollie Chenoweth makes his third start since signing from Bodmin Town.

The pitch surface is very wet but has plenty of lush grass.

THE MATCH AS IT HAPPENED

6 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  They’ve done it again – another early goal!  Callam Mconie puts a dangerous low cross from the right into the area, the defence is wrong-footed, CONNOR LEAK- BLUNT collects the loose ball and shows great composure to move it inside on to his left foot and score with a low drive from 8 yards.  The son of the former manager looks pretty pleased to get his first goal for Mousehole since joining in early September.

8 minutes: GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  The quickest possible response by the hosts.  A low cross comes in from the left, it’s half cleared in front of goal and FIN HAINES clips the ball into the net from 10 yards.  Shepton Mallet 1-1 Mousehole.

20 minutes gone:  The home side have caused a few problems for the Mousehole defence, with Tyrone Tucker-Dixon on the right having some good runs and putting in threatening crosses.  Three chances in quick succession have come and gone, the closest being a cross-shot by Fin Wilkinson that rebounds off the far post before being cleared to safety.

25 minutes:  Mousehole hit back, Hayden Turner’s pace down the left putting the hosts’ back line under pressure

26 minutes:  GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  After Mousehole lose possession upfield, Jacob Sloggett instantly feeds Tucker-Dixon for a sprint and a cross to the near post where  JACK FILLINGHAM gets ahead of everyone to head home and give his side a 2-1 lead.

39 minutes:  The Seagulls continue with their passing game and a brilliant three-man surge from the halfway line ends with Hayden Turner placing a curling shot millimetres over the far angle of post and crossbar, with keeper Tom Easterbrook a hopeful onlooker

42 minutes:  Seagulls’ captain Billy Curtis joins an attack and his shot from inside the area is blocked

45+1 minutes: Tyrone Tucker-Dixon continues to be a threat – he comes inside from the right with a curling shot that smacks against the woodwork.  Jacob Sloggett has a great chance to give The Mallet a 3-1 interval lead but can’t convert the rebound.

45+4 minutes:  At half time it’s 2-1 to Shepton Mallet.  They could, and perhaps should, be further ahead, but it’s now up to Mousehole to do something about the slender deficit.

The second half

47 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Another quick one – and a much-needed equaliser. The second half has barely got going as Paulo Sousa makes a promising run deep into Shepton territory and slips MARK GOLDSWORTHY through for a one-on-one against the keeper and a low finish for 2-2, with the home defence looking in vain for an offside flag. 

51 minutes:  The home side come close to regaining the lead – Ollie Chenoweth punches out a floated free kick and Fin Haines volleys the ball back from 30 yards, but the woodwork saves the visitors for the third time in the match 

56 minutes: Mousehole’s turn now – Max Hill’s long diagonal ball gives Hayden Turner a sight of goal, his 15-yard lob landing on top of the net 

63 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell forces the home keeper to push out a drive from distance, but there’s no team-mate to exploit the loose ball in front of goal.

68 minutes:  Mousehole are having some good moments.  Callam Mconie bends in a left-footed free kick from 20 yards – it doesn’t have enough power to prevent Easterbrook keeping it out.

71 minutes:  Shepton denied. The ball is scrambled off the line twice and Ollie Chenoweth blocks a close range shot with his boot.

76 minutes:  Mousehole have successfully neutralised the threat from winger Turner-Dixon, who is substituted, but the hosts are starting to dominate proceedings.  Jack Fillingham has space at the corner of the six-yard box but shoots wide.

79 minutes: What a dramatic moment!  Penalty for Shepton Mallet.  A shot is driven towards goal and diverted away by a ruck of players.  Hand-ball is the referee’s verdict, despite big protests by the visitors.  Fillingham steps up and hammers a low spot kick towards the corner, but Ollie Chenoweth gets down very quickly to push the ball on to the post and then collect the rebound.  Magnificent agility.

81 minutes: The Seagulls’ keeper makes another superb save, keeping out captain Andy Martin’s fiercely driven free kick from the edge of the ‘D’.

Inside the last 10 minutes:  Shepton Mallet are on top and scenting victory.  Mousehole need to keep the ball better – it keeps coming back!

82 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by 16-year old winger Jack Symons, who goes out to the left with Hayden Turner moving into the middle

85 minutes: Very good chance at the near post as Shepton’s Joe Morgan races down the right and sends the ball across – substitute Nathan Legge looks certain to score but Ollie Chenoweth makes yet another important save.  The home side must be getting fed up with Mousehole’s goalkeeping displays!

87 minutes:  Mousehole get into a good position in the opposition half for the first time in ages, gaining a free kick right on the penalty area line.  Hayden Turner touches the ball to Callam Mconie but he’s crowded out and shoots hurriedly wide.

89 minutes:  Joe Morgan fires in an angled cross shot which whistles past the Mousehole goal.

90 minutes:  The home side continue to be on the front foot, and it doesn’t look as though The Seagulls have the strength to exploit the space behind their high line.

90+5 minutes: At full-time it’s Shepton Mallet 2-2 Mousehole.  

An entertaining and competitive game.  

For Shepton Mallet,  probably hugely frustrating – they will wonder why and how they didn’t win, but at least they improved on recent results.   

For Mousehole, a good away point in tough circumstances, which keeps them tucked in the mid-table pack but, with the experience gained so far, good prospects ahead.

Mousehole (with used substitute):  Ollie Chenoweth (gk), Billy Curtis (c), Josh Otto, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell, Connor Leak-Blunt, Callam Mconie, Mark Goldsworthy (Jack Symons), Hayden Turner.  Other substitutes:  Charlie Willis, Mark Richards, Jake Ash

Match officials:  Kevin Rodd (Referee) with Damon McEllin & Nicholas Hulland (Assistants)

Attendance: 178

NEXT FOR MOUSEHOLE

This Saturday, 6th November, Home v Cadbury Heath, Western League Premier Division, kick off 3pm.

Saturday 13th November, Away v Bitton, WLP, 3pm

Saturday 20th November, Away v Bridgwater United, FA Vase Second Round, 3pm

Saturday 27th November, Home v Saltash United, WLP, 3pm – includes the official opening of the Solomon Browne Stand by local members of the RNLI.