THREEMILESTONE 1-6 MOUSEHOLE RESERVES
TRELAWNY LEAGUE DIVISION 1
MONDAY 23RD APRIL 2018, AT BOSCAWEN PARK
Already-promoted League leaders Mousehole Reserves travelled east to Truro for the second of their season-ending schedule of four away games in a week, and picked up another win in a fine performance characterised by huge team spirit with everyone playing their full part to earn the “FlyingAllTogether” accolade.
On a grey and overcast evening the rain held off until the closing stages of the match, as The Seagulls followed up Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 success at fourth-place Rosudgeon with a comprehensive win over the fifth-place Malpas-based side, to take them to within just three points of the title.
On this occasion, Player-Manager Harry Tonkin played a highly influential role from the touchline and while leaving all the hard work on the pitch to the younger players, none of them let him down and suggested there may be competition for his place!
Not long after kick-off, Mousehole had their first serious attack on the TMS goal, with Nathan Goodspeed’s shot going just wide of the upright. Shortly afterwards a brilliant cross by Michael Fitchett on the left wing found Lee Robinson on the right, who went past a defender to open the scoring.
TMS mounted attacking moves of their own, but a combination of solid defence work – with the back four of Matt Howes, Josh Storey, Tom McGarry and Joe Davies in impressive form – and a very determined mid-field ‘engine room’ keeping them at bay as was the case throughout the majority of the 90 minutes. The hosts did manage to put the ball in the net but the effort was disallowed by the referee for a foul.
Good work by Chris Bullock found JJ Simmonds in open space and the resulting shot doubled The Seagulls’ lead. Further good work from JJ returned the favour and Chris Bullock netted for a 3-0 advantage at the interval.
The second half started with another JJ/Bullock combination with the striker on target for goal number 4.
Louis Main who did some sterling work along the right wing throughout the game was replaced by Jamie Simons, quickly followed by Lee Robinson for Tom Patrick and Matt Howes for Tom Hooper. The momentum continued with another stunning pass from Fitchett on the left wing finding Goodspeed running on, who was then tumbled over in the TMS penalty box for a penalty. Chris Bullock stepped up for his hat-trick, the TMS ‘keeper made a great save, and Bullock was quick off the mark to net the loose ball for 5-0.
Nathan Goodspeed then found the net with a stunning shot from outside the box for goal number 6 to complete Mousehole’s scoring and give their goal difference a healthy boost.
Finally, TMS got a consolation goal when they were awarded a free kick just outside The Seagulls’ box and the resulting shot was deflected into the net off a defender leaving ‘keeper Jonathan Fitchett stranded.
So, it’s ‘full steam ahead’ for Mousehole Reserves with two games left to complete a superb season consisting so far of 15 wins from 18 games, two draws, one defeat, 70 goals scored and only 14 conceded. They are at third-from-bottom RNAS Culdrose on Wednesday evening (6.30pm), and then at third-from-top Hayle on Saturday (2.30pm).
The Seagulls are currently 8 points ahead of Penwith Exiles who have three games left, so one win will give them an unassailable lead and ensure they are promoted as champions in their first season since relegation from the Premier Division.
Squad: Jonathan Fitchett, Joe Davies (captain), Tom McGarry, Harry Tonkin, Jason Simmonds, Michael Fitchett, Chris Bullock, Jamie Simons, Matthew Howes, Tom Hooper, Nathan Goodspeed, Caleb Marsden, Lee Robinson, Josh Storey, Louis Main.
