by Jeff Richardson

MATCH REPORT – ST BREWARD 0-18 MOUSEHOLE WOMEN

ST BREWARD LADIES 0-18 (eighteen) MOUSEHOLE WOMEN

CORNWALL WOMEN’S LEAGUE, sponsored by Pirate FM

SUNDAY 11^TH FEBRUARY 2018, AT BRAKE PARK

HUGE WIN MAKES IT TEN OUT OF TEN FOR TABLE-TOPPING MOUSEHOLE WOMEN

Mousehole Women surged six points ahead at the top of the Cornwall Women’s League, and recorded their tenth consecutive win since the start of the season, with a bagful of goals to provide a major boost to their goal difference.

On a bitterly cold afternoon, this was the only game in the League to survive the wet weather, with both teams fielding depleted squads and the hosts particularly badly affected by unavailable players.

For Mousehole, four different players – Emma Hurworth, Lucy Brown, Sophie Wilson and Stacey George – took turns in goal in the absence of tonsillitis-stricken Lyndsey Mayers, and Cas Wilson made her debut.

It was 7-0 at half-time with goals from Sophie Wilson (2), Megan Edwards, Claire Hitchens Todd, Scarlett Clouter (2) and Jo Barker.

Early in the second half, Scarlett Clouter got her hat-trick and Claire Hitchens Todd scored her second to make it 9-0. The Seagulls amassed another eight goals inside the last 20 minutes through Sophie Wilson (her hat-trick), Jo Barker, Scarlett Clouter, Jo Barker again for her hat-trick, Sophie Wilson with a ‘trade mark screamer’ from 30 yards, Emma Hurworth, two from Flo Davies – one an accidental deflection off her back from a Sophie Wilson drive, the second a powerful shot of her own, and finally Sophie Wilson rounding off the afternoon’s work.

The win maintains Mousehole Women’s 100% record and puts them on 30 points with a goal difference of +70. In second place are last season’s champions St Agnes on 24 points with 8 wins from 9 games and a goal difference of +82. Third are Helston Ladies with 19 points from 10 games. Mousehole have yet to play St Agnes at home or away, so the six points on offer could go some way to deciding the destination of this season’s championship.

Mousehole’s next fixture is this Sunday (18^th) at home against Charlestown, kick off 2:30, venue to be decided later in the week.

Mousehole squad v St Breward: Emma Hurworth, Lena Mannon, Lucy Brown, Flo Davies Kirsop, Megan Edwards, Claire Hitchens Todd, Sophie Wilson, Kieren Watkinson, Stacey George, Scarlett Clouter, Jo Barker, Cas Wilson

Scorers: Sophie Wilson (5), Scarlett Clouter (4), Jo Barker (3), Claire Hitchens Todd (2), Flo Davies Kirsop (2), Emma Hurworth (1), Megan Edwards (1).

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH REPORT – MOUSEHOLE vs PENZANCE (Charity Cup Quarter Final)

MOUSEHOLE 4-0 PENZANCE

CORNWALL FA CHARITY CUP – THE DURNING-LAWRENCE CUP

QUARTER FINAL TIE

SATURDAY 10^TH FEBRUARY 2018, AT TRUNGLE PARC

Mousehole reached the semi-finals of the Cornwall Charity Cup with their second win of the season over Penzance, this time with all four goals coming from the Andrew brothers, including a hat-trick for Jake and three headers in total.

The Mousehole squad included ex-Penzance players Jake and Liam Andrew, Tyler Tonkin and Connor Davey, while Penzance had former Seagulls Dom Angove, Matt Laithwaite, Frazer Cadman, Lewis Caspall and assistant player-manager Mark Vercesi on the team sheet, led by manager Wayne Quinn who had brought unprecedented double-winning success to the Trungle Parc club.

The Boxing Day league clash between the local rivals had ended in a hard-fought 2-0 win for The Seagulls, but Saturday’s encounter turned out to be a less close contest, with the home side asserting their dominance in the second half.

The match started in cold drizzle on a soft surface which became gradually stickier, though still perfectly playable, and there was plenty of action to keep the large crowd of 187 occupied.

Mousehole had a brisk opening and came close in the first 20 minutes with two shots hitting the woodwork. But it was The Magpies who very nearly took the lead in the 25^th minute when Lewis Caspall had a fierce shot with his favoured left foot beaten away at close range by Steve Parker-Billinge in the home goal, and from the resultant corner the well-placed Dan Horler volleyed wide at the far post.

Those near-misses became significant shortly afterwards when Mousehole took the lead after 31 minutes, Jake Andrew putting a powerful header into the roof of the net from six yards from Connor Davey’s pinpoint cross from the left. And there was nearly a second goal on 35 minutes when a surging run by Luke Johnson put Jake Andrew in one-on-one with Dom Angove in the visitors’ goal only for the alert ‘keeper to make a brave and vital block.

Dom Angove was again in action shortly after the re-start with an agile catch from Billy Curtis’ cross, while on 52 minutes Lewis Caspall at the other end showed his special skills on a difficult surface, weaving his way in from the left and sliding a dangerous pass into the box which Paulo Sousa cleared with a goal-saving interception. This was Penzance’s last serious threat on the home goal, as Mousehole started to take control of the game with possession football and restrict the visitors to the occasional foray forward. On 54 minutes, Kevin Lawrence lofted the ball from the left towards the far post where Liam Andrew raced in to thunder a header into the net from 10 yards for a 2-0 scoreline. And two minutes later it was 3-0 as Jake Andrew was in the right place to tap in a low cross from close range after Luke Johnson had done some great work on the right. Substitute Steven Ziboth created The Seagulls’ fourth and final goal, picking up a short clearance from Parker-Billinge and sprinting 70 yards with an outstanding burst of speed past covering defenders to the far byeline where he chipped a centre across goal for Jake Andrew to head in for his hat-trick.

Mousehole have now reached the semi-finals of both County cups, having beaten Premier Division Newquay 5-0 in the Senior Cup the week before. The draws for the semi-finals – in the Senior Cup involving Saltash United, Torpoint Athletic and St Austell, and in the Charity Cup St Blazey, Liskeard Athletic and Wadebridge or Carharrack – are due to be made by Cornwall FA on Tuesday (13^th) live on Facebook at 10am. The Seagulls have a chance to reach a third semi-final when they play Teignmouth at home on 3^rd March in the League Cup.

Penzance and Mousehole return to League action this Saturday, with Penzance travelling to Plymouth Marjon looking to build on their mid-table position, while 5^th place Mousehole who are 9 points ahead of The Magpies but have played three games more, will be attempting to extend this season’s 100% 13-win home record against Wadebridge Town (3pm).

Mousehole: Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin, Billy Curtis (captain), Calum Elliot, Liam Andrew, Kevin Lawrence, Jordan Adlard, Connor Davey, Luke Johnson, Jake Andrew, Paulo Sousa. Substitutes: Chris Prout (for Tyler Tonkin, 56), Kayne Trevaskis (for Connor Davey, 64), Steven Ziboth (for Luke Johnson, 70), Caleb Marsden, Josh Storey

Penzance: Dom Angove, Rhys Allen, Matt Laithwaite, Frazer Cadman, Dan Lord, Kyle Hampton, Gavin Perraton, Lewis Caspall (captain), Dan Horler, Mark Vercesi, Paul Robertson. Substitutes: Joel Allen (for Matt Laithwaite, 57), Ed Wilton (for Paul Robertson, 62), Ronnie May (for Gavin Perraton, 62), Finn Robinson

Scorers: Jake Andrew (31, 56, 80), Liam Andrew (54)

Referee: George Pattison. Attendance: 187

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH PREVIEW – MOUSEHOLE v Penzance

MOUSEHOLE v PENZANCE

CORNWALL CHARITY CUP (The Durning Lawrence Charity Cup)

QUARTER FINAL TIE

SATURDAY 10^TH FEBRUARY 2018, KICK OFF 2PM

AT TRUNGLE PARC

This Saturday, The Seagulls and The Magpies will be scrapping for a place in the Semi-Finals of the Cornwall Charity Cup, for which the County FA has selected The Invictus Trust as beneficiary this season.

The Invictus Trust is a local, small, newish Charity established to support Cornish families with a teenager experiencing mental health issues, particularly depression, anxiety and self harm.

Mousehole come into the match on the back of an impressive run in league and cup competitions that includes only one defeat since 23^rd September, a 100% home record, cup victories over three higher-division teams, and a place already secured for the first time in the club’s history in the semi-finals of the Cornwall Senior Cup.

Penzance are having a much better time than in last season’s relegation-threatened campaign, and in the league they are currently in 11^th place, 9 points behind Mousehole in 5^thplace but with three games in hand. They lost 2-0 (to goals scored in each half by Jordan Adlard and Paulo Sousa) in the Boxing Day ‘local derby’ at Trungle Parc in front of a 279 crowd, but had won 8-1 and 6-2 (away) before that.

The form book favours Mousehole to reach their second semi-final in consecutive weeks, but ex-Seagulls player-manager Wayne Quinn will no doubt be looking to make headlines as the first team to bring the winning run to n end.

The tie will require extra time and penalties if necessary to produce a winner on the day. The other quarter final ties are Polperro (of the East Cornwall Premier League) versus St Blazey, Wendron United v Liskeard Athletic, and Wadebridge Town v Carharrack (of the Cornwall Combination League). The Semi-Finals are due to be played at neutral venues on Tuesday 10^th and Wednesday 11^th April, with the Final on Wednesday 9^th May.

For Saturday’s game, admission is only £3 (concessions £1.50, under-16s free), and a full-colour match programme @ £1 (including a cash-prize ‘lucky number’) is available, as are 50/50 tickets, and the usual friendly hospitality in the clubhouse is extended to everyone.

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH REPORT – MOUSEHOLE vs NEWQUAY (Senior Cup Quarter Final)

MOUSEHOLE 5-0 NEWQUAY

CORNWALL SENIOR CUP, QUARTER FINAL TIE

SATURDAY 3^RD FEBRUARY 2018

AT TRUNGLE PARC

Mousehole progressed to the last four of the Cornwall Senior Cup (sponsored by RGB Building Supplies) with an emphatic win against their higher-division visitors in one of very few matches in the region to survive the weather. Already the only Division 1 side to reach the quarter-final stage, this victory earned The Seagulls a first-ever appearance in the semi-finals of the County’s top cup competition, where they will face one of the other remaining Premier Division teams at a neutral venue on the evening of either Tuesday 6^th or Wednesday 7^th March.

Mousehole had been defeated only once since September and had won all 12 of their home games this season – including cup victories against two other Premier Division sides, Camelford and Launceston – so Saturday’s result against a side 14 places above in the South West Peninsula League ‘pyramid’ was less of a surprise then the scoreline. The chief talking point was the difference in performance levels between the two teams as the game wore on, with the home side showing greater energy, desire and fitness levels to complement their customary passing style.

With the strong wind at their backs, Newquay were the dominant force in the opening stages, seeing lots of the ball and pegging the hosts back in their own half. But in their first attack Mousehole took an unexpected lead in the 14^th minute when Luke Johnson came in from the right-hand side to plant an unstoppable left-footed drive from 20 yards into the far top corner. Jake Andrew came within millimetres of doubling the lead on 26 minutes with a shot that came back off the underside of the crossbar, but The Peppermints continued to look threatening, although often wasting possession with over-hit passes. A crucial moment came with almost the last kick of the first half, Tyler Cheshire missing a glaring opportunity to equalise – and change the nature of the half-time team talk – when he scooped hurriedly wide in front of a gaping goal.

Mousehole began to take the upper hand with measured passing after the break, but it was a piece of quick thinking by Kevin Lawrence that brought the second goal on 49 minutes, stealing the loose ball as goalkeeper Zak Roberts delayed his clearance and tapping into an unguarded net. Tyler Tonkin came up from right back to make it 3-0 six minutes later, this time with a shot hit so hard into the net from 10 yards that the ball rebounded back on to the pitch off the perimeter fence. As The Seagulls continued to surge forward, Newquay’s under-pressure rearguard was again unable to cope when the alert Paulo Sousa capitalised on hesitancy to waltz round Roberts and stroke home for 4-0, to make it three goals in ten minutes with less than an hour gone.

New signings Kayne Trevaskis and Steven Ziboth came on as substitutes after 61 minutes to cause even more unrest for the visitors, the experienced Trevaskis holding the ball up well at the apex of the attack and 19-year old Ziboth creating havoc with his electrifying sprints down the left. And it was the young newcomer who was in the right place to convert a low right-wing cross by recent substitute Caleb Marsden on 70 minutes, to make it 5-0 from five different scorers. In the meantime, The Peppermints were making little headway, but the previously under-employed Steve Parker-Billinge in the Mousehole goal had to be at his defiant best to keep a clean sheet with an smart save from close range near the end.

It’s a cup quarter-final tie again at Trungle Parc this Saturday (10^th), this time in the Cornwall Charity Cup, with another local derby against Penzance, kick off 2pm. The Seagulls will be looking for a repeat of their 2-0 League success a few weeks ago on Boxing Day, while The Magpies will be hoping to be the side to end their local rivals’ 100% home record.

Mousehole v Newquay: Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin, Calum Elliot, Liam Andrew, Billy Curtis (captain), Bradley Wills, Kevin Lawrence, Jordan Adlard, Luke Johnson, Jake Andrew, Paulo Sousa.

Substitutes: Kayne Trevaskis (for Jake Andrew, 61), Steven Ziboth (for Luke Johnson, 61), Caleb Marsden (for Bradley Wills, 67), Connor Davey, Josh Otto

Scorers: Luke Johnson (14), Kevin Lawrence (49), Tyler Tonkin (55), Paulo Sousa (59), Steven Ziboth (70)

Referee: Derek Hughes. Assistant Referees: Luke Wilkes & Paul Barker

Attendance: 112

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH REPORT – MOUSEHOLE WOMEN 3-2 ILLOGAN LADIES

MOUSEHOLE WOMEN 3-2 ILLOGAN LADIES

CORNWALL WOMEN’S LEAGUE, sponsored by Pirate FM

SUNDAY 28^TH JANUARY 2018

AT MOUNTS BAY ACADEMY

Mousehole Women made a bit of history on Sunday with a win that takes them to the top of the Cornwall Women’s League table for the first time in recent years and three points clear of last year’s champions St Agnes with the same number of games played.

Mousehole had only 13 players available but with great team spirit they preserved their 100% record for the season by notching up their ninth consecutive win, this time against a team who were playing a league higher last season.

Without a game for eight weeks, the fixture was switched to the 3G pitch at Mounts Bay Academy as neither the Trungle Parc nor the Marazion pitches were fit after last week’s rain. And it was Illogan who settled the quicker of the two sides. However, Carly Jacka, showing her versatility with a commanding performance as a stand-in centre half, put in an ideal defence-splitting pass on 20 minutes for Katy Barker to sprint in on goal and score.

Mousehole then created further chances without extending their lead, before Illogan equalised through Bianca Lincoln who looped her shot into the top corner after being allowed too much time on the edge of the area. The visitors almost took the lead when a free kick from the left destined for the far corner was acrobatically headed off the line by Carly Jacka who ended up in the net with the ball out for a corner.

Jo Barker was forced off at half time to be replaced by Becky Edwards, but the second half saw Mousehole with the wind at their backs take more command. Another pinpoint pass, this time from Sophie Wilson, again found Katy Barker to slot the ball home. The Seagulls were denied a further goal after a good save from the Illogan keeper, but she was unable to do anything about a rasping shot from Carly Jacka for a 3-1 lead and ultimately the winning goal, with Stacy Bray scoring for Illogan late on.

Mousehole had earned a hard-fought win with players putting their bodies on the line for the cause, and never stopped until the final whistle, epitomised by Sophie Wilson who overtook everyone to halt a dangerous-looking Illogan attack.

The team: Lyndsey Mayers (captain), Lena Mannon, Carly Jacka, Lucy Brown, Tamara de Silva, Megan Edwards, Sophie Wilson, Megan Davison, Scarlett Clouter, Katy Barker, Jo Barker.

Substitutes: Becky Edwards (for Jo Barker, 46), Rosie Davison (for Megan Edwards, 85)

Scorers: Katy Barker (2), Carly Jacka

*Mousehole Women’s next fixture is this Sunday, 4^th February, kick off 2:30pm, away at RNAS Culdrose, who are bottom of the League without a point this season.

by Jeff Richardson

MOUSEHOLE AFC APPLY FOR PROMOTION TO THE SWPL PREMIER DIVISION

Mousehole AFC confirm they have submitted an application for promotion from Division 1 West to the Premier Division of the South West Peninsula League.

The club were founder members of the SWP League 10 years ago, after playing since 1962 in the Cornwall Combination League, and have been continuous members of the West Division at Step 7 since then.

Already the geographically most western-based team in the West Division, promotion would involve the club in greater travelling distances into Devon, whereas at present the longest journeys are to Plymouth and West Devon.

Mousehole won the West Division title comfortably in 2015/16 but had already decided not to apply for promotion that season because of the need for further development of the club’s infrastructure and finances.

This season The Seagulls are in the top six in the West Division table, with an impressive run of form that has seen only one defeat since the end of September, together with a 100% home record. Of the 14 remaining League fixtures, nine are at home and five away.

To be eligible for promotion from Step 7, the team needs to finish in the top-three and ahead of its fellow promotion applicants, and the club needs to demonstrate it can make improvements to the ground and facilities to meet Step 6 standards.

Explaining Mousehole’s decision to apply for promotion, Chairman Tim Richardson said: “The club’s ambition is to play at the highest possible level and we launched a plan last summer to achieve just that, but in a sustainable manner. A great deal of work has already taken place to strengthen the club’s infrastructure, and we have a schedule of works to bring the ground up to Step 6 requirements, as well as a process to put the necessary finances in place. On the playing side we have a superb management and coaching set-up and an ideal blend of youth and experience, including players who have stayed loyal to the club in recent times, some of the best local players who have chosen to join us, and a promising crop of youngsters coming through the junior teams: they all deserve the chance to test themselves and develop their abilities at a higher level.”

Now into his sixth season as Chairman of The Seagulls, Richardson continued: “Our supporters – many of whom have been associated with the club in various roles for several decades – will relish seeing their team competing with some of the best non-league teams in the south-west. On the travelling side, some people might think we are too far away ‘on the edge of the map’, and of course there will be some longer journeys…..but we already do a lot of miles, so we can cope with the extra distances (right now, we’re looking into replacing our team bus, which will help!). Looking at it another way, our location might give us a bit of an advantage when far-away clubs have to visit us! So, after 10 years in the West Division, and with the superb support of the newly-established Endorsed Academy, we’re ready for the challenge of stepping up, in the belief that standing still is not an option, and you only improve by setting yourself higher standards.”

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH PREVIEW – MOUSEHOLE v HOLSWORTHY

MOUSEHOLE v HOLSWORTHY

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 27^TH JANUARY 2018, AT TRUNGLE PARC, PAUL

Mousehole return to League action tomorrow after last Saturday’s excellent Senior Cup win over Premier Division Launceston, in search of vital points to maintain their challenge among the top-six teams in the SWPL West Division table. The Seagulls have recorded eight straight wins since mid-November, including three Cup ties, but this is their first League match since the 2-0 defeat of Penzance on Boxing Day. They currently stand in 5^th place with the same 30 points as 3^rd place Millbrook and 4^th place Porthleven, but with an inferior goal difference and having played more games.

Holsworthy will be making their longest journey of the League season, a 175 mile round trip, currently four places and eight points behind Mousehole. The Magpies last played two weeks ago, losing 2-0 at home against Elburton Villa in the League. Before that they won the Boxing Day derby 2-0 at Bude Town after switching the venue because of an unplayable Upcott Field pitch.

Mousehole will be looking to avenge a comprehensive 4-0 defeat at Holsworthy on 23^rd September, possibly one of the lowest points of the season. But on the positive side that defeat may have been a turning point in this fascinating campaign, as in the 15 games in all competitions since then they have won 13, drawn one (3-3 at Plymstock) and lost only one (3-1 at Elburton).

Next Saturday, 3^rd February, Mousehole play the first of their three Cup quarter finals at Trungle Parc when Premier Division Newquay visit in the Cornwall Senior Cup (2pm). A week later (10^th) and it’s Penzance in the Cornwall Charity Cup (2pm), and on 3^rd March Teignmouth make the journey westwards in the SWP League Cup (2:30pm).

by Jeff Richardson

MOUSEHOLE AFC INVITE APPLICATIONS FOR THE POST OF PERFORMANCE ANALYST

Mousehole AFC’s First team plays in the South West Peninsula League, Division 1 West (Step 7 of the non-league pyramid), against teams mostly in Cornwall but also a few just across the border in Devon. The team also competes in the SWP League Cup, the Cornwall Senior Cup and the Cornwall Charity Cup.

This voluntary post is an opportunity for someone who is familiar with – or committed to learning about – GPS technology. The club’s coaching programme is innovative at this level of football in this region, and includes the use of GPS technology as a means of analysing and improving player performance. The role of Performance Analyst involves recording and coding first team matches, and tabling data for comparison purposes.

Support will be provided initially by Matt James, the club’s Endorsed Academy Co-ordinator, after which the post-holder will be expected to take over responsibility.

The time requirements of the role are:

Tuesday evening training sessions (7-8:30pm) at Mounts Bay Academy 3G pitch; and
• Match days, usually Saturdays but with the occasional mid-week fixture, either for home games at the club’s HQ at Trungle Parc, Paul, Penzance, or for away games

Interested applicants should email their CVs to mjames@endorsedacademy.com as soon as possible, please.

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH REPORT – MOUSEHOLE vs LAUNCESTON

SEAGULLS PULL OFF CUP SHOCK TO REACH ANOTHER QUARTER-FINAL

MOUSEHOLE 2-1 LAUNCESTON

(after extra time; 1-1 at full-time)

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE CUP – sponsored by Walter C Parson Funeral Directors

THIRD ROUND TIE

SATURDAY 20^TH JANUARY 2018, AT TRUNGLE PARC

Mousehole pulled off a significant victory on Saturday over Premier Division Launceston with a committed performance in an end-to-end contest from which both teams can take massive credit for their wholehearted 120 minutes’ work in challenging conditions.

The tie – postponed on the original date at the end of December after non-stop heavy rain over several days – went ahead on this occasion despite similar weather and was one of very few games in the region to survive. The pitch was slippery but perfectly playable and the strong wind, accompanied by persistent drizzle and the occasional downpour, made it difficult for either side to deploy their usual style.

The Seagulls had to show great resolve to come from behind for this win – the second over higher-division opposition in this year’s League Cup – which completes a trio of quarter-final ties at home in this season’s Cup competitions and extends their winning home run to 12 games.

Launceston were on top in the opening stages and took the lead after only five minutes when a short ball forward found Sam Davey in a generous amount of space and the dangerous marksman netted his 20th goal of the season with a simple finish. The visitors continued to control the play in midfield and make chances, the post coming to Mousehole’s rescue after a corner and Tyler Tonkin making two goal-saving blocks in quick succession.

Mousehole gradually edged back into the game after the half-hour mark, and came close to scoring against the run of play in the 35^th minute when goalkeeper Lee Fletcher was called into serious action for the first time when he parried Luke Johnson’s 25-yard drive and then Jake Andrew’s shot from the rebound at close quarters. Connor Davey then drove wide from the edge of the box on 40 minutes after a rare spell of Mousehole possession, but a somewhat unexpected equaliser came a minute later when Luke Johnson’s left-foot shot from right of centre on the 18-yard line deceived Fletcher as it sped inside the near post.

The opening period of the second half was notable for a burst of torrential rain and a 30-yard free-kick from newcomer Chris Prout which the visitors’ ‘keeper pushed aside at full stretch at the foot of the post. But Launceston came back at the other end and only last-ditch defending prevented them from regaining the lead. As the rain stopped and the sun came out after the hour, Caleb Marsden replaced the injured Connor Davey – and that was later to have a decisive impact on the match.

The last 25 minutes were full of goalmouth action as both sides showed tremendous spirit in strength-sapping conditions. ‘Keeper Steve Parker-Billinge brought off three top-class saves to thwart the visitors and the home goal survived further near-misses when shots were blocked or deflected. In an incident-packed last ten minutes, Mousehole came close to snatching a winner with a Bradley Wills volley going wide, Jake Andrew seeing a point-blank header saved by Fletcher and the same player heading wide with a great chance in front of goal. The excitement continued right up to the last kick, when Sam Davey moved forward into space and looked certain to score a winner for the visitors until Billy Curtis – on as a substitute only a few minutes earlier – got back to put in a magnificent challenge to save the day and take the tie into extra time.

The 30 minutes of extra time proved to be superbly competitive, with Mousehole showing great determination and fitness levels to dictate the play. In the first period Caleb Marsden came close twice and Steve Parker-Billinge smothered a chance at the other end. But the crucial moment came in the last minute of the 15 when Caleb Marsden put The Seagulls into the lead for the first time as he raced on to Bradley Wills’ penetrating pass to flick home as the defenders closed in. The hosts dominated the second period with Fletcher in the Launceston goal by far the busier of the two ‘keepers, and the visitors being restricted to a solitary half-chance fired over from 15 yards by Liam Prynn with three minutes to go.

The Seagulls’ reward is a home tie in the quarter-finals on Saturday 3^rd March against Teignmouth, who play at Mousehole’s level in Division 1 East and currently occupy a top-10 position.

Mousehole’s other forthcoming Cup quarter-final ties at Trungle Parc are in the Cornwall Senior Cup on Saturday 3^rd February against Newquay (providing another cup-upset opportunity against a higher-Division side), and a week later in the Cornwall Charity Cup on Saturday 10^th February against local West Division rivals Penzance.

Before that, Mousehole entertain Holsworthy this Saturday (27^th) in a League match at Trungle Parc, kick off 2:15pm, looking for the points to maintain their challenge among the top-six in the Division 1 West table.

Mousehole v Launceston: Steve Parker-Billinge, Tyler Tonkin (sub: Billy Curtis, 87), Calum Elliot, Liam Andrew, Chris Prout, Kevin Lawrence (captain), Jordan Adlard, Bradley Wills, Connor Davey (sub: Caleb Marsden, 64), Luke Johnson, Jake Andrew (sub: Josh Storey, 114). Substitutes: Matt McIlroy, Josh Nicholls

Scorers: 0-1 Launceston (Sam Davey, 5), 1-1 Mousehole (Luke Johnson, 41), 2-1 Mousehole (Caleb Marsden, 105).

Referee: Matthew Carney Attendance: 67.

VIEW the Match Programme here ?

by Jeff Richardson

MATCH PREVIEW – MOUSEHOLE v LAUNCESTON

ALL READY FOR CLARETS ON SATURDAY!

This Saturday (20^th), in arguably their biggest game of the season, Mousehole have the opportunity to see how they measure up to the standards of a higher-league side when Premier Division Launceston visit Trungle Parc for a League Cup 3^rd round clash. The tie was scheduled for 30^th December but postponed after two days of heavy rain. Kick-off is at 2pm and the winners will be decided if necessary by extra time and penalties.

It’s an excellent opportunity for the winners to progress to the quarter-finals and a home match against Division 1 East mid-table side Teignmouth.

Launceston are having one of their best seasons for a decade in the Premier Division. The Clarets are currently in 8^th place, with Sam Davey the third top scorer in the Division on 19 goals. However, they have lost their last three games. Their last two League results were defeats at Helston Athletic 4-1 and then narrowly at League leaders Plymouth Parkway 1-0 on 16^th December. Two weeks ago they lost 1-0 at Sticker in the third round of the Cornwall Senior Cup.

By contrast Mousehole have won their last seven fixtures with a goal aggregate of 23 against 4 and ‘clean sheets’ in each of their last four games, beating St Dennis 4-0, Porthleven 4-0 and Penzance 2-0 in the League and West Cornwall 2-0 in the Senior Cup. With only one defeat since 23^rd September and a 100% home record The Seagulls have climbed up the League table to 4^th and also reached the quarter-finals of both the Senior Cup and the Cornwall Charity Cup, on top of Saturday’s big match.

Next Saturday (27^th January) Mousehole return to League action for the first time since Boxing Day, when Holsworthy make the long journey to Trungle Parc (2:15pm). On the following two Saturdays, it’s cup quarter-finals time at Trungle Parc, firstly in the Senior Cup on 3^rd February against the winners of Premier Division Newquay versus Division 1 West Millbrook, and then in the Charity Cup on 10^th February against Penzance, with both matches kicking off at 2pm.