I Won't Back Crawley Down

Newhaven FC away to Crawley Down Gatwick FC in the SCFL Premier Division at Haven Sportsfield

The Dockers are away to the Anvils at Hophurst Lane on a warm and humid evening in darkest Mid Sussex. It’s our first competitive game with the Dockers this season. They were knocked out of the FA cup away to South Park but then beat Roffey at home in the first league game. Lots of new faces that we can put some names to now the season is underway. Lee is ever present up front with Ezra and new boy Dexter Lambert. Some familiar faces in the back line too with Richmond Osei alongside Tarrun Rohilla and another new face, Elliot Bresciani as the covering 6 in front. Retainee Ash Wadhams and new starter Harry Hammond are our wide defenders. In the middle is Ryan Blunt and Corey Smart. Roman is in goal. The grass on the pitch is, well, it’s not a bowling green, but there are no bald patches. It is a nice setting, surrounded by trees behind the community centre. There are planes taking off from Gatwick going past every couple of minutes. It’s a bit more frequent and noisier than the ferry. It’s time to get on with it. Come on you Dockers.

The Dockers get the first chance but Lee heads just over. It’s all the Anvils for a while. Roman makes a good save but is beaten soon after. The Anvils get a free kick at about 30 years out. It hits the one man wall. The next free kick from the same range hit the one man wall again. How did they manage that once, let alone twice. A shot from the edge of the area hits the back of the net and the hosts are 1-0 up going into the drinks break. It’s still quite warm here. I don’t know what the Dockers were drinking but it works and we start to come into the game. There are a host of chances as Lee hits the post, Lee heads over and Dexter sees his shot saved only for Lee to put the rebound just wide. The Anvil do get a 3rd go at trying to get a free kick past the wall. This time, it loops way over the one man wall and everyone else. Dockers are in control and it’s Dexter's turn to put it wide now. Lee is fouled as he runs into the box on 44. The ref doesn’t hesitate to give a pen. Lee steps up to take it but it’s low and is well saved. How are we not 3 or 4 goals up now? Bonkers. The equaliser eventually comes on 45+1 after a scramble in the Anvil’s box. Lees’s shot is saved but the ball finds Dexter in space and he hits the target at last ⚽. The whistle goes and we’re off for a quick drinks break of our own. And maybe a quick lie down after that.

There’s a Dockers change at the break as Charlie Gibson replaced Elliot Bresciani in defence. The Anvils come out a better side. They start to bully the Dockers who are second to the ball and can’t keep hold of it when they do get it. The pressure leads to a couple of Anvils corners. The second is headed in at the near post on 48. 2-1. Dockers trailing again. Tarun is booked on 58 for having the audacity to get fouled. It’s a nasty one too and he goes off to be replaced by Leo Charman. The Dockers first chance since the break comes on 57. Ezra takes the free kick. He hits the target but it’s saved. A second Dockers change on 65 as goal scorer Dexter Lambert is replaced by Tariq Vincent. The Anvils come so close to extending their lead but it rolls just wide. Phew. The Anvils seem stronger and more determined, out muscling the Dockers all over the pitch. The Dockers need to be better to be able to play around them but it’s not happening at the moment. In the first Dockers move for ages, two passes out from the back and Lee runs onto the through ball, rounds the keeper and slots home on 75 ⚽. At last he is on the score sheet. 2-2. All to play for in the last 15 . Some hope. The Dockers find themselves under siege and only some desperate defending keeps the ball out. Ezra gets a good chance down the other end as Lee turns provider but he drags his shot wide. The refereeing is starting to impact the game with the Anvils starting to roll around like they have been shot and getting free kicks from nothing. The ref falls for it so badly, that we are tempted to see if he wants to buy a bridge. We think better of it, mostly because he might actually take us up on the offer and we don’t actually have a bridge to sell him 🌉. Blunty becomes a beneficiary of the ref's wisdom as stands his ground and the attacker runs into him. He should clearly have got out of the way and is booked for not doing so. We make a last change on 90+1 as Tommy Jupp replaced Ash Wadhams. There is one more chance for the hosts but the desperate Dockers hang on desperately. 2-2. The points shared and a fair result in a game of 2 halves. Downs were very unlucky not to have won it at the end but inherited Docker's bad luck from early in the first half.

The new look Dockers struggled tonight against a team with a much more settled line up. There were huge holes in the defence especially after the break. Without Lee, there would have been very little threat. But they had enough chances to put it to bed in the first half. How they didn't score 3 or 4 is a mystery. Some good play down the wings from Ezra and Dexter. The fighting spirit on display despite being second best was good to see. The Dockers 2.0, or are we up to 3 0, is a work in progress that shows some promise. It was our first time here tonight and it's a nice little ground and great for a bit of plane spotting. Thankfully, we didn't have to keep an eye on the Tranmere score tonight as it was called off due to a power cut across much of CH32. The Dockers have no game at the weekend, it’s FA Cup week and we’re not in that any more. Next up is a trip to Bexhill to visit Little Common.

POTM: Richmond gets the award 🏅 for some great one on one defending and becoming the long throw specialist.

The officials did well for much of the game but got less “consistent” later in the game. Anyone know where we can get a cheap bridge, we may have a buyer?

The Scran’O’meter thought the hot chocolate needed a bit of work so gave it 6/10 but they redeemed themselves by keeping the chocolate in the fridge🧊. Genius. Thank you.

See you soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Home of the Anvils

I Run The Line

Newhaven FC host Hailsham Town FC in a pre-season friendly at Fort Road

The Dockers ⚓ host the Stringmen at the Trafalgar Ground in the third pre-season friendly. The second was on Saturday and we  drew 2-2 with New Milton. The Stringers are a different level of opposition being 2 leagues below. We’ve only got one lino so a succession of the visitors players will be running the line on the stand side. Good for them. Any advantage they may inadvertently get will be well deserved. It’s very quiet in the ground. Except for the new tannoy system. There are a few in the stand but it’s empty round the pitch side. Can’t be more than 50 here. There was a much bigger crowd last week but it was nice weather for standing round the pitch with a cold beer. It’s a lot colder tonight and threatening to rain. The players come out and line up, the tannoy blares out the welcomes and we’re off almost on time. Come on you Dockers 🎉. 

The Dockers are attacking the Skate Park end and open the scoring on 10 as the Hailsham keeper shouts “keepers” as the ball comes into the 6 yard box. He tries to catch the ball but drops the at the feet of Blunty who accepts the kind offer and beats the defender to toe poke it in ⚽. 1-0. The Dockers No. 10 who we think is called Bill is everywhere, good with his feet and good pace. He gets his reward on 23 after a good run and quick 1-2 then runs into the box. His shot from wide beats the keeper at the near post ⚽. 2-0. The visitors are still in it and a goal back on 25 is only avoided by a great last gasp tackle by the Dockers No.5 inside the box. No important third goal for them. Instead it goes to the Dockers on 35. Lee runs clean through the defense and scores from inside the box ⚽. 3-0. The Hailsham defenders are complaining to their team mate who is running the line. He is very fair and advises them that Lee was offside just before but checked back just in time. He’s right too. No point in cheating in a friendly, they are expecting to lose but gaining great experience against a much better team. Dockers are pressing and get a corner on 36. It comes to nothing though. The Dockers fourth comes on 40 as the nifty No.11 is fouled as he runs into the box. Lee makes no mistake from the spot as he scores his 2nd of the night. 4-0. Lee turns provider now as he plays a neat pass across the box to No.10 who can't miss from the middle of the goal on 40 ⚽. The visitors have had a single chance in a half that finishes 5-0 at 45 with no added time.

The second half starts with a number of changes on both sides. Robbo has gone off, as has Blunty but the 10 and 11 are still on the pitch. A couple of changes in defence too,.  The visitors are getting a bit more of the ball now. We don’t have to wait long for a Dockers goal. The new left back No. 18, who we think is called Chris, makes a great run wide and deep before pulling it back to the No.10. He scores his 2nd and the Dockers 6th from the middle of the box on 52 ⚽. 6-0. The Hailsham keeper makes a fantastic save on 57 as the Dockers No.19 blasts from range only to see it just tipped over the bar. The resulting corner comes to nothing. The Dockers are soon attacking again though No.11 who makes a great individual run and finish on 59 ⚽. 7-0. Hailsham finally get their first corner on 63. It comes to nothing and the Dockers are straight down the other end getting corner themselves. It finds the head of the big Dockers centre back No.12 and it’s in the net on 65. 8-0. Hailsham concede a corner on 68 as the keeper tries to stop the ball when he should be letting it go out for a goal kick. He fumbles it and gives away a corner. Another Dockers corner that comes to nothing. So does the next one as it’s a great catch from the keeper. He’s having a slightly better half, just. We go 10 minutes without a goal and then the best goal of the game comes. No.11 makes a great run down the right wing, cuts back in and fires it into the net from outside the box on 79 ⚽. Boom 🚀. 9-0. Yet another Dockers corner comes to nothing. Into the last minute and No.18 hits a great curling shot from inside the box ⚽. 10-0 and it stays that way.

Well that was fun. We hadn’t realised that Hailsham were in the SCFL 2nd Division which is two leagues below the Dockers. What was impressive about them was their mentality. They played it like the training session that it was, from the first minute to the last. They were competitive but never distracted from the task by the scoreline. There were no tantrums or heads down. A great group. We wish them well for the new season. The Dockers looked good in places and are starting to gel better. Also a few players are starting to stand out. Not sure of names yet but it was No’s 10, 11 and 18. Bailey is going to have some competition at left back. The game will help build some fitness and teamwork and the result will help build some confidence. Some relationships are starting to build too. It’s looking good for the rebuilt Dockers. Not sure how many more of the pre-season games we will get to. Hopefully a few. Can’t wait for the season to start and hopefully a more settled line-up so we can learn some names.

POTM: is awarded to No.10 🏅who played both halves and showed great skill and fitness, working well with Robbo and scoring 2 goals. Well done Bill.

The officials, and un-officials, did well. A good balance of letting the game flow and keeping a bit of discipline. Saying that, it was a very good tempered game. A special mention to the un-officials, the Hailsham players, for running the line and making a great job of it.

Ferry watch ⛴: The Seven Sisters was already docked and remained so throughout the game. Need to check the timetable.

The Scran’O’meter was a bit disappointed with the hot chocolate today which was a little gritty. Poor show from Cadbury so only 6/10 today.

See you soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Fortress Road

Seven Sisters in parked up

Breach For The Stars

Newhaven FC host Whitehawk FC in a pre-season friendly at Fort Road

The Dockers ⚓ are back and hosting the Oakmen 🌳 in the first pre-season friendly at Fort Road. It’s the first of 4 home fixtures for the Dockers before the season starts in August. There are some managerial changes. Breachy is back with Clive Blunt staying on as assistant along with Ryan Watson. Cooky is back too. He is Head of Football covering both the Men’s and Women’s teams. It’s great to see the dynamic duo back as they have brought so much to the Dockers for the last 10 years. There are a lot of new faces in the squad. The ever present Lee (big) Robbo Robinson is at No .9. We think it’s Blunty at No. 4 and Joss at 8. One that is among the missing is our favourite no. 10, Alie Rogers, who is already scoring goals back at Whitehawk again. There are some familiar faces but we didn’t see the Dockers much late last season and there was a big turnover of the squad due to and not helping their performance difficulties. Last season, the Dockers won all 5 pre-season games and were flying. It came to a grinding (or crunching) end when Bussy got knocked out in the first Cup game and it continued to unravel horribly for much of the season. Let's hope for a better start to the competitive games this season. It's a nice evening by the Ouse but the wind down the river is a little bit keen. 7:45 comes and goes and we eventually start 7 minutes late. No rush ref. Come on you Dockers!

It’s the Dockers who are first to score after just 9 minutes. The No.7 runs on to a through ball on the half way line. He keeps going on a mazy run and smashes it home from inside the box ⚽. 1-0. Great goal No.7. The Oakmen equalise on 12 from a well worked free kick just outside the box. 1-1. They slightly have the upper hand as the Dockers find it hard to settle. The visitors take the lead on 37 with a shot from wide right after a good run. 1-2. No injury time is added and it’s still advantage to the Oakmen on 45.

The Dockers went off for some tea and biscuits while the Oakmen stayed on to run a few lengths of the pitch. A complete new set of Dockers, except Robbo, come out for the second half. The Oakmen are unchanged. The Dockers 2.0 equalise on 56. There is a goalmouth scramble and it comes out to the No.5 who is wide in the box. He volleys across the keeper into the far side of the net ⚽. Nice goal No.5. The Dockers get a corner on 58 and the Oakmen’s No.6 heads it into his own net ⚽. Thanks 3-2. And a nice diving header it was too. It’s been much better for the Dockers since the changes. More solid in defence and better connections all over the pitch. It turns into a game of long range head ping pong as the clock winds down. It finishes 3-2 with no injury time after a much better performance. Might see a few more of Dockers 2.0 in the starting line up next time out. The score doesn't matter in a friendly. Yeah right. Tell that to the players. A win makes a better watch too. It’s going to be an interesting pre-season with so many players on the books. A good few looked promising but we’ll have to wait to find out their names. We’ve got a Pre-Season Ticket for all the home games. Not sure how many we will get to yet. I wasn’t the world’s best football tonight but it was ok and it’s very good to be back in the crowd. Here’s to the rest of 25-26.

POTM: goes to the Dockers defender wearing No.16. Good with his head and his feet. Hope to see more and find out who he is.

The ref was very friendly and chatting and managed the game very well. There was a single decision that we, and the Docker involved, disagreed with and it looked like a howler. He gave a goal kick for a clear Dockers corner. Got the rest right though and the tone of the game was spot on, keeping the friendly, friendly.

The Scran’O’meter enjoyed the hot chocolate ☕ 7/10 served from the shiny new kitchen 10/10.

Ferry watch:  ⛴ Côte d'Albâtre came in spot on time. Well done Captain.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Sunshine by the Ouse

Small boats

It's a big place and I'm small

If you're Aggie and you know it

England Women host Portugal Women in the Nations League Group Stage at Wembley Stadium

The Lionesses 🦁 host the Navigators 🧭 at Prenton Park South. Let’s hope the Navi’s lose their way tonight. It’s matchday 5. These 2 met on match day 1 back in February when they played out a draw in Portimao . We have beaten Spain since then but a win and a loss against Belgium leaves us 2nd in the group behind Spain. England need to win tonight to stay within touching distance of the semi-finals. That loss away to Belgium could prove costly. Spain are building form as Portugal and Belgium are dropping away. The Lionesses also need to start building some momentum going into the Euros. There is some good news on the team front. LJ, Georgia and Alex are back from long term injuries. Hempo gets a start but the others are on the bench. The biggest news (shocking even) is that Mary Queen of Stops, announced on Tuesday that she was retiring from international football with immediate effect. The news shocked everyone including Serena who now has a squad of only 26 instead of 27 tonight. Millie has also dropped out to allow her long term recovery. Take care Millie. Hope to see the fully functioning Milliedozer back soon. She is replaced in the squad by Lotte. Lessi is also missing due to an injury picked up as Arsenal beat Barcelona 🤣 in the Champions League Final 🏆 in Lisbon last Saturday. Ella Toone has also dropped out due to an injury sustained in the football 7’s at the weekend. She missed the final which they lost to Bayern Munich. Not sure if her injury was sustained in the football or the pre-match “displays”.  So the 27 squad is down to 23 for this fixture. Hoping that Tooni and Lessi are back for Tuesday. Inevitably, Hannah is in goal.  Leah and Esma Morgan are central with Lucy and Jess Carter are out wide. Kiera, Grace and Jess Park are the 6, 8 and 10. Up front are Beth, Aggie and Hempo. Brighton duo Nikita and Fran are on the bench as is loanee Michelle. Hope we see all of them later. Ex-Seagull and midfielder Tatina Pinto starts for the Navigators. The Navigators have never beaten the Lionesses.  Long may that continue. It’s nearly time to start. There are fireworks and wheelie bins of fire. We hold up our to make the St Georges flag for the national anthem. We clap the players as they take the knee then we are underway. The cards are quickly rolled into clackers to make some noise.  Come on Inglund

The Lionesses are aggressive from the kick-off. They press high. Jess Park ‘liberates’ the ball and Aggie shoots across Pereira to score in the 3rd minute ⚽. 1-0. Take that. We have barely stopped cheering when Hemp gets clear down the left. The ball is scuffed by Aggie but Beth’s shot bounces up and Lucy is on hand to head it in ⚽. Five minutes gone and 2-0. The third goal is going to be a big one.  Jess C and Hempo are causing havoc down the left . Serena has found a good combo there. Portugal finally get a chance but it skims off the outside of the post after a corner. We haven't seen much of Serena. She pops out every now and then. Working on a pint at the bar? It calms down a bit now but England are still fully in control. A Lucy Bronze cross finds the head of Aggie and it’s 3-0 on 26 ⚽. Portugal are struggling to defend and England have their tails up. It’s Beffy’s turn to score as she pickpockets the defence and slots it home on 29 ⚽. It’s done now. England ruthless and Portugal helpless. Aggie’s first Wembley start results in a first half hat trick as she makes it 5-0 on 33 ⚽ with some great play after a long ball from Leah. We are excited and exhausted. The Lionesses have been devastating. It’s so close to 6 as Beth puts in a great cross but Lauren launches herself at it but doesn’t quite reach it. It’s Lauren who now turns provider as she puts in a great cross but Grace can’t quite get to it. Into 3 minutes of added time. Enough for another goal or 2. Portugal get a sniff of a chance but it’s still 5-0 at the break.  Aaaand breath.

Are we are going to see Serena make some early changes to rest legs or will she stick to the usual plan and make the changes at the hour mark? It looks like the latter as the starting 11 come out for the restart. Hope we will see more ruthlessness (and goals) but are expecting Portugal to be a bit more organised now. It turns into a more even game as the Navigators finally discover some composure. There are chances at both ends before the changes start. Lucy, Lauren and Esme make way for Maya, Chloe and Alex. It’s all like for like with Maya back in her old Brighton job of right back. Alex’s left foot will help with long balls out to the right. We don't see why but Chloe seems to fall out with the Portuguese no 21 Ana Capeta. It’s not going to end well. Portugal in a rare foray forward and earn a free kick about 30 yards out. She goes for goal but it goes just over. Alex’s left foot pays off with a long pass to Beth. Chloe heads home from the resulting cross on 62 ⚽. 6-0. Chloe loves a goal at Wembley apparently 👕🏃. There are more changes on 67 as Super Fran Kirby replaces Jess Park who has had a fantastic game in the 10. We nearly get a 7th but Alex hits the bar and Chloe can’t head the rebound on target. There are big cheers on 75 as Georgia is welcomed back to replace Kiera who has also had a good game. The changes have taken the fluidity out of the Lionesses but it will be some good minutes for the returning players. We get just one more chance. Beth and Aggie are involved. Two starters still full of energy and creativity. Only a good save prevents Aggie’s 4th and England’s 7th. There are only 3 added minutes but the scoreboard clock stops at 90 for some reason. It’s soon over and the Lionesses have sealed 3 back to back home wins in the Nations League scoring 12 goals and conceding zero. It’s time for Sweet Caroline as we head for Wembley Park and the Metropolitan line.

Wow. What a performance and result. We've not seen the Lionesses perform like that for a while and never at Wembley. Really needed that. Us and them. Unbeaten at home since that awful Germany game. Everyone played well and worked really well together. The changes disrupted things a little but Serena will have learnt a lot from that. We wanted a Norway style 8-0 but there are big names missing and she quite doesn’t have the super-subs option that she would like. Grace was the least fantastic but charging the defence with the ball at her feet was maybe her assigned role although she did keep running into roadblocks. No moaning though. Fantastic team performance. It was, in reality, all over in 5 minutes. Done and dusted in 30. And a first half hat trick for Aggie was something special to watch. Serena may have lost her headache over her choice of goalkeeper but she now has serious competition for the no. 9. Nice problem to have. She will be pleased to have Alex and Georgia back and Hempo straight back in and on fire. The crowd was about as expected tonight at 48531 which is a little over half full but that seems normal for a Friday evening. It’s time for a summer break now after what has been a mixed season. There have been good times and not so good but it’s ended on a bit of a high. Time for some R’n’R now before the Rover coaster starts it’s journey all over again.

POTM: can only go to one player and it’s the first half hat trick hero, Agatha Beever-Jones ⚽⚽⚽.

The ref and officials did well, kept it flowing and the players safe. Thanks

Basil watch: We were early so no sign outside the stadium. Saw him at a distance inside but couldn’t find him for a selfie.

The Scran’O’meter loves the Victoria Station Spoons and gave the BBQ burger 🍔 a 7/10. We’ve also got the hang of bottle tops here as we took an empty bottle in with the lid hidden under my hat.

See you next season.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Fire and Smoke

Heading for the Arch

A win at Wembley

Treblemaker

Chelsea v Manchester United in the Adobe Women's FA Cup Final At Wembley

We are back at Prenton Park South as the Blues take on the Reds in a repeat of the final 2 years ago. It’s the World's greatest cup competition and the 2 previous winners are trying to get their hands back on the famous trophy. The Blues are up for the treble having already won the WSL and the cup formerly known as the Conti Cup. The Reds are trying for back to back trophies. They lost to Arsenal in a 7 goal thriller so finished 3rd in the WSL. The season ends here with the FA Cup Final which is as it should be. We’re way up in the cheap seats with a good, although distant view of the whole pitch. The pitch is looking great after yesterday's men’s final but it did get a good watering afterwards. #PepsTears. We’ve had a selfie with Basil, fallen out with the security and made it up to the lofty heights above the dugouts and tunnel. The team sheets are out and the surprise it that it’s 3 at the back for the Chels. In Blue are Mille, Naomi and Natalie, Running up and down the wings are Lucy and Niamh. It’s Erin and Kiera in the middle. Up front are Aggie, Mayra and Sandy. Hannah is in goal as ever. Only Millie and Niamh remain from the winning team 2 years ago. The Reds have gone for a back 4 with Millie Turner and Maya Le Tissier centrally in front of Phalon Tullis-Joyce. Aoife Mannion is on the right and Gabbi George on the left. There is no Jade Riviere today. Miyazawa and Jansen are in the middle. Bizet and Galton are either side of Grace Clinton who is the 10. Terri is up front. The two goalkeepers are joint holders of the WSL seasons Golden Glove. We’re expecting this to be tense and nervy with so much at stake. But we’re hoping for an end to end goal fast. There are loads of people on the pitch. Oli Murs  🎶 comes on and does a new song that nobody knows and then “Dance with me tonight”. No sign of Troublemaker. There are wheelie bins of fire 🔥 joined by a few fireworks 🎆. It's not as exciting up here as it is near the front. It’s all cleared away very quickly and we’re off. Go Chels.

It’s all Red at the start with them dominating, mostly via Bizet on the right. A succession of corners leads to nothing. The Blues can’t hold onto the ball. It takes 10 minutes for them to settle into the game and start to get forward. It’s down the wings mostly, primarily on the left with Niamh and Sandy. It’s a bit end to end with chances for both teams. It’s so close on 20 from Ramirez but somehow PTJ keeps it out. The Reds are defending well but the Chels are starting to dominate. Cuthbert is everywhere & is fouled by Bizet after a corner. It’s a pen to the Blues which is eventually confirmed by VAR. It’s fun watching the spidercam hovering above the groups of players like it’s trying to eavesdrop. Sandy takes the spotkick and makes it count in front of the Utd fans ⚽. 1-0. There are 5 minutes added but the Chelsea confidence is up and the Reds are chasing shadows. Advantages Chelsea at the break.

A change for the Reds as Tooney replaces Millie Turner with Jansen dropping back into defence. They get an early chance as the ball in from Bizet finds the head of Terri but Hannah makes an easy catch. It’s a good start for the Reds. The first yellow card goes to Galton for a choke hold on Lucy. Terri hits on the break but Girma has the pace that has been missing at the back when holding a high line. Toone forces a better save from Hannah. Clinton is the next to get a yellow card for bringing down Erin. It’s soon reciprocated as Erin is booked for a foul on Grace. Leah Galton goes down in a tussle with Lucy. Play goes on as Lucy flags for it to stop. The ref eventually notices and gets thanked with a chorus of “you’re not fit to referee”. We beg to differ. She has let it flow without it getting too niggley. Kat Macario comes on to Gabby George puts in a great cross and Erin puts it just wide of her own net. Macario’s first shot is miles wide. Another Red change and it’s another defender replacing an attacker as Mannion is replaced by Malard. It’s Gabby George booked next for poleaxing Aggie. No regrets there. The Blues are starting to control again. with some nice attacking moves. Sandy is in the middle of it all. Aggie makes way for youngster Weike Kaptein. The Reds haven’t given up and are still looking for an equaliser but they are starting to tire from chasing the ball. Ten to play and it’s time for supersub Rachel Williams who replaces Bizet. Kat Marario makes it 2 on 85 as she heads home a Baltimore freekick ⚽.  2-0. It feels like job done now and the crowd can feel it. There are fans heading for the exits 🏃🏼‍♀️. Not in the Blue end, that is bouncing. It’s too big a hill to climb for the Reds now. They might get 1 back but 2 now is not going to happen. Getting 1 back would make it tense now though. It’s 10 minutes added on. Will we see the important 3rd goal? We do see it and it’s Sandy Baltimore from close range on 90+1 ⚽. Nine miserable minutes for the Reds now. The rate of exodus increases🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️. Some late changes as Baltimore, Bronze and Cuthbert are subbed off to great applause. JRK, Guru and Nusken are the replacements. The Reds defence are in for a torrid few minutes but they hang on and it stays 3-0. It’s time for a party in the Blue end 🥳. The other end have mostly sat tight and are backing their club despite the loss. Blue is certainly the colour today. The medals 🥇🥈 are handed out, another cup is raised 🏆 and the party starts. Invincible? Up to everyone else to prove otherwise.

That was a very Chelsea performance. It took a little while to get a grip on the game but after that it never really looked in doubt. Erin was causing so much grief for the Reds that the penalty was inevitable. Sandy was unstoppable with 2 goals and an assist. The attendance was a bit lower than last year at 74,412. There were a good few empty seats around. Maybe bought by hopeful Arsenal fans thinking they would make the final 😶. The Blues formation change helped be more aggressive out wide in possession. Chels couldn’t cope with Utd initially but the Reds will regret not making it count when they had the best of the possession. Would have starting with Toone have given them a better chance of an early goal? Maybe. Planning to stay in the game is never a smart move against such a good team. The Reds needed maximum aggression from the off. This season has been a fantastic start for Sonia in her “transition” season. Other teams are going to need to step up if the Blues are not going to run away with it again. The big prize still eludes them though. It would be great if Arsenal could do the job against Barca in Lisbon. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼.  That's it. Another domestic season comes to an end. A fitting end today with a Blue treble confirmed. Just the Lionesses 🦁 to go now before the summer break.

POTM: goes to Sandy Baltimore 🏅. It was a real breakthrough game to show us how world class she really is. Two goals and an assist for the third. Fantastic performance. Well earned.

Ref: Despite the protests and the abuse from the Man Utd fans, she had a good game. No VAR intervention required as she got it just right. It was fairly physical but she only intervened when needed. Congrats. Hope we see more of you in the WSL.

The Scran’O’meter loves a ‘Spoons’ breakfast but was disappointed by the decision not to purchase Pick N mix.

Basil watch: He was at the top of the steps. Later on, he was in the Chelsea stand behind the goal and up and down the aisles.

Bottles tops were confiscated along with the bottle and the contents 😡. You can only take in empty bottles.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

We're a long way up

It's final day

Winners making a mess

Pre match show from Oli

Met Basil outside

I'll Stand (and fall) By You

Brighton & Hove Actually Women face Aston Villa Women in the WSL at Villa Park

The Albion are away to the Villains on the last day of the season. This time we are at Villa Park which is a new ground for us. It’s a bit of a nothing game for the Seagulls as 5th place is secured, unless Liverpool beat Chelsea and there is a 10 goal swing. Villa, who are a bit of a bogey team this season, can move up from 9th if they win, depending on other results. We are hoping 🙏 to carry some momentum from Arsenal on Monday but a hangover is equally likely. Villa are in-form and Brighton don’t play well against teams that sit back and play on the break. It’s the last game for a few of the Brighton players. No sign of Poppy so presumed gone. Hope she pops up at Real Madrid to run on the overlap 🏃‍♀️with Linda Caicedo next season. Although it was rumoured that she was going to the NWSL last year so maybe she’ll pop up at Angel City. Good luck Pops wherever you end up.  Guru is in the back three with Caitlin and Marit. Kiko and Marisa are out wide.  Jelena and Maisie are in the middle. Across the front three are Nikita, Michelle and Bruna. Maria, Pauline and Dejana are all leaving at the end of the season but we expect to see them all for a cameo late in the game today. The Villains have announced some leavers too. Rachel Corsie, Jordan Nobbs and Mayumi Pacheco are all on the bench for their last game. No start for Lucy Parker. Good.  Rachel Daly starts up front with Ebony Salmon. In goal is ex-Arsenal keeper DeAngelo. We are in the corner of the Trinity Road Stand. The tunnels is right down the other end and that’s where the wheelie bins of fire are welcoming the players on the pitch. For one last time this season, let’s go Brighton.

It starts fairly evenly until the 5th minute when Ebony Salmon beats the offside trap and outpaces Guru to score from outside the box. 0-1. The Albion come close to an equaliser but Michelle’s shot is saved. Rachel Daly starts fouling anyone who comes near. Michelle comes close from a corner but her header is saved. She is then booked for a nothing foul. The ref explains that it’s her third foul when in reality it’s her first. Keep up, ref. Long way to go yet. The lino has missed a couple of howling off-sides. She can’t keep up with the play and we’re not sure she is even watching. Villa are pressing as we head into injury time. Katie Robinson (who) makes a good run and plays a through ball to Chastity Grant who puts it on a plate for Rachel Daly to tap home. 2-0. The Villians camp out in the Albion penalty area with a succession of corners but we manage keep the ball out of the net. Michelle comes close to another booking but just gets a talking to from the ref who doesn’t seem to like her. The Seagulls need to get themselves organised for the 2nd half.

There is a change for the Albion as, unsurprisingly, Michelle is replaced by Rachel McLachen. It’s not long until Rachel Daly is,, finally, booked for a tackle on Nikita. We think that was more than her 3rd tackle. It's a bit more end to end but Brighton struggle to find each other going forwards. The Seagulls get a succession of corners. Nikita gets a thumping header on the third one but it goes just wide. So close to the important 3rd goal. The subs start on the hour mark. Fran replaces Bruna. There is a big cheer from us as the Viilian of the peace, Daly, is replaced by Jordan Nobbs. She gets a warm welcome as it's It’s an emotional last appearance in Claret and Blue. Fran wastes no time in making a chance as it goes just wide from close range. Jordan is making an impact too as her assist is put just wide by Ebony Salmon. Albion come so so close to pulling a goal back. Kiko hits the post, it rebounds to Fran who hits the other post. Unbelievable, how is it not in the net. Has someone put magnets in the ball? Fran and Jordan both miss chances. The Albion get a clear and obvious corner but the officials change their minds and award a goal kick. Are we watching the same game? Katie Robinson (who) is subbed off so we can stop ignoring her now. Villa get the important 3rd goal on 74. When it’s 10 to go we start making some changes. Dejana and Pauline come on for the last time as Albion players. They replace Cailin and Marit. A big chunk of our defence has left the pitch. The Villians bring on a couple of leavers too, It’s Gabi Nunes and Rachel Corsie replacing Ebony Salmon and Anna Patten. Nikita is caught offside again in the last action of the 90 and we’re into 6 added minutes. Deki is booked for handball. Don’t worry about all the ones you missed though. Kiko hits on the break but it’s saved and cleared. It’s only cleared as far as Pauline who lobs it forward to Nikita. Nikita takes it wide and hammers it at the near post. D'Angelo catches it but carries it with her into the net⚽. It doesn’t cross the line by much but that doesn’t matter.  It’s a goal and we can finally celebrate. We’ve got the bit between our teeth now but we can't get another before the whistle. It’s time for shirts to be donated, flags, hats and shirts to be signed. Goodbyes are said and a group photo taken. Time to go home bus 🚌.

The Seagulls definitely had a hangover from Monday. They looked slower to the ball and sloppy on it. There were formation changes again which has been a bit of a theme this season. It must contribute to the level of inconsistency from game to game. We did make enough changes but weren’t clinical enough with them. It was never going to be 0-0 with how frail both defences are. I doubt we will see Michelle or Bruna again so a big thank you for your efforts and good luck with the rest of your careers. Saying that, both of you would be welcome back for another loan season. We live in hope. The big name bias had an impact today. Like Katie McCabe is allowed to get away with thuggery that would see normal players booked so Rachel Daly had an extra level of tolerance applied to her behavior. Poor Michelle did little wrong but was targeted by the ref to protect Daly. The third goal seemed to make it too big a hill to climb but that was when we played best, where we had some momentum. The momentum dropped with the changes. It did pick up again right at the death. Only sheer determination from Keets saw the ball in the net. Energy improved with the changes but it became more fragmented. That energy ended in a goal that helped us see out the season on a bit of a high. It’s been a fantastic season for the Seagulls who were looking down and worrying about relegation last season. To be the best of the rest is a big step up. To achieve that even when there were so many disappointing performances just shows the level the team has reached. And we came within a poor refereeing decision of beating Chelsea in their "invincible" season. There are some sad departures but there will hopefully be some exciting new signings. The WSL is back in September. Can’t wait. There are a couple of games to go for us before the end of the season. First up is the FA Cup final where Chelsea can complete their treble. See you there.

POTM: goes to Nikita for the most consistently aggressive performance, holding the ball up, chasing it down and tackling like a woman possessed. And scoring a goal through sheer willpower giving us something to cheer.  Well done and thanks Keets.

The officiating had a big impact on the game today and not in a good way. The inconsistent treatment of different players was awful. Rachel Daly seems to have joined the untouchables.  The ref seemed to take against Michelle from the start when there was so much worse committed by others. She missed too many key moments, got big and small decisions wrong. And she was much better than the lines person on the Trinity Road side who couldn’t keep up with the play. She was guessing when the ball went out, and got so many decisions wrong from offside to corners. BUT. The officials are as they and need better training and support to manage games better and make better decisions. The PGMufcOL need to step things up for the women’s game. Try again next year.

The Scran’O’meter decided to stay at Oxford Services enjoying the lovely all day breakfasts.🥓🍳 🍄

No bottle tops were in evidence today. All drinks were draft.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

At Villa Park with Sally 

Here be Villians

Statue of a bloke

In the shade

It's  a big lion

(Your Lard Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher

Horsham FC play Littlehampton Town FC in the Sussex Chalenge Cup Final at the AMEX Stadium

One last outing to the AMEX this season for the Sussex Senior Cup🏆 . It’s the Hornets 🐝 again. This time their opponents are the Marigolds 🧤. We’re in the south end of the West Stand with the Lardy Army 🧈 supporting the Hornets who have just been crowned 👑 the Isthmian Champions 🏅. Up to the NLS for them next season. They are also the holders so looking to retain the cup tonight. The Marigolds (I’m glovin’ it) finished 18th in the Isthmian South East after an unremarkable season leaving them 40 places below the high flying Hornets. We haven’t seen the Hornets this season but remember some of the players. We also recognise Ole O from Lewes who moved as part of a recruitment raid on the Rooks by Horsham last summer. No Dougie this year as he has gone back to Bognor. Some season he has had, leaving the Hornets who get promoted ⬆, to join the Rocks who got relegated ⬇. Coincidence? Or is he still on the Hornet's payroll to sink their rivals. Probably not, he hasn’t played much and isn’t that influential on the pitch these days. There are no fireworks or taking the knee tonight. There are lots of photos as it’s a big occasion for non-league players. Let’s get going as it’s 5 minutes late for kick-off already. Blood and guts non-league football incoming. Hopefully 🙏🏼.

The Hornets are on the front foot and put the ball in the net in the 3rd minute. It’s disallowed for off-side to zero protest. There follows lots of scruffy football with the Hornets trying to play their passing game and the Golds trying to play long. Most notable event of the half is the Gold keeper collapsing in pain and having to be replaced. It’s level at the break. 

The Hornets looked a little leggy or maybe hungover from the league win in the first half. Need to step it up now. They do for a while and get a series of corners. It’s the Gold who look the most up for it though and their tackling becomes even more spirited.  The Golds keeper looks to be injured as he sits down, Zinsberger style. Are we going to see another keeper change? He recovers and we start. Wonder who would have gone in goal? The Golds have their tails up and look full of energy. They need to be careful of the outlets for that energy as their rate of bookings goes up as well. The ref is filling up his little black book but is being mostly fair with it. Although he does miss a big 2 footed tackle on one of the Hornets. They are applying all the pressure as we go into 6 minutes of injury time. The Gold fans have started to make themselves heard but it’s limited to “Your support is effin shit” (which it most certainly isn’t) and “we hate Horsham” although they play in a different league. Weird, predictable and boring. The Lardy army haven’t stopped singing with old favorites like “Start spreading the lard” and “The Yellow and the Green” despite looking second favorites to win it from here. The Hornets break out of the Golds press but are stopped by a challenge within sight of the Golds goal. Into the last minute as Hammo steps up to take the free kick. He hasn’t scored from a direct free kick all season but no-one will remember that because he sticks this one in the top corner ⚽ with just seconds left on the clock. Unbelievable scenes in the Lardy end. It’s still chaos in the stand as the whistle goes straight after the restart . Some last gasp win for the Yellow and Green.

Wow. That’s 3 big wins for us in 6 days. The Hornets retain the Cup 🏆. Littlehampton must be broken 😭 to lose that so late on. They looked most likely to score as the clock ticked down but a free kick shattered their dreams with almost the last kick. Made up for the Lardy Army who have got behind the Yellow and Green for the whole game. We could hear them still singing in the ground from the Bridge car park. The Hornets looked slightly off the boil tonight. Too much celebration after their promotion or a bit of complacency from the holders. Makes no difference now. The Golds were certainly up for it and a little bit too committed in some of the tackling. They tried to apply some level of dark arts but were fortunately beaten by a side focused on quality football. We are made up for the Hornets. They have been building to this for years and to do the double is amazing for them. The Lardy army certainly played their role in the season and tonight. Hope the Hornets are back next year to beat another opponent. This is the last of 4 visits to the AMEX this season. Hope to get to a few more next season. The U23 final was also tonight and Newhaven lost to the all conquering Hassock who have won everything this season. Congrats to the Robins.

POTM: There can only be one winner here. It goes to James ‘hammo’ Hammond for the goal. He won the game with that kick. Congrats. That won’t be forgotten for a while. 

The officials had a mixed night. Missed a few fouls and offsides. It was certainly busy for them and they managed to upset both sets of fans. Ref will need to add some pages to his little black book after that. 

The Scran’O’meter downgraded the Veggie pie 🥧 from 9/10 to 8/10 due to the temperature or lack of. Bottle tops were removed as usual for fortress AMEX.

That's it for men's football now. See you in Birmingham for the last game of the WSL season.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

AMEX under the lights

Winners again

Let's Sway Together

Tranmere Rovers face Newport County In EFL 2 at Rodney Parade

The White's last game of the season is away to the Exiles. Hoping we get a welcome that’s as warm as the Welsh weather. The Rovers finally secured their place in the Football league next season with a win against Crewe last Saturday. Been a while since the Kop has seen scenes like that as it was bouncing for 90 minutes with white smoke at the end ushering Andy Crosby as the new Pope. Prenton Park is our church after all. A win today would move us away from the relegation zone and give history a very different view of how close we came to going over the cliff edge. Today we can climb to a heady 20th or 88th in old money. That needs Accrington to lose which is something we always like to see. We're certainly up for it today, hope the players are too. The team is the same as Andy has settled on with LOC ,Tom and Jordan as a back 3. Sam Taylor makes a rare appearance but it’s nice to see him as wing back opposite Cameron Norman. Jake Garrett gets a start alongside Merrie in the middle. The front 3 are Dennis, Morris and Patrick. No idea what music they are playing at Rodney Parade, maybe they need to invest in a better sound system. It’s a dead rubber game with both teams safe but both are also hurting after poor seasons. It could be really flat as the players' minds start to head for the beach but we remain hopeful that the boys want to go out on a high after last week's euphoria.

There is no taking the knee here or fancy fireworks here. Straight into the football. The Exiles get in the first shot in but Luke saves it from range. The football is not great. It’s scrappy and broken up with a few half chances either way. Neither set of fans is generating much noise. The first decent chance comes on 23 as Newport score from outside the box through a host of bodies. Not what we want but we don't rollover these days. There is a tussle between Cameron Norman and the Exiles no. 14 Kai Whitmore on 27. Cameron ends up on the floor and Whitmore stamps on him. The ref is the wrong side to see it and so gives a yellow card. The fans are warming up a bit. And some, it’s sweltering in the stands 🥵. The SWA are in good voice and the Exiles chipping in now and then. The Lino on the far side is missing some howlers of offsides. Tranmere's first decent chance comes from Sam Taylor but it’s high and wide. Lee O’Connor is marking their striker Kyle Hutlin. It is comical as Lee is getting the best of the ball, even in the air, despite being 5’9” to the Exiles 6’ 9”. The Rovers equalise on 41 ⚽ as Jake Garrett's speculative long range shot is deflected and loops over the keeper. The SWA can smell blood and are bouncing behind the goal. The Whites are pushing for a second but it’s still level at the break. Time to cool off in the shade 😎.

There’s a change for the Rovers at the break as Josh Davison replaces Sam Taylor. It’s all Tranmere now. Morris sees his shot blocked. We finally take the lead on 51 as Kristian Dennis ⚽ volleys in from a Norman cross. It’s a great shot. 1-2 to the Rovers. The Tequila 🍸 is flowing in the away end.  Dennis is replaced by Harvey Saunders on 63. That injects some energy 🏃‍♂️. The Exiles No. 14 poleaxes Jake Garrett on 66. It’s an easy second yellow and off he goes. Bye👋. Saunders has an impact as he sets up Omari Patrick to score from just outside the box on 70 ⚽. Josh Davison has to drag him across to celebrate with the SWA. Newport can’t cope with the Rovers attacks. Their fans start to stream out of the ground. “Is this a fire drill?” echoes round Rodney Parade. Wood comes on to replace Omari on the left. He starts to get some great crosses in. There are more changes on 77 as Josh Hawkes replaces Cameron on the right and Connor Jenning replaces Garrett in the middle. There is an immediate impact as Josh Hawkes sets up Josh Davison who blasts into the bottom corner on 78 ⚽. The SWA have shown great restraint, waiting until we’re 3 goals clear to start singing “We’re winning away” . Very sensible 👍. The Exiles Kyle Hudlin is subbed off on 81. It’s a shame as we were enjoying watching Lee humiliating him. It’s all Tranmere as we try to inspire Kieron Morris to score with his new song, “When the Tranmere rhythm starts to play…”, as he runs past us down the wing. The crowd are baying for more, singing “We want 5”. The fifth doesn’t come and it’s still 1-4 at 90+6. That’ll do. The home end is already empty but there is no-one leaving the away end. it’s bouncing as the players come over. There are a few lucky recipients of shirts and gloves. Andy Crosby is the last to leave the pitch to huge applause. Love him.

That was fantastic. What a day out and what a performance from the Whites. They never looked out of it at a goal down and the equaliser kicked off a momentum that never stopped. Not sure that Newport got another decent shot after the goal. Losing a player can’t have helped, ha-ha, but he was lucky to be on the pitch that long as he was as the first yellow should have been a red for stamping on Norman right in front of us. Today was very different from the football played under Adkins. Who knew that this team of players could actually play this well. Unbelievable Jeff. The SWA were awesome today too. There were a lot of empty seats but people probably migrated to the stand behind the goal to sing with their mates. The count is in. There were 811 in the away end out of a total of 5,465. That’s a fantastic turn out with nothing at stake at "not the best" of awaydays venues. The home end emptied long before the away end had finished singing. It’s new to us but we are loving Sway the Tranmere way. “When the Tranmere rhythm starts to play….” The subs worked well today. Well, as much as we love Harvey Saunders for his energy and endeavour, he isn’t the best with the ball at his feet. But he did play his part today running the backline ragged and getting an assist to boot. There will be a few in this group that we won’t see again. Connor Jennings must number amongst them. He has been a great servant to the club, twice, and a shining light in dark times. Hopefully they can find room for him next season. There are a few more that we would like to see again including Omari, Dennis LOC and Merrie. There are also a few (and some) that we would happily pay for a taxi to come and collect. The news from elsewhere is that Accrington lost 🎉 so we moved up 2 places to 20th 📈. Deceptively clear of the trap door. So it’s goodbye to the 24/25 season in League 2. Definitely one to be filed away as “Don’t go there again”. Will Andy Crosby be with us next season? We hope so if he’s not too busy being Pope. And then there's the impending takeover to come. Fingers crossed 🤞.  Will the new shirt sponsor be Fenty or maybe Rihanna be designing the 3rd shirt. It’s not going to get dull in the world of Tranmere any time soon!

POTM: goes to Cameron ‘Storming’ Norman,🏅 creating loads of space and putting in loads of great crosses including 2 assists. Well done.

The officials were generally OK. The ref couldn’t have seen the stamp on Cameron so was never going to give a red. He did the right thing and the yellow got the job done in the end. The lino at our end must have forgotten his contacts as he couldn't see the Exiles players even if they were yards offside. Useless. Can’t remember any offsides at all so maybe the one at the other end was no better. Or they were waiting for VAR to do their jobs for them. Mike Dean was spotted in the ground so maybe it’s the league 2 VAR pilot.

The Scran’O’meter has decided that the yummy Greggs was out of scope so is unable to comment on the catering today. Except to moan about the bottle top police who confiscated the bottle of water that we took to Stamford Bridge last week and have taken to Wembley a few times. Bastards. Bottle in the ground had the tops removed. Good job we had some spares. 🤣

See you at Crawley.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Sunshine in Wales

Downing St, no thanks, Newhaven please

Fast train to Wales

Rodney Parade

Rinse and Defeat

Chelsea Women host Barcelona Femeni in the UWCL Semi Final Second Leg at Stamford Bridge

The Blues host the Garnet and Blue in a repeat of the two previous Champions League Semi Finals. Getting boring now. We were here last year to see the Blues lose having come back from the away leg with a narrow lead. That’s not the case this year. They got battered in Spain and got a late consolation to make it 4-1. A big ask to get anything today. They have to play it as a one off and just try to win it. Sonia got it horribly wrong in Barcelona and needs to do something very different tonight. The Blues squad is missing LJ who was injured on international duty. Sam Kerr is nearly back but not quite ready yet. Natalie Bjorn was injured in the away leg on 81 minutes. The 3rd goal came straight after that change which unfortunately had to happen when defending a corner. The line ups are out. Hannah is in goal with Millie and Naomi G in front. Naimh is left back opposite Lucy on the right. In the middle are Erin, Kiera and Sjoeke. Sandie, JRK and Mayra are up front. Guru is on the bench having played 30 minutes in the away leg. The Garnet and Blue have the last 2 Ballon D’Or winners on the pitch. The core of the team is still Spanish but some of the pace on the wings come from elsewhere in the the shape of CGH and Rolfo. Are they wingers or whingers, we’ll see later. Last year there were loads of Barca shirts in the Shed. This time we are in the West Stand and the stewards were stopping away fans outside and sending them back to the ticket office. The sun is shining but we’re in the shade. Bet it’s toasty in the East Stand. We didn’t see Basil outside. He will make his presence known when the match starts. We have clackers so will be joining Basil in the percussion section today 🥁.

The Spanish champions are on it from the whistle with Aitana and Alexia getting early chances. The Blues pick themselves up a bit and it gets scrapy and broken up for a while. It’s Chelsea’s turn to get a couple of chances but Sandy misses and Sjoeke’s shot is saved. It’s 25 minutes played when Aitana picks the ball up in her own half. The Chelsea defence are out of shape and she runs clean through them to smash it past Hannah from inside the box. Knife through butter springs to mind. Or maybe it’s plant based spread these days. 0-1. Need to stop that happening again. The Chels need 4 goals to level it now. The Blues keep their heads up and get a flurry of corners and chances. It’s Sandy with the chances, forcing a block and a save. It’s soon all over for the Blues as Payor puts in a CGH cross from close range on 41. 0-2. Pina hits a long curling shot from wide. Hannah looks like she leaves it but it curls into the top corner. Hannah’s third touch of the ball is to pick it out of the net again. There is another bunch of chances to extend the lead with shots from Pina (saved) and Batlle (blocked). Chelsea are trying to press but are far too sloppy in possession. They really need to be clinical with every chance but that’s not happened yet. First half is over. 7-1. Playing for pride in the 2nd half.

Sonia makes two changes at the break. Aggie replaces Mayra up front. Ashley Lawrence replaces Naomi and slots in at left back with Niamh moving across to centre back. It’s scrappy for a while but neither side able to control the ball for long. Chelsea get a couple of chances. Sandy comes very close but it’s just wide and Sjoeke blazes over. Not clinical enough at all. Sonia makes some more changes on the hour mark. Nothing to lose now. Kaptein replaces Baltimore and Kat Merario replaces Erin Cuthbert. Not sure who is playing where now. Barca make some changes too. CGH goes off (hooray) to be replaced by Paralluelo (oops). Also leaving the pitch are Parades and Pina and coming on are Fernandez and Brughts. The changes seem to disrupt the Spaniards and Chelsea get the upper hand for a while. Kat misses (again) and JRK’s shot is blocked. A couple of corners result in a good header for Nusken but it’s saved. Can’t afford to not take these chances. It now slows down with neither team able to do anything with the ball. Hermano replaces JRK who hasn’t been at her best. At 75 minutes it all goes a bit mad. Alexia starts it with a miss. Nushen has a shot saved then Lucy misses. It’s Parallelo up next but somehow Hannah manages to make the save. It’s still end to end as Lopez has her shot blocked just after she comes on for Pajor. Hermano takes her turn but shoots over. Selma Paralluelo sees another great shot scrambled away by Hannah. The chances come for Chelsea again as Aggie gets her head on a corner but it misses the target. Lucy’s shot is saved. Millie’s is blocked and Kat misses a sitter🤦🏼‍♀️. Not her first. She needs to find her shooting boots quickly 👢. The clock hits 90 as Paralluelo finally gets her goal. It was coming, she‘s been a real handful. The consolation finally comes on 90+1 as Kaptein puts it past Cata Coll into the top corner ⚽. We celebrate like it’s a winner. All over. 8-2 on aggregate.

Well that was awful. A carbon copy of the away leg. Barcelona are good but Chelsea didn't even step up until the very end. Not sure why the same tactics were supposed to work today when they failed so badly last weekend. Emma tried to out Barca Barca with a high pressing game and it worked a treat in the first leg. Barca figured it out, changed tactics and won the home leg and the tie. Barca adapted to the Chelsea press by playing long before and it worked again today. It’s made worse by the fact that Arsenal overcame their home leg deficit to beat Lyon away. A Barca v Arsenal final will sting the Blues even more. We aren’t going though, so good luck to the Gunners, hope you can get it done in Lisbon. Enough moaning about the game, it’s always nice to be at the Bridge even though we didn’t see Basil. That’s our Champions League fun over for this season. We’re already looking forward to some group games on freezing nights in North and West London.

POTM: is difficult due to the totally lacklustre performance in which no-one really did themselves proud. It goes to the person who created one of the standout moments. It was a Milliedozer sliding tackle. Nothing like a bit of petulant thuggery to get a cheer from the crowd. Thanks Millie.

The following may contain moaning👇🏼

Ref: Refs always seem to be frightened of the reputation of Barca and so are afraid of giving controversial decisions against them. Hence they get away with everything. It’s the opposite for Chelsea who are not allowed to touch the Barca players at all. The same effect happens is the WSL when ‘lower’ teams play Chelsea. No ref wants to stick their head above the parapet and be the one who ends the 20 game unbeaten run. Also inconsistent with the rules when she stopped the match for a head injury while Chelsea were in possession, then she gave the drop ball to Barca. QED.

Basil watch: No sign of him, before, during or after the game. Very sensible but hope he is OK.

The Scan’O’meter had a day off but will be pleased to hear that all bottles and top were allowed in.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Nice day for it

Back at the Bridge

A different bridge

Deja Vu