Mousehole goalkeeper, Ollie Chenoweth, has recently chalked up his 100th appearance for the Pitching In Southern League Division One South club, but it could have been a different story.
“I was ready to take a break from the game,” the popular custodian admitted to his club’s media. “But then a timely call came from Jake [Mousehole manager, Jake Ash] asking me to join the club, and I thought ‘why not?’
“That was four years ago now and I am still here. I wish the opportunity to come here had been there three or four years earlier because at that time I wasn’t enjoying my football and was losing my love for the game.
“Coming to Mousehole changed all that; this is like no other club I have been at, it’s the people that are involved, the players, the staff and those behind-the-scenes that make it such a special place.”
The 32 year-old has established a regular place between the posts as the Cornish club have risen to their highest-ever level, reaching the play-offs at the end of their first season at Step 4 last term.
“I hope that people sort of look at me and think that they can trust me,” he added. “They can rely on me during games and off the pitch as well.
“Naturally other positions take the glory and people remember the mistakes that the goalkeeper makes. They won't remember the minor details, not just the saves, but taking the pressure off, taking crosses when the team is under the cosh and building attacks from the back.
“That said, it always amazes me how many messages I get in the evening after games from the lads talking about certain moments that go unnoticed but changed games, which is always nice to hear.”
Saturday sees Mousehole entertain local rivals, Falmouth Town, in the second round qualifying of the Isuzu FA Trophy.
IMAGE: Mousehole AFC
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