MOUSEHOLE 1-1 HELSTON ATHLETIC
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY, TRUNGLE PARC, TUESDAY 7TH AUGUST 2018
Mousehole put in arguably the best performance of their pre-season programme involving four higher-division sides with a great all-round display against a Helston Athletic side aiming to improve on last season’s highly creditable 9th place finish in the SWPL Premier Division.
It was an entertaining and competitive game, with both teams including new signings, triallists and youngsters, and playing contrasting styles of football. Mousehole’s greater ball-winning and possession created more goal chances and with better composure in the final third they would have recorded a deserved victory.
Winger Steven Ziboth caused Helston major problems throughout the game, his partnership with Paulo Sousa on the left providing regular opportunities to run at defenders and use his explosive pace. He laid on the opening goal on 20 minutes with a characteristic burst to the byeline and a low cross which was touched in by the well-positioned Jake Andrew for one of his trademark goals from inside the six-yard box.
The Seagulls continued to look the more likely to score up until the hour mark, when a series of substitutions by the visitors enabled them to add more goal threat to their direct approach. And it came as little surprise when youngster Alex Wharton darted through the middle to latch on to another long ball to equalise in the 70th minute.
To their immense credit Mousehole showed huge resolve to withstand the expected Blues onslaught in an end-to-end last 20 minutes and indeed had the patience and positivity to fashion the better of the late chances.
Helston’s renowned manager Steve Massey was full of praise for Mousehole’s skill, application and teamwork – as well as the performance of his youngsters as they prepare for their opening game of the Premier Division season on Friday evening at home to Sticker.
Meanwhile player-manager Calum Elliot takes his new-look Seagulls’ squad to local Cornwall Combination League side Pendeen Rovers at Borlaise Park for their last pre-season friendly this Friday (6.45pm).
Mousehole’s SWPL Division One West campaign starts on Saturday 18th August when Plymstock United visit Trungle Parc (3pm), with free entry to all-comers for this first match of the season.
