The Robins travelled to West Cornwall with both optimism and a determination to put right many of the shortcomings from their Tuesday encounter with Clevedon Town. With strong travelling support and buoyed by the two earlier wins over the home side, spirits were high despite the absence of several regulars.

In chilly, blustery conditions the early exchanges saw the hosts very much on the front foot and creating opportunities down both flanks. On eleven minutes a shot from distance appeared to bobble in front of Viney who was able only to push it away at full stretch The Mousehole captain was the first to react to put his side ahead.

After struggling to match the tempo and intensity of the home side midfield in the first twenty minutes, the Robins, with Tom Llewellyn and George King increasingly influential, began to grow into the game, although clear cut chances were few. Things took a turn for the worst around the half hour point as Jacob Spence was forced to handle in the area. Hayden Turner converted the spot kick with some aplomb.

As the second period began, the team in all green were soon back on the front foot moving the ball with good tempo to their flanks where they continued to pose a regular threat. Within minutes of the restart the ball was played through to the striker who rounded Viney but struck wide – a huge let off.

The home side were now in the ascendency as another incisive attach down the right saw a desperate challenge adjudged a penalty. That man Hayden again converting to stretch the lead to three.

Brereton, Crumb and Hiroli gave way to Durant, Woodrow (returning after a long spell out with injury) and debutant Acey Mead (leading scorer for BUFC u 18’s). These changes had a positive effect as Mousehole were forced to defend as they dropped deeper to counter the threat from the Robin’s subs. However, the quality of the play from the home side had not diminished as they broke clear once more to add further to their tally.

Despite this set back, the visitors continued to push forward with youngsters Durant and Mead looking comfortable and both causing problems for the home defence, with Mead forcing Chenoweth, the ‘keeper into a sharp save at his near post.

As the final whistle neared, the home supporters were soon cheering a fifth following yet another incisive attack. One final foray forward saw George King look up from wide out on the Robin’s left and arrow this shot into the far top right corner, much to Chenoweth’s obvious disgust!

This was a tough day ‘at the office’ for Dave Pearse’s lads but with, yet again, some surprising results elsewhere, fifth position is retained, just five points of second and with thirty-six still at stake.

Match Details
Match: Mousehole v Bridgwater United
Competition: Toolstation Western League
Date: Saturday 5th February 2022
Venue: Trungle Parc 
Attendance: 162

Teams

Mousehole: Ollie Chenoweth, Paulo Sousa, Steve Burt, Mark Richards, Josh Otto, Max Hill, Hayden Turner, Jack Calver, Mark Goldsworthy, Tallan Mitchell, Callam McConie.

Subs: Billy Curtis, Jamie Devine, Kyle Fraser, Jared Sims, Louis Price.

United: Jake Viney, Dave Thorne, Jake Llewellyn, Mark Armstrong, Ross Edwards, Jacob Spence, Ryan Brereton, George King, Tom Llewellyn, Sam Crumb, Adnan Hiroli.

Subs: Harry Durant, Nick Woodrow, Acey Mead, Sam Hedges.

Match Officials
Referee: Andrew Glanville
Assistant Referee Adam Price
Assistant Referee: Aidan Hagley

Who’s next? On Saturday 12^th February, United travel to The Lancer Scott Stadium to face Ashton & Backwell, 3pm.