Shepton Mallet 3-3 Mousehole (half-time 0-0)

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Saturday 18^th March 2023

At West Shepton Playing Fields

Uncharacteristically poor defending from three set pieces left The Seagulls with just a single point, and although the draw ends an exceptional 13-match winning run, it extends the unbeaten sequence to an amazing 26 and maintains pressure at the top of the table

The key points

In a goalless opening session that lacked cohesion on a soft bumpy pitch, both sides have had their chances, with the hosts looking slightly the more threatening.

54’:  GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  A corner is swung in from the right and it somehow goes all the way to the far post where the unmarked DANNY CONSTABLE has the simple task of prodding the ball into the net.  That was a gift for Shepton, who could be on their way to being the first team to beat Mousehole on their travels in the League.

69’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The to-and-fro nature of the game has continued.  Jack Calver sends in an angled free kick from 25 yards, keeper Easterbrook appears to lose the flight of the ball in the sun, it bounces off his knees and MARK GOLDSWORTHY is more alert than anyone to drive the ball home from ten yards.  Another mistake but a welcome equaliser for The Seagulls.

73’:  GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  A much-disputed free kick is awarded centrally 20 yards out, it’s floated leftwards, headed back across goal and JOSH JENKINS is in space and completely unchallenged as he converts with a first-time low shot from ten yards.  2-1 to Shepton Mallet.

77’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE:  In a rare passage of quality play, Hayden Turner is set free on the left edge of the hosts’ penalty area, and his chipped cross into the six-yard box is headed in by REECE THOMSON.  One of the better goals of the afternoon.  Now 2-2.

90’:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  The visitors have dominated the last ten minutes, with a penalty claim waved away after Easterbook brings down the advancing Josh Bisset, Reece Thomson volleying Jack Calver’s cross just wide, and the home keeper scrambling back to prevent Hayden Turners half-stopped shot trickling over the line.  This time Jack Calver surges forward into the area on the left and is clearly tripped by Joel Sisson near the byeline before he can cross.  This time Referee Bugg points to the penalty spot, and HAYDEN TURNER duly puts Mousehole into the lead.  Shepton Mallet 2-3 Mousehole.  Prolonged celebrations on the pitch.  The 14^th straight win – which would put The Seagulls top of the table for the first time – looks in sight.

90+5’:  GOAL FOR SHEPTON MALLET.  Referee Bugg decides a coming-together merits a Shepton free kick – and it’s in a similar position to the one he awarded before their second goal.  After a delay, the free kick is driven into the crowded box and looks to have been cleared, but the loose ball is immediately returned from the right and ANDY MARTIN stoops to head home (on 90+6’) from close in front of goal, to spark jubilation both on and off the pitch. 

Full-time straight after the re-start:  Shepton Mallet 3-3 Mousehole.  A six-goal second half, plenty of controversy, poor defending and a dramatic ending – but Mousehole’s point could prove its worth in the final reckoning.

Conclusion

These were the first points dropped by Mousehole since Bonfire Night, and only the second time in 29 League games they have conceded as many as three goals.

Mousehole now have seven matches left (details below) and will need to perform better than this when Shepton Mallet – no doubt motivated by ending The Seagulls’ long winning run today –  visit Trungle Parc for the return fixture in two weeks’ time. Leaders Saltash are two points ahead of Mousehole but have played two games more – and that will be three more, after their home fixture this midweek against top-three chasing Barnstaple Town.

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes)

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Josh Otto, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Jack Calver (Capt.), Steve Burt, Tallan Mitchell (Andy Elcock 66’), Reece Thomson (Paulo Sousa 90+3’), Jack Bray-Evans (Callam Mconie 68’), Mark Goldsworthy, (Josh Bissett 79’) Hayden Turner.  (Other substitute: Kyle Fraser)

Match Officials:

Daniel Bugg (Referee) with Ian Diamond and Jamie Carpenter (Assistant Referees)

Attendance: 313

Remaining fixtures for Mousehole:

This Saturday, 25^th March, 3pm

Away v Wellington

SATURDAY 1^st APRIL, 3pm

HOME V SHEPTON MALLET

Good Friday, 7^th April, 12-noon

Away v Helston Athletic

EASTER MONDAY, 10^th APRIL, 3pm

HOME v CLEVEDON TOWN

Saturday 15^th Aoril, 3pm

Away v Keynsham Town

Tuesday 18^th April, 7.45pm

Away v Bridgwater United

SATURDAY 22^nd APRIL, 3pm HOME v WELLINGTON