Bridgwater United 2-2 Mousehole
Toolstation Western League Premier Division
Tuesday 18th April 2023
At Fairfax Park
Mousehole scorers: Andy Elcock 88’, Josh Bissett 90+3’
SUMMARY
With time running out, Mousehole showed huge character to surge back from a two-goal deficit and secure a valuable point, which puts pressure on Saltash United as the two Cornwall clubs compete to be champions and gain automatic promotion.
KEY MOMENTS
The first half
At the half-way point Mousehole are looking well in control as they seek the win that would secure the title, but have yet to test The Robins’ goalkeeper Oliver Saunders
40’: Goal for Bridgwater United. In the only noteworthy incidents so far, Mousehole keeper Ollie Chenoweth has had to go full-length to save a low 30-yard free kick (35’), while at the other end Harry Bell has missed the target with a first-time volley from Hayden Turner’s cross to the far post (38’). But the hosts take advantage of a misplaced pass out of defence to force a corner, which is delivered to the far post for centre-back JACOB SPENCE to head home under the crossbar – a ‘trademark’ Bridgwater goal.
At half-time it’s Bridgwater United 1-0 Mousehole. Work to do for Mousehole if they are to get the three points, but Bridgwater are a strong side who look motivated to put the proverbial spanner in the works.
The second half
64’: Goal for Bridgwater United: Mousehole have made a bright start to the second period with Mark Goldsworthy stabbing just wide under pressure at the near post from Reece Thomson’s low cross (48’), but the home side have started to dictate proceedings, with Ollie Chenoweth making a great save to push a 30-yard shot out for a corner. From the flag kick, JACOB SPENCE is completely unchallenged on the edge of the six-yard box and once again heads into the net to make it 2-0. Two minutes later, it could have been 3-0 as Jack Thorne outpaces the stretched defence to create a one-on-one chance but fires over from inside the box – a goal that would have made it even more of an uphill battle for Mousehole.
88’: Goal for Mousehole. Jake Ash has made all five substitutions to strengthen his attacking options, but the goal comes from midfielder ANDY ELCOCK who arrows a fierce and accurate 25-yard drive into the far top corner that zooms past Saunders’ outstretched dive to make the scoreline Bridgwater United 2-1 Mousehole.
90+3’: Goal for Mousehole. Jack Calver has been receiving on-field treatment for two minutes after a crude late tackle and the hosts are using every tactic to slow the game down, but Referee Williams is clearly indicating he’s going to add on a lot of time. Two substitutes combine as Jack Bray-Evans muscles his way to the byeline and chips a cross into the middle where young JOSH BISSETT arrives with perfect timing and a great leap to head into the net for 2-2.
There’s no time for celebration as the Mousehole players are quickly back for the re-start. Bridgwater are under severe pressure and take two minutes over a throw-in, but Mousehole look for a winner in the further added-on time with two corners, and Jack Bray-Evans goalbound low drive hits the keeper’s legs. The final whistle goes on 90+9’, and a hectic last ten minutes ends with the scoreline Bridgwater United 2-2 Mousehole.
The hosts have successfully prevented The Seagulls from capturing the league title on their own ground, but the away point has created a five-point lead over second-place Saltash United, who must now win at Ashton & Backwell United (Thursday evening) to take the race for the title into the final day – if The Ashes draw or lose, Mousehole will become champions with a game to play.
MOUSEHOLE (with used substitutes):
Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell (Josh Otto 61’), Adel Gafaiti, (Josh Bissett 79’) Max Hill, Kyle Fraser (Jack Bray-Evans 64’), Reece Thomson (Callam Mconie 64’), Jack Calver (Capt), Paulo Sousa (Andy Elcock 61’), Tallan Mitchell, Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner
MATCH OFFICIALS
Sam Williams (Referee) with Leo Martin and Toby Franklin (Assistant Referees)
ATTENDANCE: 358
LAST-DAY FIXTURES – SATURDAY 22nd APRIL
MOUSEHOLE v WELLINGTON Trungle Parc, 3pm
Saltash United v Shepton Mallet
