A few seasons ago the Junior Cup was split into area competitions, since then this was the first time a team from West Cornwall had made the final as the last few season’s had been dominated by teams from the East of the County. Not only did Mousehole Reserves reach the final but they also emerged victorious with their win built on solid defensive foundations and a great wonder goal. Foxhole more than played their part in an entertaining final but ultimately it was the team that took their chances that lifted the cup.

Foxhole started the game quickly and put Mousehole on the back foot from the start with their strikers Richard Griffin and Benno Bould being willing runners looking to drive at the Mousehole defence at every opportunity. Foxhole got into some very dangerous positions in the first 15 minutes or so but they didn’t quite have the final pass or delivery to take the lead. On 20 minutes though they did create an opportunity, some nice build up play found Griffin in the box and his low left footed shot beat the keeper but was cleared off the line. This energised Foxhole who again came close, but a fine save from Dom Angove in the Mousehole goal and some last ditch defending ensured the scores remained level. Mousehole reminded everyone that they were dangerous and themselves were inches from taking the lead but Mike Fitchett couldn't quite connect with a dangerous cross from Callum George.

Foxhole responded and this time came even closer to taking the lead, the energetic Griffin again going close from 25 yards as his left footed drive rattled off the underside of the bar, it looked for all the world as it was heading in but Mousehole survived. The rest of the half saw defences on top and few further chances for either team, Foxhole had done most of the attacking and were just hoping they wouldn't regret the missed opportunities.

Second Half

The 2^nd half started in similar fashion to how the previous half finished with Foxhole attacking, however like the first half they didn’t create too many clear cut chances and on 51 minutes Mousehole took the opportunity with Caleb Marsden letting fly from 25 yards out. His shot arrowed into the back of the net and left Foxhole stunned with a stylish finish to put the team in green ahead.

A minute later Foxhole thought they were level, a cross from the right hand side took a deflection and looped up in the air, the on rushing attacker bundled the ball into the net but was adjudged to have fouled Mousehole keeper Angove. Mousehole made the most of their reprieve and on 58 minutes doubled their lead. Michael Fitchett latching on to a through ball and calmly slotting the ball under under keeper Matt Bullen.

For 30 minutes Foxhole attacked, and for 30 minutes Mousehole defended resolutely, putting bodies in the way of shots and crosses and limiting Foxhole to half chances and goal mouth scrmables. Try as they might Foxhole just couldn’t find the break through, with 10 minutes to go they came close on a couple of occasions, Griffin hitting the post and some penalty area pinball ending in the ball being scrambled away. However despite the endeavour and efforts Mousehole stood firm and won the Junior Cup for the first time in their history. Man of the match and centre half Ben Ward typifying their stubborn nature. A great afternoon in the sunshine with 417 in attendance, superbly hosted by Hayle AFC. 

Thank you to this years Junior Cup Sponsor Bond Timber.  

Foxhole Stars Squad:  Matt Bullen, Nathan Papaioannou, Chris Brown, Lee Whetter, Huw Morgan; Bradley Allen, Nathan Allen, Levi Kerrigan, Martin Gilbert; Richard Griffin, Benno Bould. Subs: Lee Reed-Bennett, Jowan Dingle, Aidan Dingle, Rory Barnacle, Ryan Wilkins.

 Mousehole Squad: Dom Angove, Matt Howes, Tom Hands, Ben Ward, James Tonkin; Jamie Simons, Joe Davies, Jason Simmonds, Callum George; Michael Fitchett, Caleb Marsden. Subs: Jacob Trudgeon, Alex Nixon, Ben Fewkes, Tom McGarry, Tom Hooper.