Mousehole’s first goalless draw of the season came at the hands of second-placed Exmouth Town on National Non-League Day, writes Ben Garland.
From the off, it was apparent that this was to be a close and competitive game, three weeks on from the two teams’ last encounter which ended 3-0 in Exmouth’s favour.
The first 20 minutes saw little final third quality from either side, with the only real chance coming from Town’s Ben Steer whose shot was well saved by Seagulls shot-stopper Ollie Chenoweth.
Mousehole’s only real chances in the opening half-hour came from winger Hayden Turner whose usual quick feet created space but ultimately poor deliveries meant the hosts were unable to get a stronghold on the game.
Chenoweth was once again called into action following a brilliantly hit Exmouth free-kick from the edge of the box which forced a fingertip save.
Of the 348 in attendance at Trungle Park, few would’ve argued against Mousehole being slightly fortunate to be level at the halfway point, with the visitors spurning one or two more big chances in front of goal.
Two minutes into the second half and Mousehole were forced into making an early substitute as full-back Josh Otto was replaced by Kyle Frazer.
The first opportunity of the second half came from Steer, whose looping header flew fractionally over the bar.
Chenoweth was once again required in what had already been a match full of massive saves, as Aaron Denny’s shot from the edge of the box was pushed out for a corner.
With ten minutes to go, Exmouth continued their attacking barrage, forcing an error from Seagulls centre back Mark Richards who lost the ball within Mousehole’s half, leaving Exmouth’s Steer one on one, only to be stopped by Chenoweth courtesy of a brilliant low save.
With five minutes left on the clock, the hosts made another change, as Andy Elcock came on for the first time since October 9th, ending a long spell on the sidelines thorough injury.
The last chance of the afternoon would see Mousehole’s Turner hit a curling effort from the edge of the box, forcing a fantastic save from Exmouth ‘keeper Robbie Powell who denied the hosts a last gasp winner.
The 0-0 draw means both Mousehole and Exmouth Town remain on the same points, with Town having played one more. The Western League now has a new league leader with Tavistock capitalising, as they beat Brislington 1-0, to go two points clear at the top.