TEN-MEN SEAGULLS’ LAST-GASP WINNER KEEPS PROMOTION HOPES ALIVE

Mousehole 2-1 Welton Rovers

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 21^st January 2023

At Trungle Parc

Mousehole scorers: Jack Bray-Evans 17’, Harry Bell 90+6’

Welton Rovers: Owen Punselie 88’

In only their third match since the beginning of December, third-place Mousehole were very nearly on the wrong end of an upset until a dramatic goal deep into added-on time gave them the vital three points against their hard-working north-east Somerset visitors

Key moments

15’: Welton – remarkable for being the longest serving members of the Western League at 120 years, and on their longest journey of the season – have made an impressive start despite their 16^th position in the table, while Mousehole have struggled to get their passing game going

17’: GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE. Mark Goldsworthy turns a forward pass ‘round the corner’ into space midway through the Welton half for JACK BRAY-EVANS to use his strength and pace to hold off his marker and slot a perfect left-foot shot low past giant keeper Dominic Oaks and just inside the far post from 15 yards.

30’: At the half hour mark the play has become scrappy and stop-start as Referee Rob Fleetham annoys both teams with his decisions and spends time lecturing them

45’: The half-time whistle ends a scrappy opening period with no time added on for the numerous stoppages. Mousehole 1-0 Welton Rovers.

Second half

59’: Mousehole make three substitutes as they look to freshen up their options on a soft slippery pitch that has begun to cut up: Reece Thomson, Paulo Sousa and Jack Bray-Evans are replaced by Andy Elcock, Callam Mconie, and ex-Hartpury University and now Plymouth Parkway forward Aaron Goulty

66’: Red card for Mousehole. Andy Elcock fouls Lewis Russell just inside the Welton half and Referee Fleetham surprises everyone by deeming it to be a sending-off offence. The hosts now down to ten men for half an hour, and a good chance for the visitors to get back in the game.

75’: Last substitution for Mousehole: Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by recent signing from Liskeard Harry Bell, who goes into the back four with Steve Burt coming forward to strengthen the midfield

88’: GOAL FOR WELTON ROVERS. The visitors have already come close with an effort cleared off the line, and have looked dangerous mostly from set pieces. This time a right-sided corner to the far post is headed back unchallenged for OWEN PUNSELIE to nod a simple header over the line. Mousehole 1-1 Welton Rovers – a major dent in the home side’s promotion aspirations.

90+6’: GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE. Fortunately for The Seagulls, the Referee has this time added on the necessary minutes for stoppages. Captain and today’s ‘man of the match’ Jack Calver lofts a perfect free-kick from 30 yards out on the right deep into the box where second-half substitute HARRY BELL marks his debut appearance with a brilliant downward header past keeper Oaks.

90+7’: The final whistle goes amid scenes of huge celebration as the ten men have grabbed an against-the-odds win that keeps their promising season on track.

With the leaders and second-place teams out of action, Mousehole remain in third place, but are now only five points behind Saltash with three games in hand and a better goal difference; and four points behind Bridgwater with one game in hand and two head-to-head matches to come.

Mousehole have now stretched their undefeated League run to 16 games since their one and only League defeat 21 weeks ago in mid-August (v Millbrook at home, 2-1).

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Steve Burt, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Jack Calver (C), Reece Thomson (Aaron Goulty), Paulo Sousa (Andy Elcock), Jack Bray-Evans (Callam Mconie), Mark Goldsworthy (Harry Bell), Hayden Turner. Other substitute: Jack Symons.

Next for Mousehole:

This Saturday, 28^th January, 3pm

Away v Street

Western League Premier

Tuesday 31^st January, 7.30pm

Away v Buckland Athletic

Les Phillips Cup 1^st Round

SATURDAY 4^th FEBRUARY, 3pm

HOME v CADBURY HEATH

Western League Premier

Saturday 11^th February, 3pm

Away v Welton Rovers