PLYMOUTH MARJON 1-5 MOUSEHOLE

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2019

AT DERRIFORD ROAD CAMPUS

 

Mousehole picked up their fourth win in a row – and their second five-goal haul in consecutive away matches – with a measured performance on Plymouth Marjon’s synthetic pitch, to extend their 100% start to 2019 during which they have scored 20 goals and conceded just one.

The key to this latest success was the now familiar ball retention and recovery, quick passing and use of space – with Marjon in the end overrun and perhaps fortunate not to lose by a greater margin.

The hosts certainly did themselves no favours as they accumulated no less than six yellow cards for constantly arguing with referee Toby Scanlan’s decisions, including a self-inflicted second yellow and sending-off for Sam McGowan as he persisted in dissent after the award of a corner in the second half.  And his dismissal was immediately made worse for his team as centre back Ben Williams increased Mousehole’s lead by heading in the flag kick at the far post.

Paulo Sousa had put The Seagulls ahead in the 20th minute with a deft side-foot finish at the near post after Lez Cela had fed Hamza Kaid for a hard low cross from the right.  But the lead was short-lived as the unmarked Liam Donovan headed in a simple chance from close range five minutes later.  Sousa then put the visitors back in the lead seconds before half time, stroking in a penalty awarded after Dan Yeoman had been drawn in to a clumsy and unnecessary challenge on Hamza Kaid just inside the box, despite vociferous protests by the home side.

After Ben Williams’ goal, Mousehole were completely in control, with keeper Liam Hooks pulling off a succession of brave saves to thwart Gerens James, Kevin Nicholson, Lez Cela and substitute Amin Ahmed.  But he was powerless to prevent Hamza Kaid making it 4-1 with ten minutes to go after being put through by a Nicholson/James combination.

Marjon had a rare sight of goal five minutes from time when Donovan pulled his shot wide after a breakaway, ensuring that goalkeeper Jason Robertson had a quiet last hour.  Gerens James notched his customary score in added-on time, applying the finishing touch from a few yards out at the end of a prolonged siege on the home goal.

Mousehole’ last ten league fixtures of the season consist of eight at home and only two away, so optimism is high in The Seagulls’ camp for a rousing climax to the campaign, with the team currently in fifth place with games in hand, and matches against all four sides above them.

The first of those is this coming Saturday (23rd) when unbeaten league leaders Liskeard Athletic are the visitors, kick off 3pm.  The two teams drew 1-1 at Lux Park in November, with the home side grabbing an 88th minute equaliser.  Mousehole go into Saturday’s match knowing that a win would narrow the gap to just five points.

The following Saturday (2nd March) The Seagulls travel to Premier Division side Elburton Villa looking to achieve another cup giant-killing in the previously postponed quarter final of the SWP League Cup, kick off 2.30pm.

Mousehole v Plymouth Marjon:  Jason Robertson, Tyler Tonkin, Billy Curtis (captain), Ben Williams, Kevin Nicholson, Lorenzo Qerimi, Lez Cela, Paulo Sousa, Kaid Hamza, Gerens James, Dan Osomebi

Substitutes:  Liam Andrew (for Tyler Tonkin 46), Amin Ahmed (for Dan Osomebi 64), Callum George (for Lorenzo Qerimi 75), Asmara Bakayoko, Sam Shulberg

Scorers:  Paulo Sousa (20, 45 pen), Ben Williams (72), Hamza Kaid (81), Gerens James (90+4)

Referee:  Toby Scanlan

* The return match with Plymouth Marjon at Trungle Parc is on Saturday 6th April (3pm) – with free admission for all.