Words by Daniel Tatarsky; Photography Jack Tyler and Max English

Unseasonal rain saw Mousehole welcome Penzance for the inaugural match for the Tony Claypole Trophy. Tony, a Cornish footballing legend, played for both clubs and this was a fitting encounter to celebrate his memory. You can read more about Tony Claypole and the story behind this new cup match here.

Members of Tony’s family were at the match and his son, Jonathan, presented the trophy to the winning captain. Jon said: “The whole family, we’re so incredibly proud to have my father’s football legacy remembered in this this amazing event, by the two clubs that he was synonymous with in local area. So, the whole family’s so proud of this event and of future ones. Every year for the next few years – we’ll be here without a doubt”

Mousehole’s squad featured five trialists and two summer signings as Jake Ash and his management team prepare for another assault on promotion but it was two of last season’s stalwarts who set up the opener when Oscar Massey put in Tim Nixon after just four minutes. The lead was doubled five minutes later when one of the trialists crossed for Liam Prynn, recently arrived from Tavistock, to head home.

The first silverware of the season was sewn up before half time when a lovely flowing move ended with Nixon returning the compliment to Massey to slot home.

The scoreline did not reflect the high quality of Penzance’s play. A number of times they played through and around the home defence but lacked the Seagulls’ cutting edge.

With it being a pre-season game, half time saw a number of substitutions and this led to the play becoming a little fragmented with neither side making clear cut chances.

The only goal came from one of the Mousehole trialists, the same one who had provided the assist in the first half. This time he picked the ball up in midfield, burst forward and unleashed a rocket from thirty yards which almost burst the roof of the net. It was a goal worthy of winning any game and it put this one to bed.

Mousehole Vice-Chairman Deryk Heywood said: “I thought the idea of two local teams coming together to compete in this pre season friendly cup game in celebration of local legend Tony is a brilliant idea . Tony who had connections with both clubs and held in high regard, it’s a great way of bringing the clubs closer together in the community. I would like to think the PSF is always played in good spirit.
One thing that stood out to me is how moved the family were , something I won’t forget.”

As the rain continued to fall Jack Calver was presented the trophy by Jonathan, Tony’s son. A game played hard and fair with quality from both sides was a fitting way to remember the ex-Cobblers’ ace.