Tag: Mousehole

By Jeff Richardson

MOUSEHOLE REPORTER FOLLOWS HIS DREAM….TO BARCELONA

After two seasons with Mousehole, Pablo Woolls-Blanco will be reporting on his final match for the club this Saturday. Next week he flies out to Spain to begin a new career with FC Barcelona as a journalist, content creator and sports commentator for their brand new ‘BarçaOne’ platform.

A student at Falmouth University, Pablo has reported on Mousehole’s Western League title-winning run in 2022-23 and their first season in the Southern League which sees them within striking distance of the playoffs with eleven games to go.

As well as his weekly video match reports and articles for Cornwall Sports Media, Pablo has regularly reported live for BBC Cornwall from Seagulls games and has been a regular contributor to Rappo and Deac’s Cornish Soccer Podcast. His reports played a big role in Mousehole being shortlisted for the Football Content Awards 2023 and he was part of the team that represented the club at the award ceremony at Anfield.

Pablo with Ross Ellis of BBC Cornwall

Manager Jake Ash said he’ll be missed but is about to start an exciting adventure:
“We always knew that we were only going to have Pablo for a short amount of time. Not just because of his degree, but his ability in the role was so obvious from an early point.
We will of course miss him hugely. He has become part of our family. But we are all so excited for him and can’t wait to watch his career progress in the direction we all know it will.”

Speaking about his time with Mousehole, Pablo said: “It’s been a period I’ll never forget. I’ve gained incredibly valuable hands-on experience working as a journalist and reporter at a football club, but more importantly, I’ve made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I’ll always cherish everyone’s kindness from the first day I walked into Trungle Parc and to everyone who has helped me along the way, thank you so much. We’ll have these memories forever. It’s been an absolute pleasure.”

Pablo has worked under the club’s media manager, former BBC News and Sport producer Kevin Bishop. The role is part of a push by the club to encourage aspiring sports journalists to get hands-on experience reporting on football. Kevin has been more than impressed with Pablo’s talent: “I’ve worked with many BBC sports presenters over the years and to be honest, working with Pablo has been a very similar experience. He has a natural talent and dedication to his work that is worthy of anyone at a much higher level. I’m sure he’s going to be a great success at Barcelona. We’ll miss him!”

Jake Ash added: “No doubt he’s benefitted hugely from working alongside Kev, so to get this move, his dream move, is amazing for Pablo. It’s also amazing for our club and the platform that Kev has given to him is something we try and do with our players too.”

In his weekly match reporting role, Pablo also benefited from working alongside Club Secretary Andrew Large who praised Pablo’s ability to establish himself quickly on the local football circuit: “He has the ability to analyse the state of play in a football match and translate it quickly and confidently into audio and video presentation, with engaging broadcasting skills. He’s a modest personality but with big ambition and has been a good colleague to have at matches – willing to collaborate and learn.”

By Jeff Richardson

JAYLAN WILDBORE JOINS MOUSEHOLE AFC

Mousehole AFC are delighted to announce the signing of 19-year-old forward Jaylan Wildbore.

Wildbore joins Mousehole having recently played for Southern League Premier Central side Stratford Town at Step 3, and before that two years at Fulham’s academy.

He has also benefited from having an early football education at Leicester City before bursting into a fantastic spell at Burton Albion, attracting the interest of Fulham. Wildbore is described as having a tremendous character and desire at such a young age and is a tall and strong forward with an eye for goal.

He will join two other former pro-club Academy players who arrived at Trungle Parc and took up residence locally in the summer – defenders Ryan Barrett (ex-Newcastle United) and Morgan Lewis (from Cardiff City). They will work together within the club’s unique technical coaching programme under the expert guidance of vastly experienced Head Coach, Andy Graham, supplemented by the remaining part-time players’ twice-weekly training sessions.

The Seagulls’ latest addition to the group shared his first thoughts as a Mousehole player after training on Thursday night:

“I want to get back to full-time football and training every day to keep sharp. I’ve been looking at a lot of the games and I just think, we get in great areas and keep possession well, we’re just lacking that final product and hopefully I can come in and score some goals. I’ve settled in really well – there’s a great attitude from the boys and you can see they really want to win.”

On what the coaching staff have asked of him during early conversations and his skillset as a forward:

“I think they just want a bit of energy upfront, someone that’s always looking to help the team secure the ball but also someone who can get in behind as well and score some goals. I’m very quick off the line – I love to play off a centre-back’s shoulder – constantly threatening, running in behind and being in and around the box looking for goals.”

On his excitement at getting started and potentially debuting this weekend:

“Honestly, I can’t wait. It’s been a while since I’ve had a flow of games and I’m really looking forward to seeing the fans and getting started.”

Manager Jake Ash expressed his delight at Wildbore’s signing:

“We are really excited Jaylan is here. Having seen a lot of footage of him, he has been everything we expected this week. His movement is excellent. He’s one of those strikers I used to hate marking in that he’s always on the move, looking for the next pass or action. He’s added a real energy and voice into the sessions this week and I love his genuine enthusiasm and hunger to be better.”

Ash continued: “He’s still got lots of areas of his game to develop and I’m confident he will do that here and be a great addition to the squad.

Mousehole’s Head of Football Adam Fletcher shares Ash’s optimism with Wildbore’s addition to the squad:

“Jaylan is a really exciting addition to an already strong group of forward players. We have been looking for a striker who enjoys scoring all sorts of goals for some time now and Jaylan is that type of number 9. After speaking to him it was obvious he was going to be a good fit for the group. He’s ambitious, confident, and raring to go.”

Jaylan Wildbore will be sponsored by Gary Hocking. The newcomer will be available for Mousehole’s next home game this Saturday (20th January, 3pm) against Yate Town in the Southern League Division One South.

By Jeff Richardson

EXCITING YOUNGSTER EVANDER GRUBB SIGNS FOR THE SEAGULLS

Mousehole AFC are delighted to announce the signing of 19-year old forward Evander Grubb.

The youngster joins Mousehole from fellow Southern League side Bristol Manor Farm, where he has been gaining experience of senior football, while also dual-registered with National League South club Taunton Town.

He has previously benefitted from an impressive early footballing education at Bristol Rovers, Huddersfield Town and Newport County, having being described by his managers and coaches as having huge potential by virtue of his game intelligence, technical ability, tenacity and pace.

As a 16-year old at Bristol Manor Farm, Evander hit the national headlines as the youngest ever player (at the time) to score a goal in the history of the FA Cup – in fact, on that occasion he made his debut and scored twice in a Preliminary Round tie.

He will join two other former pro-club Academy players who arrived at Trungle Parc and took up residence locally in the summer – defenders Ryan Barrett (ex-Newcastle United) and Morgan Lewis (from Cardiff City).  They will work together within the club’s unique technical coaching programme under the expert guidance of vastly experienced Head Coach Andy Graham, supplemented by the remaining part-time players’ twice-weekly training sessions.

Mousehole’s Head of Football Adam Fletcher explained the background to the signing: 

“Evander caught our eye earlier in the season when we played at Bristol Manor Farm.  Our ‘Player Trader’ contact Julian Joachim and his colleagues watched him in action a few weeks ago and recommended him as a player they believe has a huge future in the game and would benefit from the coaching regime at Mousehole.  Evander has all the attributes we look for, and together with his desire to help us kick on and at the same time take his own career to the next stage, it’s a win-win situation”.

Manager Jake Ash is keenly anticipating how Evander develops at Mousehole:  “He is a young man I first saw in the summer of 2022 and he instantly impressed as a bright and exciting player who you want to see have the ball: a proper ‘bums off seats’ type.  This opinion was further enhanced by watching him up close in our game at BMF in September, when he was an important part of probably the best front line we have come up against this season.” 

Jake Ash also wished to place on record the club’s full appreciation of the ready support of Bristol Manor Farm and their Manager Lee Lashenko in positively assisting with Evander’s departure and his best wishes for the next stage of his football career. “In all my dealings with Lee, he has shown the proper way for managers to go about their business.  He is someone I greatly respect and feel I can pick up good habits from.”

Seagulls’ Chairman Deryk Heywood added:  “We extend to Evander a very warm welcome to the Mousehole Family, and also applaud our management team who are working so hard to bring in the right calibre of player.  It must be said:  Evander has come here to further develop his game, and certainly not for the money on offer.  To set the record straight, and in complete contrast to what is repeatedly alleged – without any basis in fact – Mousehole operates within strict and sustainable financial limits.  It does not have a wealthy owner, benefactor or investor, nor any external financial support for the accommodation it rents for the three players who have recently arrived from further afield – nor for the substantial costs of operating at Step 4, including in our case this season’s 7,500 miles of away travel.  Apart from access to the same partial grant funding as other clubs, we earn our operating income by attracting sponsorship and advertising, running the adjacent campsite and providing a widely-appreciated match day experience – all thanks to the relentless work of our unpaid volunteers.”

The Chairman went on to say:  “We are immensely proud to be a Southern League club, with a squad that has probably one of the smallest playing budgets in the Division, and not one single player receiving anywhere near the impressive sums reportedly being paid out elsewhere in the region. We are delighted that Evander has come here solely for footballing reasons and that he and his family have recognised the benefits of the Mousehole approach.”

Evander will be sponsored by his sister Esther Dodd’s company, ‘Broadies Supplements’. The newcomer will be available for Mousehole’s next Home game this Saturday (16th December, 3pm) against Salisbury-based Bemerton Heath Harlequins, who were also promoted to the Southern League this season.

Best Football Club in West Cornwall
By Jeff Richardson

MUCH TO CELEBRATE IN A GOOD DAY ALL-ROUND FOR MOUSEHOLE AFC

Mousehole 5-0 Cadbury Heath

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 4th February 2023

At Trungle Parc

Saturday was an important day for everyone connected with Mousehole AFC: 

  • The First Team beat Cadbury Heath to record their biggest winning margin of the season and move into second place in the League 
  • Before kick-off, nine members of the club were presented with long-service awards by the Western League
  • To complete a trio of weekend wins for the club’s Senior teams, the Development Team kept their promotion hopes alive with a commendable away win at Helston, and the Women’s Team achieved a notable away success at Bodmin in the Cornwall Women’s Cup to reach the semi-final.

MOUSEHOLE v CADBURY HEATH

Scorers:  Mark Goldsworthy 19’, Callam Mconie 23’, Jack Calver 38’, Mark Goldsworthy 52’, Hayden Turner 90+1’.

Key moments:

19’:  Mousehole have been on top since the start.  Jack Bray-Evans tries his luck with a low shot from 20 yards, Heath goalkeeper Jordan Schofield is out of luck as the ball runs free from his attempted save, and MARK GOLDSWORTHY is the first to react with a close-range finish.  1-0.

23’:  Half-way through the opening period, Jack Bray-Evans provides another assist with a powerful move into space on the left and a pass inside the box where CALLAM MCONIE drives into the net from 12 yards for 2-0.

38’:  Mousehole score again to make it 3-0 with a goal similar to the first – Hayden Turner shoots right-footed from 18 yards, Schofield half-stops it and captain JACK CALVER pounces.

At half-time it’s 3-0 to The Seagulls, who are in confident mood with lots of possession, quick passing and incisive movement

52’:  Young substitute Jack Symons makes a quick break deep into Heath territory and his perfectly-placed square ball leaves MARK GOLDSWORTHY to finish off the move from six yards – his second goal of the match and Mousehole’s fourth

90+1:  HAYDEN TURNER sprints 30 yards on to Andy Elcock’s defence-opening pass inside the full back, to slide the ball past the advancing Schofield to complete the scoring at 5-0.

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Harry Bell, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Andy Elcock, Jack Calver (Kyle Fraser 46’), Callam Mconie (Josh Bissett 60’), Jack Bray-Evans (Jack Symons 35’), Mark Goldsworthy, Hayden Turner. 

Other substitutes:  Lewis Moyle, Steve Burt.

Attendance:  118

Match officials:  Paul Kempen (Referee) with Dave Rowe and Alan Hoon (Assistant Referees)

Conclusions:

Saturday’s results – a big win for Mousehole and a defeat for Bridgwater United – mean that The Seagulls move into second place, their highest placing this season, with 14 games left, five at Home and nine Away.  They are now two points above Bridgwater United, with one game in hand and the same goal difference.  Leaders Saltash United are five points ahead of Mousehole but have played three games more.

Mousehole are now undefeated in their last 18 League games since mid-August, with 14 wins and four draws.

Fixtures for Mousehole

All Western League Premier Division

Saturday 11th February, 3pm

Away v Welton Rovers (currently in 10th place)

SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY

HOME v ASHTON & BACKWELL UNITED (9th)

Saturday 25th February, 3pm

Away v Buckland Athletic (6th)

SATURDAY 4th MARCH, 3pm HOME v BRIDGWATER UNITED (3rd)

Mouse vs Helston Boxing Day 2022
By Jeff Richardson

MOUSEHOLE WIN ‘LOCAL DERBY’ WITH SECOND-HALF SURGE

Mousehole 3-0 Helston Athletic

Western League Premier Division

Boxing Day, Monday 26th December 2022

At Trungle Parc

GOALS:  Hayden Turner 53’; Jack Rhead 80’, 89’

SUMMARY

A much-improved performance after the interval saw Mousehole reach the halfway point of the season with the win that extends their unbeaten League run to 14 games and 18 weeks, and keeps them handily placed in the top four places in the table

KEY POINTS

There’s a season’s-highest League attendance of 274 for this mid-day encounter between the two most westerly clubs in the Division, with Mousehole in 4th place and Helston just a few points behind in 7th from the same number of games played.

The pitch surface is soft and likely to cut up after the overnight rain.

Before kick-off a minute’s silence is held in memory of the Penlee Lifeboat crew lost a few days before Christmas 41 years ago, and the recent passing-away of long-standing Seagulls’ supporter Keith Richards.

After an end-to-end first half with both goalkeepers busy the score is 0-0 but Helston have created the better chances and looked the more likely to score.

GOAL for Mousehole on 53 minutes:  Debutant Jack Bray-Evans wins the physical battle with Josh Storey inside the visitors’ penalty area, his low shot is kept out by keeper Cory Harvey’s boot, and HAYDEN TURNER is unchallenged as he rolls the ball into the empty net from six yards.

Substitution for Mousehole, 72’:  Andy Elcock is replaced by Paulo Sousa in midfield

Substitution for Mousehole, 75’:  Jack Bray-Evans is replaced by Jack Rhead in an attacking role

GOAL for Mousehole on 80 minutes:  A very important goal for the hosts as the visitors were coming back strongly into the game.  Hayden Turner races in from the left behind his marker, his goal-bound low shot is only half-saved by ex-Mousehole keeper Harvey, and recent substitute JACK RHEAD is in the right place to sidefoot the loose ball home.  Scoreline 2-0 with two very similar goals.

Substitution for Mousehole, 84’:  Reece Thomson is replaced by Callam Mconie

GOAL for Mousehole on 89 minutes:  Hayden Turner again wins the sprint race on the left and his low cross is converted with great composure by JACK RHEAD for his second goal.  Now 3-0, with all the goals involving Hayden Turner and all scored from the edge of the six-yard box.  

Substitution for Mousehole:  Hayden Turner is replaced by Jack Symons

Full time whistle at 90+2 minutes.  Result: Mousehole 3-0 Helston Athletic

CONCLUSION

With League leaders Saltash losing and second-place Bridgwater drawing, today’s Mousehole win means they are 11 points behind Saltash with four games in hand, 10 points behind Bridgwater with two games in hand, and two points behind third-place Shepton Mallet with one game in hand.  Significantly, Mousehole have still to play both Bridgwater and Shepton Mallet twice in the second half of the season.

MOUSEHOLE LINE-UP v Helston Athletic (with used substitutes shown)

Ollie Chenoweth GK), Steve Burt, Adel Gafaiti, Max Hill, Kyle Fraser, Reece Thomson (Callam Mconie), Jack Calver (captain), Andy Elcock (Paulo Sousa), Mark Goldsworthy, Jack Bray-Evans (Jack Rhead), Hayden Turner (Jack Symons).

Other substitute:  Jude Boyd

MOUSEHOLE FIXTURES – JANUARY

Bank Holiday Monday 2nd January, 3pm

Away v Clevedon Town (WLP)

Saturday 7th January, 3pm

Away v Bridgwater United (WLP)

TUESDAY 10th JANUARY, 7.45pm

HOME v BUCKLAND ATHLETIC

Les Phillips (WL) Cup 1st Round

SATURDAY 14th JANUARY, 3pm

HOME v WELTON ROVERS (WLP)

Saturday 21st January, 2pm

Away v Millbrook (WLP)

Saturday 28th January 3pm

Away v Street (WLP)

By Jeff Richardson

IMPORTANT AWAY WIN FOR THE SEAGULLS AS THEY ENTER THE ‘HOME STRAIGHT’

 Brislington 0-2 Mousehole

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 26th February 2022

At Ironmould Lane

Summary:

The Seagulls collected another vital three-points to consolidate their League position as they chase a promotion spot, two first-half goals enough to overcome their south Bristol hosts.

Pre-match points:

Brislington have been a Western League Premier club for 25 years, finishing runners-up in 2003 and 2013. Since the latter success, they have been a mid-table side, and are currently 14th with eight wins from their 25 games.

Mousehole found Brislington a hard-to-beat side in the 2-0 home success at Trungle Parc five weeks ago, the win coming with a late goal in each half by Jack Calver and Callam Mconie

Callam Mconie is serving the second of a three-match suspension after his red card at Clevedon.  Josh Otto has been injured in the warm-up and is replaced in the starting XI by Billy Curtis.

The key moments:

5 minutes:  Mark Goldsworthy is put through one-on-one, but ex- Manchester United and Huddersfield u23s keeper George Dorrington makes a good block to avert the danger

6 minutes:  Good chance for Brislington, as Saunders advances rapidly down the hosts’ left hand side and into the Seagulls’ penalty area but as Ollie Chenoweth comes out to narrow the angle the shot sails past the far post

9 minutes:  Mousehole on the offensive.  Billy Curtis’s looping right-wing cross dips into the side netting

11 minutes:  This time it’s Tallan Mitchell who gets in a cross from the byeline – Hayden Turner is unchallenged at the far post but can’t direct his header under the bar

16 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  LOUIS PRICE makes one of his trade-mark runs from the right near the half-way line, deep into home territory, and as the last two defenders converge to close him down his left-foot shot wrong-foots keeper Dorrington and nestles low in the far corner – maybe a slight deflection?  Brislington 0-1 Mousehole.

19 minutes:  A penetrating pass from Jack Calver gives Louis Price another surging run towards goal and a sideways pass to Hayden Turner whose 15-yard shot is blocked

20 minutes: Jack Calver’s clever chipped pass just evades Tallan Mitchell in front of goal

21 minutes:  Brislington’s George Jones has a half-chance on the turn inside the box but hurriedly scoops it wide under pressure

25 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Loose control of the ball by home defenders 35 yards out enables Hayden Turner to run in on goal and attempt a side-footer towards the far corner – Dorrington does well to get down to palm it out but the predatory MARK GOLDSWORTHY has anticipated the chance and converts from 8 yards.  2-0 to The Seagulls.

34 minutes:  Louis Price drives in a fierce left-foot shot from 18 yards after another positive run – Dorrington is well positioned to punch it out

39 minutes:  Brislington send in a high cross from the right, a player goes down in the area, there are loud shouts for a penalty, all ignored by Referee Halford.

40 minutes:  Louis Price yet again sets up a chance for Mousehole, driving forward fully 60 yards, but Mark Goldsworthy turns the chance over the bar from 10 yards

45+1 minutes:  Mousehole lose the ball carelessly on the edge of their own area, George Jones has a sight of goal from the corner of the six-yard box but the off-balance shot is weak and Ollie Chenoweth gathers comfortably

45+4 minutes:  At half-time it’s Brislington 0-2 Mousehole.  The visitors are well on top but have only the two goals to show for it.  Brislington are battling away – the next goal could be crucial.

The second half:

48 minutes:  Nearly a third goal for Mousehole.  Hayden Turner heads downwards at the far post from Louis Price’s cross and keeper Dorrington keeps the ball out on the line with his legs

50 minutes:  Big appeals for handball as a Mousehole shot through a crowded area is somehow cleared off the line with the keeper beaten – Referee maybe unsighted and no reaction from the Assistant, so it’s ‘play on’

An hour gone.  Mousehole are well in control but not making the most of their possession.  Brislington are playing a ‘damage limitation’ game – successfully.

71 minutes:  Keeper Dorrington is the hosts’ hero again with an outstanding double save from Louis Price and Tallan Mitchell when a third goal looked certain

72 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – Steve Burt is replaced by Charlie Willis in midfield

80 minutes:  Dorrington in action yet again to keep out a threatening attack

83 minutes:  Double Mousehole substitution:  Mark Goldsworthy is replaced by Jared Sims, with Hayden Turner going to centre and Sims in midfield; and Louis Price is replaced by Jack Symons on the right side of attack

85 minutes:  Jack Symons carries the ball at speed into the home penalty area but shoots left-footed past the far post

88 minutes: Jack Symons crosses and Jack Calver heads wide at the far post

90+4 minutes:  Jack Symons creates a chance for Tallan Mitchell, whose shot beats the keeper but cannons off the post

90+5 minutes:  Full time – Brislington 0-2 Mousehole.  Not the best of games on an increasingly bumpy pitch.  For Mousehole, the points more important than the performance – and a clean sheet (and clean goalkeeper’s kit!) is another positive.

What this result means for Mousehole:

This win puts Mousehole two points behind Exmouth Town with two games in hand, and nine points behind Tavistock who have played three games more.  However, both Tavistock and Exmouth have a better goal difference, +44 and +40 respectively, compared with Mousehole’s +31.

Mousehole now face the final third of the season’s League fixtures with seven at home and five away, including potentially difficult ‘doubles’ against Exmouth, Helston and Keynsham.

Mousehole line-up (with used substitutes):

Ollie Chenoweth (GK), Billy Curtis (C), Mark Richards, Max Hill, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt (Charlie Willis), Tallan Mitchell, Jack Calver, Louis Price (Jack Symons), Mark Goldsworthy (Jared Sims), Hayden Turner

Other substitutes: Kyle Fraser, Josh Otto

Match officials:

Mike Halford (Referee) with Alex Setchell & Bobby Tutton (Assistants)

Attendance: 178 

Six Mousehole fixtures in March (all WLP):

  1. Saturday 5th March:  Home v Ilfracombe Town, 3pm
  1. Wednesday 9th March:  Away at Exmouth Town, 7.45pm  
  1. Saturday 12th March:  Home v Bridport, 3pm
  1. Saturday 19th March:  Away at Buckland Athletic, 3pm
  1. Saturday 26th March:  Home v Exmouth Town, 3pm
  1. Wednesday 30th March:  Away at Helston Athletic, 7.45pm
By Jeff Richardson

THREE GOOD AWAY POINTS AS MOUSEHOLE GET BACK ON TRACK

Millbrook 0-2 Mousehole

Callam Mconie (42), Tallan Mitchell (83)

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Tuesday 3rd August 2021

Mousehole’s first away fixture since moving up to Step 5 produced a well-deserved win in south-east Cornwall against fellow promoted Millbrook, both the result and the performance helping to overcome the disappointments of the opening day home  draw with Wellington.

Preview points:

  • This is Millbrook’s first game of the season, and Mousehole’s first visit for three seasons – since the days of their friendly rivalry in the SWPL West.  The stadium has been impressively upgraded since then.
  • Millbrook’s leading scorer Jake Foster is out injured, while Mousehole have made a few changes from Saturday, with Kyle Fraser, Sean Roberts and Callam Mconie all starting, but striker Mark Goldsworthy is not yet clear to play after head injury in pre-season.

The match:

2 minutes:  Millbrook have already had two free kicks from promising positions and a corner, as they start on full power

6 minutes:  Good chance for the home side.  The lively Ricky Shepherd has a free header at the far post but puts it wide.

7 minutes:  Shepherd creates space for himself on the edge of the box, forcing Cory Harvey into a full-length save to push the low shot out for a corner.

13 minutes:  Shepherd again – latches on to a through ball to just stay onside and has a clear run on goal, but Mark Richards puts in a typical burst of acceleration to catch up with the dangerman and force him to shoot hastily wide.

20 minutes:  This looks like the start of Mousehole’s two previous matches against Plymouth Parkway and Wellington – they just haven’t got going and the opposition ought to be in the lead (but they aren’t!)

22 minutes: We’re at the mid-point of the first half and The Seagulls at last get deep into Millbrook territory, with Tallan Mitchell whipping a 20-yard shot not far over the bar

25 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell again, with a driving run into the box and a shot that’s blocked by two defenders

27 minutes:  At the other end, The Seagulls survive as a first-time shot through a ruck of players rebounds off the far post and across goal to safety

37 minutes:  Josh Otto keeps Mousehole in the match with a superbly timed goal-saving tackle, with Shepherd driving the loose ball wide from 20 yards

38 minutes:  Signs of progress by The Seagulls.  Callam Mconie gets the ball on to his favoured left foot on the edge of the box but it’s straight at the keeper

40 minutes:  Better from Mousehole.  A sustained period of possession, forcing Millbrook back for the first time.  Kyle Fraser is making some great runs down the left, stretching the home defence, with Tallan Mitchell and Andy Elcock prompting and probing

42 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.  Kyle Fraser darts down the wing past two opponents, crosses invitingly into the middle and while the home defence is distracted by Hayden Turner, CALLAM MCONIE arrives at the far post to side-foot low into the net.  A sense of disbelief in the Millbrook ranks after their strong opening, but Mousehole have weathered the storm and started to play their way.

45+2 minutes:  Referee McFarlane turns down loud appeals for hand-ball as a quick one-two in the Millbrook area is cleared

Half-time:  Millbrook 0-1 Mousehole. Not the scoreline you would have expected from the opening half hour!

50 minutes:  Millbrook surge forward and Shepherd fires wide of the far post from an angle on the right

57 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell’s movement is causing the home defence a few problems – he seizes on a half-chance in the Millbrook box but is crowded out

66 minutes:  The Seagulls are looking in control.  Their ball-winning and retention is impressive.  Millbrook are caught between having to deal with Mousehole’s ability to switch play and find space, and the need to press for an equaliser

67 minutes:  Mousehole substitute – goalscorer Callam Mconie is replaced by Jack Rhead, who put in an eye-catching performance for Plymouth Parkway in the recent pre-season match at Trungle Parc.

70 minutes:  To make matters worse for Millbrook, they’ve got their hands full with the energetic and robust Jack Rhead playing centrally up front, with Hayden Turner moving leftwards. 

80 minutes:  Still no forward threat from Millbrook.  Surely they’ll need to do something in the last ten minutes?

83 minutes:  GOAL FOR MOUSEHOLE.   A classic!  Andy Elcock and Tallan Mitchell outmanoeuvre their opposite numbers in midfield, a chipped pass into space sees Hayden Turner take the ball down at speed and drive an instant low cross into the box where TALLAN MITCHELL races in to get there before the goalkeeper and backpedalling defenders to slot home.  Two great left-wing crosses, two goals!

84 minutes:  Mousehole substitution – Steve Burt replaces Sean Roberts

86 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell goes on a mazy run from deep but his 20-yard shot is straight at the keeper

87 minutes:  Millbrook have been nullified as an attacking force, but they gain a rare corner

90 minutes:  Mousehole break at speed down the right and Josh Magin fires wide

90+2 minutes:  Millbrook have the ball in the net but the header from an inswinging free kick is offside

90+3 minutes:  Tallan Mitchell sets up Hayden Turner for a one-on-one with the keeper but the side-footed shot from ten yards goes wide of the far post

Full time:  Millbrook 0-2 Mousehole.  A very good last 50 minutes sees Jake Ash’s team play the football they’re capable of.  Their first Western League win sets them up nicely for Saturday’s exciting first-ever FA Cup tie.

Mousehole:  Cory Harvey, Billy Curtis (c),Mark Richards, Josh Otto, Kyle Fraser, Sean Roberts (Steve Burt), Andy Elcock, Tallan Mitchell, Callam Mconie (Jack Rhead), Hayden Turner, Josh Magin.  Other subs: Charlie Willis, Jamie Devine, Piran Jones

Match officials:  Luke McFarlane (Referee) with Mark Ring & Alan Turner (Assistants)

Attendance:  193

Next:

Emirates FA Cup Extra-Preliminary Round, this Saturday, 7th August at Trungle Parc:  Mousehole v Helston Athletic, 3pm.

  • Mousehole’s first-ever FA Cup tie
  • A replay is mandatory if the match is drawn after 90 minutes (replay date before Thursday 12th August, kick off 7.45pm).
  • Prize money: winners £1125, losers £375
  • The winners will be at home in the Preliminary Round v Southern League (Step 4) Plymouth Parkway on Saturday 21st August

The 2021/22 season is the 150th anniversary of the FA Cup.

steven ziboth and jake andrew mousehole afc
By Jeff Richardson

SEAGULLS HIT SIX TO KEEP THE PROMOTION DREAM ALIVE

MOUSEHOLE 6-0 WENDRON UNITED

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE, DIVISION 1 WEST

SATURDAY 7TH APRIL 2018, AT TRUNGLE PARC

 Mousehole gained ample revenge for their 3-2 defeat at The Underlane in August with a comprehensive win over mid-table Wendron United, featuring a 15-minute hat-trick by Jake Andrew, and in so doing moved up to third place in the table.

The Seagulls made the most of home advantage in their 24th League match of the season, which leaves them eight games to play, five of which are at home including three against other top sides, and only five points separating the first seven teams.

Saturday’s game marked the start of a congested 30 days for the visitors, in which – as the team who have suffered the most from postponements in the Division – they have play 14 games to play, but to their credit they bounced back from this defeat to win 4-2 at Plymstock United the next day.

Mousehole took the lead in the 11th minute when Will Vouama advanced at speed down the left and his fierce left-footed shot from 15 yards was just too strong for goalkeeper Jack Mitchell.

Wendron had a couple of good minutes shortly afterwards, Scott Palmer shooting over from the edge of the box after a swift break, and then being thwarted by Liam Andrew’s last-ditch tackle in their next venture forward.

But apart from a floated cross which bounced off the top of the crossbar near the end, little was then seen of The Dron as an attacking threat as they were pressed back in their own half for much of the game, and Paul Williams, deputising for Steve Parker-Billinge in the home goal, could scarcely have had a quieter afternoon in the sunshine.

The Seagulls doubled their lead on 34 minutes, Paulo Sousa’s cross from the left being headed out to the edge of the area where Kevin Lawrence despatched a carefully-placed left-footed ‘daisy cutter’ inside the post.

Jake Andrew then was in the right place to notch a hat-trick, with all three goals coming from close range, the first on 59 after Will Vouama had opened up the visitors’ defence for Connor Davey to drive in a low cross, and the same combination worked again four minutes later to take the score to 4-0.  With The Seagulls well on top, goals looked likely with every attack, substitute Steven Ziboth having a shot blocked by Mitchell on 66, before Jake Andrew forced in number five for his three-in-a-row on 74.  Brother Liam came up from the back for a header cleared off the line on 76, Ziboth hit the post a minute later and then finally hammered the ball into the far corner from a tight angle after another dazzling run down the left with Kevin Lawrence the supplier.

Mousehole will have done their goal difference some good in a tight and competitive end-of-season, while at the same time their dominance could have enabled them to reach double figures.

Mousehole:  Paul Williams, Billy Curtis (captain), Calum Elliot, Liam Andrew, Paulo Sousa, Kevin Lawrence, Jordan Adlard, Josh Otto, William Vouama, Connor Davey, Jake Andrew

Substitutes:  Ryan Holland (for Jordan Adlard, 60), Yeshe Briar (for Calum Elliot, 64), Steven Ziboth (for C Davey, 64).

Scorers:  William Vouama (11), Kevin Lawrence (34), Jake Andrew (59, 63, 74), Steven Ziboth (78)

Referee:  George Pattison.     Attendance: 92.

*Mousehole’s First Team now face four matches in eight days, starting with the away ‘local derby’ against Ludgvan this Saturday 14th (3pm), away again on Monday 16th at St Blazey (7.30pm), the return fixture against Ludgvan at Trungle Parc on Wednesday 18th (6.30pm), and another home match on Saturday 21st against Bude Town (3pm).

*Mousehole’s three teams in action over the weekend netted a total of 31 goals while conceding just three.

  • The Thirds, a newly created team this season, beat Goonhavern Athletic 9-2, with Kalon Mayes scoring a double hat-trick, to go up to second place in Trelawny League Division 4 with four games remaining.
  • On Sunday, top-of-the-table Mousehole Women recorded a 16-1 win at RNAS Culdrose, with Sophie Wilson grabbing seven of them, to maintain their slender lead over last season’s champions St Agnes, with the title likely to be decided by the outcome of the two matches yet to be played between them – the first of which is this Sunday (15th) at St Agnes, kick off 2.30pm.
  • Meanwhile, Mousehole Reserves, who were without a fixture last weekend, remain the leaders in Trelawny League Division 1, with an 8 point lead over Penwith Exiles with five games left to play, all of them away, starting with an away trip to bottom club Lanner this Saturday (14th), kick off 2.30pm.

*Mousehole AFC youngsters Josh Otto and Yeshe Briar have been selected for the Cornwall FA Under-18s squad to play Devon in the South West Counties Youth Championship match at Wadebridge this Saturday (14th).

*Mousehole AFC will be running supporters’ coaches to the Cornwall Senior Cup Final against Premier Division Saltash United – postponed on Easter Monday because of a waterlogged pitch at St Blazey – on the re-arranged date of Sunday 13th May at the same venue (2pm kick off), with departure times and pick-up places the same.  Previous seat bookings will remain valid, but any additional bookings or cancellations should be notified to Vice-Chairman Peter Robinson on 07802 903073.

*The Cornwall Charity Cup semi-finals – featuring Mousehole v Liskeard Athletic and St Blazey v Wadebridge Town – which were due to be staged this week, have been put back to mid-May to allow the completion of the backlog of League fixtures after a record number of weather-related postponements in the Peninsula League.  Dates and venues for the semi-finals are to be confirmed, and the Final will be played later in May.

*Mousehole AFC have announced that their end-of-season Awards Evening will be held on Friday 1st June at The Lugger, Penzance.