Tranmere v Gillingham

Why Does It Always Rainham On Me? Tranmere Rovers away to Gillingham FC In EFL 2 at the Priestfield

Where are we and what’s going on?

The Rovers visit the Gills on a very wet February afternoon. We were worried it was going to be postponed as most of the lower league games have been. There was no early inspection as you might expect. They were either confident or reckless. The ref was worried when he arrived but it seems ok now that the rain has slowed up.

Is there any team news? Just a bit. Where to start? Out-going is Josh Davidson on loan to Cheltenham and Richie Smallwood to Bristol Rovers. Sad news is that Connor has joined the ACL club so will be out for at least 9 0r 10 months. He has a contract extension so hopefully we’ll see him playing again around Christmas. Get well soon Connor ❤. The 2 injured loanees have returned to their home clubs. Soz. We’re sad to see Will Tamen and Dylan Jones go as they both looked like great additions. There are replacements and some! New in at the heart of midfield is a face we’ve seen before when he was on loan from Everton. It’s Lewis Warrington who has signed for 2 and 1/2 years from Walsall. Also in is versatile player James Plant who has signed from Port Vale for 18 months. There are 3 new loanees to replace the 2 we broke. Midfielder Zech Odiero joins from Leytond Orient. Defender Stephen Negru joins from Oxford United. Both of those are in the starting 11. On the bench is Xax Dickov who joins from Mansfield. He is the son of Scotland Legend, Paul Dickov. There is even news on the goal keeper front as Marko Marosi joins for a 1 week emergency loan from Port Vale. He starts behind a back 3 (again, FFS) of Nathan Smith, Patrick Brough and Stephen Negru. Out wide are James Plant and Omari Patrick. In the middle are Lewis Warrington and Sam Finley. It looks like Zech Obiero is playing just behind a front 2 of Joe Ironside and Charlie Whitaker.

There is just one name we know in the Gill line up. It’s Cameron Antwi from Newport.

We’re in the covered seating looking out over the away end. The temporary stand has been there over 25 years and is allegedly the most photographed scaffold in football. We can believe that having sat in it in March 2001. We are just glad we don’t have to sit in it today. There rain has eased and there are 284 SWA here, getting behind the boys. The new keeper is right in front of us. We hope he has a quiet one. Let’s see. Come on you Whites 🙏.

Off We Go…

Tranmere face an onslaught straight from the whistle. Marko is called into action early in his debut. He makes good saves on 9 and 10. The Gills are struggling to stay on-side but the assistant on the far side is struggling to get them right. Looks like he is only able to get the marginal ones right. He misses a couple of clear off-sides calls right opposite the very vocal SWA. Hope he takes the feedback on-board. Sam Vokes is a threat but can’t find the target fortunately.

Rovers get a chance from a corner. Negru gets his head on it but it’s saved.

Down the other end and the Gills get a spate of corners. One is eventually put in the net but it’s clearly offside. 1-0. The assistant ref decides to ignore that fact and keeps his flag down. It’s given on 25. He clearly didn’t hear the earlier feedback so more is provided.

Tranmere start a good spell. They get a couple of corners. Zech blasts wide from outside the box. Finley comes close with his shot.

The SWA feedback seems have finally worked as the Gills are caught offside. Their keeper goes down in protest or he is injured. Not sure which. Or he is just stopping play for a team talk as Rovers were having a good spell.

Whatever his plan, it doesn’t work as the Rovers are still on top. Whitaker misses his chance. Ironside does the same. Need to be a lot more clinical than that. We are not sure what Xg is but Tranmere’s would probably be minus at the moment. There are 2 minutes of added time and we’re still a goal behind at the break.

The Whites are now attacking the goal in front of the SWA. Let’s hope we get to see plenty of action. We’re not disappointed. Zech forces a save on 48 from a good Whitaker assist. Another Rovers corner and is Negru misses again with assistance from Omari. Brough also misses with an assist from Whitaker. The chances are coming but not being taken.

There is a miss from the Gills before Tranmere are on the offensive again. Zwech and Smith both miss the target. We hold our breath as Omari lines up one of his special curling efforts from wide left. We all groan as it goes miles over. It’s just over an hour gone as Whitaker gets in a shot on target only to see it saved.

The Gills make 3 changes. There is a brief response to the changes and they get a couple of corners. The 2nd is crossed in and is headed in by Hale for his 2nd of the match. Rovers have been in total charge and have conceded against the run of play again.

Tranmere dominate again as the Gills keeper fancies another nap. This is getting worse than Arsenal Women!

Andy Crosby makes his first changes on 71 as Plant, Obiera and Ironside are replaced by Norman, Dickov and Dennis. Hope the fresh players remembered their shooting boots. There is an immediate impact as Dickov’s set piece provides for Whitaker who scores on 78 ⚽. 2-1. A fightback?

There is another Tranmere change on 81 as Negru makes way for Lowe. Into the last 5 minutes and the Whites are still getting the most chances. Finley sees his shot go wide. Norman forces a block. Tranmere get a corner and Norman forces a save this time. It won’t go in for Tranmere.

There are 6 minutes added on. Plenty of time for an equaliser. The chances come as Omari forces a block and then a save. We’re urging them on as they get corner after corner. It is not going to go in. It doesn’t go in and it’s a 2-1 loss on the road. There is mixed feedback from the SWA. A quick round of applause as Andy and the boys come over. It’s time to hit the road and get lost in Kent again.

We think it’s all over…

At least the rain stopped. It was a good watch with lots of attacking football. The Rovers had the best of the ball but struggled to find enough power or precision with the final shot. It was so much better than the game at Cambridge. The additions to the team bringing with them both energy and quality. We look forward to it getting better between here and the end of the season.

The SWA were quite quiet but not as quiet as the home crowd. 244 out singing over 5000. The Connor Jennings song was nice to hear. He may be out injured but Mr Tranmere is not forgotten.

It was nice to see things improve with the subs. That’s when it usually falls apart because the squad is so thin. And Gillingham got worse. Big name managers don’t always get it right. And get your haircut 💇.

There is lots of talk about goalkeeper timeouts and we had 2 today. Didn’t help the Gills though did it as the momentum didn’t change. Though they did win thanks to Tranmere’s appalling performance in front of goal.

The takeover could come at any time and everything will change then. But till then, things are potentially looking up a bit if these youngsters can stay fit.

The Other Bits:

POTM: It goes to newly arrived Lewis Warrington. He was always involved in the middle and looking to move it forward. But shout out to all the arrivals who have given us something to look forward to.

The ref did OK. We like the new head injury rule where the player has to go off the pitch if they feign a head injury to stop play. 👍 Even if the physio doesn’t come on. But the assistant on the far side might as well not have been there. Three big offsides missed early on including the first goal. 👎 Useless. 🤷

The Scran’O’meter loved the breakfast at Bill’s in Bluewater, Thanks Bill. There was regret later on due to the state of the dishwater coffee 3/10 at Priestfield. Bottle sold with bottle tops on was a good improvement.

If there was a programme, we didn’t see one or anyone reading one. It’s normally for sale in the away end as far as we can remember. Their loss.

See you somewhere soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

In the Priestfield

Brighton v London City

Winner City Life Brighton & Hove Albion v London City Lionesses in the WSL at The Peoples Pension Stadium

Where are we and What's going on?

The Seagulls host London City at the Broadfield on a very wet Sunday. It’s been raining since we were last here a couple of weeks ago. The big spending Kang Gang are having a great first season in the WSL. They are sitting just 1 point below Brighton in 7th. That makes this a big midtable 6 pointer. Albion won the away game in Bromley by a single goal scored by Madie on 6 minutes. Let’s hope they get it done today but that it’s less nerve-wracking. A single goal lead for 84 minutes wouldn’t be good for our nerves or our nails.

We were worried that it might be too wet but the ground has clearly had improvement work done since THAT Chelsea game. That was almost water polo 🤽.

There was some sad news in the week as we heard about the passing of Rado Vidosic. He was the father of Dario and Head of Women’s Coaching. It will be a tough one for the girls out there today.❤ Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Chris Roberts takes over management duties for the moment.

There is still no sign of Fran, either staying or we now assume going. Chia is in goal with Baggers back on the bench. We have a settled back 4 of Marisa, Moeka, Manuala and Charlie. The midfield is made up of Miasie, Jelena and Nadine. It’s the usual front 3 of Rosa, Kiko and Madie. On the bench is new signing, Norwegian midfielder, Oleug Tvedten.

The big shock with City is that they have signed Delphine Cascerino. She’s not here today but what an addition. It’s nice that Nikita (bench) and Poppy (starting) get a good welcome back to the Broadfield. That goodwill will last until kick off then the gloves are off. Kosovo Asllani starts with Freya Godfrey and extremely tall goal scoring talent, Izzy Goodwin.

There is a round of applause for Rado. It’s a difficult one to predict but it’s a big game for the Seagulls so we expect a big performance. It’s not a huge crow, just 1990. We’re more disappointed that Scooter hasn’t joined us today. It’s a small away following with only about 50 in the away end. Possibly the smallest we’ve seen. We hope those 50 are very disappointed in 90 minutes. Time to find out. Lets go Brighton, lets go!

Off we go..

It’s a lively start for the Seagulls. They dominate but Rosa can’t beat the offside trap and gets caught twice. She finally gets through but shoots over on 7. The Albion should be in a clear lead but it’s just not happening.

The Albion go off the boil after 10 lively minutes. It’s dull for a while but until Roasa gets in another shot. This time it’s blocked. It comes to life on 23 as Madie plays in Kiko on the right. She does what she does best and blasts it home. 1-0.⚽

Rosa is inspired and back on the attack. Her first shot is saved. The next one blocked. Then she is caught offside again. She needs to be more clinical with these chances.

It’s half an hour gone when City break but are caught offside. They don’t wait long to try again. The cross in from the right is met by Moeka whose attempted clearance ends up in the back of Chia’s net. The visitors have equalised without a shot on target yet. 1-1.

The Seagulls keep their heads up. Madie gets a shot in but hits the right post. Into 2 added minutes and Nadine takes her turn but hits the left post. Anywhere but in the net!

The visitors get one last attack and Freya Godfrey is given too much space. She hits a great shot from the edge of the box. Their first shot on target and Chia is picking it out of the net again. Albion are behind at the break. 1-2.

Not long into the second half and City get their first corner. They haven’t had much possession at Seagulls end until now. There may have been cheering 📣 when Poppy puts it straight into the side netting.

It’s a bit end to end now. Kiko misses to the right. Back down the other end and Jana Fernandez does the same.

We are shocked, shocked I say, that we get as far as the 64th minute before Poppy is penalised for a foul.

It’s scrappy for a while but Rosa manages to miss again.

The Albion make their first 2 changes on 71. Charlie Rule makes way for Rachel McLauchlan. Rosa is replaced by new signing Olaug Tvedten. Not going to try to pronounce that. Can’t wait until she gets a nickname.

Madie is injured on 72 and needs treatment. She is soon fixed and back in the action. It’s end to end again. Izzy Goodin sees her shot blocked. Nadine with assistance from Kiko has her shot blocked. Madie assists her next chance but that’s also blocked. The Seagulls are throwing everything at the defence in the City penalty area.

Nadine makes way for Carla on 86. A bit late for fresh legs up front. We hope she has enough time to make a difference.

Brighton are piling on the pressure now. Marisa and Oleug both have shots blocked. The Seagulls get a corner. Maisie misses a sitter from the middle of the goal. Madie’s shot is blocked and it’s another corner. And another. Just score a goal please.

There are 4 minutes of injury time to play. Plenty of time for an equaliser. Another Albion corner. It leads to a shot from Oleug that goes just wide. There is another corner. Jelena gets the first Seagulls booking on 93. Three more minutes without another corner and it’s all over on 90+6. 1-2. How did we lose that?!?

We think it’s all over

That’s not how we hoped it would go. It had it’s moments but there were large chunks that weren’t great. The aggression of the first 10 minutes dried up quickly and didn’t re-appear until after the subs made an appearance near the end. To lose 2-1 to a team that only managed 1 shot on target must be absolutely gutting. That’s efficient for you. Chia has had to pick the ball out of the net twice without the chance to make a save.The Seagulls need to learn that lesson. Sooo many misses or tame shots. It could and should have been out of sight in 5 minutes. But it has been a difficult week for the team with the loss of Rado so maybe the performance means more than the result in the circumstances.

There was no change in the league table because Villa lost as well. The “best of the rest” title is looking like a big stretch at the moment. Elsewhere in the league. Chelsea dropped to 3rd after a thrashing by Man City. Arsenal were busy winning the Club Cup Final. We planned to go but that didn’t work out. Congrats to the Gunners who won 3-2 with a Foord winner against Brazil’s Corinthians in extra time. 👏

Up next, we will be travelling to Kent for Tranmere’s outing at the Priestfield. Lord help us🙏.

The Other Bits:

POTM: goes to Rosa 🏅 who had her best game in terms of chances. Her conversion rate could do with improving but hopefully that will come as her confidence improves. Can’t fault her effort today though, well done Rosa.

Officially Opinionated: The ref missed 2 good penalty shouts and the lino had a great view of both but bottled it 🐔. Either or both might have been outside the box but both were certainly fouls yet waved away. Not wanting make waves by halting the rise of Michelle Kang’s Vanity Project 😃.

The Scran’O’meter changed the usual pizza and latte routine today and went for some chips with curry sauce and a hot chocolate. Both excellent. 9.5/10 and 9/10. Thanks.

Programme perusal: The programme is digital which we don’t do so it may well have been fantastic but if it’s not made of paper, we don’t want it. 0/10 again.

See you in Kent.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Our Chia warming up

Floodlights at midday 👀

Tranmere v Cambridge

Baby, Camb Back Tranmere Rovers visit Bromley FC in EFL2 at the CopperJax Community Stadium

Where are we and What’s going on?

The Rovers are away to the U’s (original) on a sunny but chilly afternoon in Cambridge. The U’s are in the last play-off spot in 7th. Rovers are struggling in a lowly 16th, only being kept out of the drop zone by their away form. They keep getting battered at home. With the take over looming, things are probably going to muddle along as they are for the foreseeable.

There a couple of new loanees. Big centre back,Will Tamen, has joined from Everton and forward Dylan Jones has joined from Norwich City. Luke is still injured but Joe has recovered so goes in goal. It’s 3 at the back with Nathan Smith between debutee Tamen and Patrick Brough. Wing backs are Storming Cameron Norman and Jayden Joseph. In the middle are Billy Blacker and Sam Finley. Up front are Mr Tranmere Connor Jennings, Joe Ironside and Dylan Jones. Not saying that the squad is a bit depleted (spoiler alert, it is) but there are 4 loanees in the starting 11. On the missing list are Lee O’C, Sol, Luke, Jordan Josh and Ethan. Omari is back in the squad but on the bench. Are there any more bodies expected in before the end of the window. Probably not.

The U’s have just announced a new loan signing. It’s the very familiar face of Elliot Nevitt. Will he score the last minute winner? Sorry for the old joke but it’s ‘iNevittable!’

The cheeky Nandos in the town went down nicely. The park and ride has been tested successfully. We’ve met the Doc and got the latest GUAR. Been to the club shop for a badge and a programme. It’s unreasonable to make us stand to watch this but it does make it easier to turn away and the bad bits. The sun is shining and the pitch looks good. We’re not sure which version of Tranmere is going to turn up today. It’s time to find out. Come on you whites.

Off we go..

The SWA are behind the Rovers from the kick off. It’s stop-start until it stops completely on 5 as Jayden Joseph goes down injured. A bit of magic spray and he’s up again.

The first chance comes on 14 as the U’s shoot over the bar.

Jaydon goes down again on 19 and can't continue so he is replaced by Adam McGowan.

Tranmere get the first corner on 22 but it comes to nothing and more scrappy, broken up football follows, The Rovers have the slightly better possession and control but can’t put anything useful together. Not until 36 when Brough’s shot misses the target.

The host force Joe into a save on 40. The resulting corner ends up missing the target.

The deadlock is broken in the last minute of the first half. Brough’s cross is met by the head of Dylan Jones in the 6 yard box ⚽. It’s in for Tranmere. 0-1.

We’re still in front when the whistle goes after 3 minutes of added time.

` The U’s start better and are dominating. They get a chance from a corner but it goes over.

Andy Crosby makes his first change on 55 as Dylan Jones is replaced by Charlie Whitaker.

The U’s break down our right, the cross is met by the head of Lavery and Joe is picking it out of the net. Lavery has only been on the pitch for a minute. That is a game changer for you. 1-1.

The U’s are having most of the ball but it’s not long before Tranmere break down the other end. Ironside’s ball finds Charlie Whitaker who sticks it in the net on 63 ⚽. 1-2.

The U’s get a corner on 67. It’s scored by another substitute, Watts. 2-2. Come on Tranemere. Can’t keep letting them back in it.

It’s kept level by some desperate defending as Blacker blocks on the line.

The hosts make another sub. It’s the familiar face of ex-carpetter and ex-Rover, Elliot Nevvitt (who). Please don’t score a last minute winner.

Joe is injured and there are team talks while he gets treatment. We don’t want to lose him and it’s a relief as he gets up to resume playing.

Andy makes his final changes with Connor and Billy making way for Omari and Nohan. That might be like for like positionally but Connor is a very different player to Omari.

The hosts are still applying pressure and Tamen is needed to make a block. It doesn’t stay out of the net for long. Watts gets another header on target and beats Joe on 78. 3-2. We've conceded 3 in 20 minutes. FFS Tranmere!

Omari makes himself enough space to get off one of his long range curling shots. It’s way over the bar though.

Joe is needed to make a couple of good saves as the clock ticks down. The shot from Nevitt isn’t one of them as he puts it wide.

Into 8 minutes of added time. I think we are more pleased about than they are. Can we rescue a point before the whistle.

Any hope we had is dashed on 90+6 when Ben Knight scores from inside the box. Too easy. 4-2.

It’s all over bar the booing which is greeting any player brave enough to come over as we make a sharp exit for the bus.

We think it’s all over..

Andy Crosby brought on his “game changers” with 15 to go. Unfortunately, he took off his best player and changed them for worse ones.

Tranmere had by far the best of the first half. They should have made more of it while they were on top. That’s the usual story of being toothless up front. The second half was more even with the U’s starting better. It was end to end and could have gone either way until the Rovers last changes. The squad is very thin of players that put in a consistent performance. It’s not great is it.

It was mostly good to watch though, despite the end result. The takeover by an American consortium (whatever that is) is imminent. We’re gutted that it didn’t work out for A$AP Rocky and Co. We just hope it’s someone that can bring a bit of passion and identity. Interesting times to come.

It was good to see some old friends aka Craig. We missed Tim and Keith who were up in the Royal box seat. Lucky them. It was freezing standing on the terrace by the prison bars. Well done to the 584 SWA who turned up and made a good noise for most of the game. It got a bit hairy at the divide between the opposing fans later on. Idiots from both sides will always find a way to make themselves known somehow.

Up next is Barnet and maybe Arsenal Women in what might be a busy week. Hope the traffic is better on the way home.

The Other Bits..

POTM: The award 🏅goes to Mr Tranmere Connor Jennings for his usual 110%. He was a big miss when he went off.

Officially opinionated: The ref did well. It wasn’t that controversial or difficult and he didn’t make it about him. Not hard to get it right is it! And we like the purple too.

Programme perusal: The GUAR from the Doc score the usual 11/10. Thanks Dave. The programme had plenty about the club and the match so get a very respectable 8/10. A nice feature on the Rovs too. Thanks.

The Scran’O’meter loves a cheeky Nandos and so do we. It doesn’t count though so no score today. The coffee in the ground was ok but it was warm when the weather was cold. The queue was very Arsenal though. Way too long.

See you soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Sun's out for a change

Here we are

On the buses

Newhaven v Godalming

Godalming'ing in the Rain  Newhaven FC visit Godalming Town FC in the Peter Bentley Cup at the Bill Kyte Stadium

Where are we and What’s going on?

The Dockers are away to the ‘G’s at Wey Court in the ¼ final of the PB Cup. The ‘G’s, really? The Mingers surely? Anyway, the G’s play in the SCFL Division 1. That’s a league below the Dockers but they must have something about them to be in a ¼ final. It’s a horrible night in darkest Surrey . It was very wet earlier but wasn’t bad when we arrived. It’s raining hard now. The pitch inspection earlier gave it the go ahead. I don’t think anyone is quite so sure now. The teams are up on the board. Full marks to the man who knelt in the rain, writing them up. Roman is in goal with Eliot Bresciani and Leo (Hightower) Charman in front of him. Arthur Rawlinson is on the right and our favorite Richmond Osei on the left. Tom, Shay and Blunty are the 6, 8 and 10. Up front are Lee Robbo (centre), Ezra Roeg (left) and Billy Oliver (right). The G’s look good in their very bright yellow shirts with blue shorts. They have a bit of height in the team especially at the back. Let’s hope the Dockers can play on the floor. Let’s hope that anyone can play on the pitch in this weather.

The teams walk out in the pouring rain. I don’t think anyone wants to play. Let’s hope it gets going and that it stays going. And that it finishes in 90 minutes. No-one wants penalties on a school night. Or in a monsoon. Just hope we don’t need the RNLI at any point. The sooner we get started, the sooner it’s over. Come on you Dockers!

Off We Go..

The Dockers kick off and it’s a well organised set piece with all 3 forwards on the left. It’s a great plan until the ball is hit down the middle.

There are a couple of very early sliding tackles as players make the most of the conditions. It’s hard to control the slide in this mud and Tom is booked for being a big feisty. It’s clearly difficult to control the ball on the soft pitch in the wind and rain.

The first sight of goal goes to the hosts but it’s off target. It’s not pretty but the G’s look like a capable team. Blunty puts the first Dockers chance wide. Newhaven are starting to find their feet in the conditions (literally). A cross from Ezra across the box is missed by someone but someone else intercepts it and pops it in the net on 16 ⚽. It turns out that it was Lee who got the decisive touch. 0-1.

There is some very scrappy football being played as players on both sides as they struggle to predict and control the ball. And their feet. The G’s miss a great chance as their striker's control lets him down. It needs a goal line clearance from Blunty to maintain the lead.

The Dockers get a couple chances. Arthur puts the first over. Billy scores when the keeper plays it straight to him on 35 ⚽. 0-2. Thanks mate.

The ever important 3rd goal goes to the Dockers as Lee makes it 2 for him on 40 ⚽. 0-3. It’s horrible out there, shame we can’t call it now.

Billy almost makes it 4 on 45 but the hosts keeper finally makes a save. Took his time but he got there. To be fair, it’s ridiculously slippy in the goal and the wind and rain are right in his face. The whistle goes for the break and everyone is half way off before the whistle finishes. Hope they got a dry kit to put on.

The hosts kick off and put it straight out for a goal kick. Not sure that was the plan. Wonder how that went in training?

As a cup tie, it’s all over when Lee scores the Dockers 4th and his 3rd on 48⚽. 0-4. It’s the first bit of quality we’ve seen. Captain Robbo leading the way. 0-4. No let up from the Dockers or the rain.

Godalming have decided it’s not over. Mistakes at the back cost the Dockers as the G’s capitalise to make it 1-4. The start of a comeback or a consolation? I think we know the answer to that or hope we do🤞.

It’s getting harder for the players to control the ball. And the keepers, well, the G’s keeper anyway.

Shay hits a speculative shot from a long way out. It’s no worldie by any means, Not a good strike at all but the keeper somehow misjudges it and it bobbles through his legs . Opps. 1-5. All that time spent trying to find the perfect pass into the box and you can just hit it. Not a night for precision. Still pouring down.

Roman proves it’s possible to find grip with his boots as he makes a great flying save to push it wide. At least he had a soft landing.

Hatrick hero Lee is replaced by Noel Hoffman on 60 who takes up where Lee was playing on the right. Ezra, who has worked tirelessly, is replaced by Teddy on the left. Tom is replaced by Corey. A group of young Godalming fans were amused by Corey Smart’s surname, they won’t be laughing now.

The ‘G’s force Roman into another good save as he keeps it at 1-5 He goes down injured which is a worry as we don’t have another keeper. There are discussions in the crowd about potential replacements. Odds are on Ryan Walton. Fortunately, sorry Ryan, we don’t get to find out.

There is a change at the back as Richmond makes way for Harry.Like the other subs, he doesn’t want to come on.

We can see a discussion going on over on the far touch line. We think the ‘G’s manager is trying to throw in the towel now. He can’t want it to be called off now surely?

Billy has not stopped running, his kit is a muddy wet mess.. But that doesn’t stop him. He runs onto a through ball and scores past the floundering keeper ⚽. 1-6.

Blunty wants in on the action but he blasts wide. It’s his last kick as he is replaced by Ryan Walton. Probably relieved to be playing anywhere but goal.

Teddy has been working well on the left and his chance comes on 85 ⚽. 1-7 Great skill from the on-loan youngster in appalling conditions.

To everyone’s relief, It’s all over. Most were probably thinking it could get stopped any minute. It didn’t but it’s all over now. We just have to get home in the monsoon now.

We think it’s all over..

The beautiful game that wasn’t. How they got the game on and then finished is amazing. And we were nice and dry in the stand. More waterproof than Old Trafford. It kept the 75 of us dry apart from some of the young Ultras. They had their own shelter behind the goal from where they managed to heckle the keeper to make his day even worse.

We suspect that the ref may have abandoned the game at the break had it been 0-0. But it wasn’t and they had to plough on. Almost literally 🚜. It looked horrible to play on but there wasn’t a huge amount of slipping over but at no point did it look dangerous. Ugly football but not endangering players, just offending our eyes. And upsetting the kit person. That kit is going to need more than a scoop of Vanish. We loved the Godalming kit but how did it stay so clean? None of them were smothered in mud like Arthur or Billy. Is it some miraculous teflon coated kit or were they just not as committed? We’re not going to speculate on that but if one of these magic yellow kits is for sale, let me know.

So, we are through to the semi-finals along with Steyning, Little Common and Pagham. We are planning to ask the organisers if we can just buy the cup as we have lots of Moroccan Deerhams and understand that’s how things are done now.

We hope everyone has a safe journey home in the rain. It’s a good night for the Dockers but one that was well earned.

PS We’ve drawn Steyning which will be tough.

The Other Bits

POTM: Goes to Billy 🏅. Bags of energy from the first minute to the last and a brace of goals ⚽⚽.

Ref: A round of applause to the officials. A well managed game. The assistant on the stand side was even smiling despite the almost polite feedback he received. Not 100% on offsides but it’s impossible when the touchline is that wet. And still did better than VAR. Thank you.

The Scran’O’meter awarded an 8/10 for the lovely skinny chips and 6/10 for the hot chocolate. A bit thin for our liking.

Programme Perusal: 9/10 for a well written programme worth all of the £2.50. Well done.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Minging down with rain

Braving the elements to check out the teams

Brighton v Nottingham Forest

Gone with the Wings Brighton & Hove Albion v Nottingham Forest WFC in the FA Cup 4th Round at The Peoples Pension Stadium

Where are we and What's going on?

We are back at the Broadfield Stadium after a long winter break. It was mild mid-winter day in Crawley. There has been a lot of rain but hopefully the pitch will be ok and it continues to stay dry. It’s the fourth round of the FA Cup so time for the WSL teams to enter. Brighton have drawn Nottingham Forest. Forest sit 7th in WSL2. Will they see this as an important challenge or be saving themselves for a playoff push. The Albion will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing away to Villa last weekend despite taking an early lead through Fuka. Will Dario field a changed line up with a scattering of youngster like in the League Cup. We’ll find out shortly.

Blue skies at the Broadfield

Teams are out. Chia is in goal but there is no sign of Baggers. Hope she is ok. A new face to us in defence alongside Moeka is Manuala Vanegas. She’s been here for a while but we've not seen her before. Carabali has left 😢, headed for the NWSL to play for Boston. Also absent is Fran. Rumours are that she is headed to Juventus 🛫. We hope that's not true but good for Fran if it is. The full backs are Marisa and Charlie. The 6,8, and 10 are Maisie, Fuka and Nadine. Up front are Rosa, Madie and Kiko.

There is a familiar face in the Forest line up. Deanne Rose was noted for her thuggery when she was a Leicester City player. We expect to see more of the same today.

We’ve had Pizza and swapped stickers. The Samba band have warmed out with their increasingly large collection of drums. They get things going with Sussex by the Sea (Samba remix). Let’s go Brighton, Let’s go.

Samba band drummer Auntie Helen

Off we go..

The Albion kick off and are straight on the attack. Rosa’s early shot is saved. Brighton are able to keep the ball but not doing much with it.

Forest are a determined bunch and win a corner on 7. They get first contact but the header misses the goal.

Rosa is booked for a professional foul. The Albion are pressing high and willing to take one for the team to keep Forest pinned in their own half.

Play stops on 29 as Aimee Claypole goes down injured. There are an increasing number of medics on the pitch and she is eventually stretched off 🚑. She is replaced on the pitch by Charlie Wellings. Hope that’s not as bad as it looked. Never nice to see.

It’s typical Brighton with lots of safe possession but no real risk taking in front of goal. Nadine gets a shot off but it’s off target.

Into 8 minutes of added time and Kiko is fouled in the box. It’s a penalty to Brighton. Maisie hangs on to the ball while the fuss dies down. She hands over to Madie who takes it and scores for the Albion on 45+3.

Maisie comes close to scoring herself on 45+8 and it takes a good save to deny her. Rosa’s shot is blocked on 45+10 so it’s a narrow lead for Brighton at the break.

Forest kick off but the Albion are soon back in charge. Madie hits over, Maisie forces a save and Manuela heads over from a corner. Somehow it’s still just 1-0 after a bit of an onslaught from Brighton.

Dario makes his first change on 57 as Jelena comes on to replace Fuka who has had a good game.

Maisie is down injured and it doesn’t look good but she eventually get to her feet to be reminded 🎵she’s one of our own🎵.

There are chance both ways with Nadine forcing a save on 65 shortly followed by a Forest corner that is thankfully cleared. It might start to get a bit nervy if we can’t increase the lead.

There is another change on 72. Carla Camacho replaces Rosa. Carla goes central and Madie moves to the left.

Deanne Rose is replaced on 78 just after a bad foul on Manuela. Coming on in her place appears to be Vivienne Leigh. It’s actually Lia but it fooled us for a minute.

Chiamaka is forced to make a good save from Rachel Rowe. Chia goes down injured a couple of minutes later. We’re all a bit worried as we don’t have Baggers as backup and it’s still too close for comfort. She is soon back out and ready for action. Phew!

Dario uses his last windows to make a 3rd sub. It’s Rachel McLauchlan coming on for Charlie Rule who gets a quick rendition of her song.

Rachel makes an instant impact on the attacking nature of the team. Maisie gets a chance but puts her shot wide.

Brighton get a corner as the 4th official announces 5 extra minutes.

One corner turns into a whole flurry of corners. The 1st is blocked, The following one is blocked initially but drops to Cankovic who taps it home from close range on 90+2 ⚽. A big relief. Double phew!

It finishes on 90+5 with a win for the Albion who progress to the 5th round draw on Monday. An interesting draw please.

We think it’s all over..

That was a good result without being the best game. It was a bit dull and a triumph of possession over aggression. Perhaps missing Frans competitive edge but it did come to life for the last 5 or so minutes. It was the high tempo attacking football that we know the Seagulls are capable of. It was a bit nervy at 1-0. Forest never really threatened but a goal back was always a possibility. The Seagulls chose to wait into injury time to settle our nerves. And the first goal was in injury time too. Not sure if that means anything? Maybe there is something in that, related to mentality. Feeling the pressure of the clock ⏰ and doing something about it.

The changes were positive which is something we have an issue with under Dario. Using Madie to wear them down and then bringing on Carla to run at them is the sort of change we like. We would like to see Madie playing as the 10, holding the ball up and feeding Carla in the 9. We are big fans of Nadine but she has had better games with her first touch letting her down too many times in the Forest box.

The crowd was a bit disappointing considering it’s the first home game since mid December but that’s how it is with cup games sometimes. The draw is on Monday where we will find out our opponents for the 5th round. Do we have a preference? Not really, just not West Ham or Villa again as we are always playing them in one cup or another. It’s cup action for Newhaven up next as we make the trip to Godalming in Scary Surrey.

The other bits

POTM: Today's award goes to Fuka Tsunoda for her best performance we have seen in a Brighton shirt. She has great feet and used them to great effect today to keep Forest pinned in with a high press.

The officials get no complaints from us so well done and thanks.

There is no printed programme to peruse so again it’s a 0/10 (should be -10).

The Scran’O’meter scored the Margarita Pizza the usual 10/10, Thanks Doughshack. The lattes were a steaming hot 8/10.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Newhaven Little v Common

Win, Ouse or Draw Newhaven FC host to Little Common FC in the SCFL Premier Division at Fort Road

Where are we and What’s going on?

The Dockers host the Common on a freezing afternoon by the Ouse. It’s about 2℃ but the wind is bringing it back well below zero 🥶. There are a number of games frozen off today so we might pick up a few fans from elsewhere. The Dockers need to bring a reaction today after the awful display last Saturday at the Tye. The away leg was played on a breezy but warm August evening. The Dockers won 3-1 that night. A result that would go down very nicely today. An early goal to set the scene and warm us up would do nicely. Please🙏.

Fort Road sunshine

The lineup is largely unchanged except at the back where Oesi and Harry Hammond are back in defence. Shay Tobin and Dan Allen making way. Shay is on the bench. Tarun stays in the 11 but moves up to midfield.

The Common look a little less physical than some so hopefully some good football will be served up for us today.

Today's Teams

The Ultra’s of both teams are behind their goals. Flags are out and drums are ready to cheer on their teams. We’re ready to go too. We’re in the stand keeping out of the wind. There may be a rattle nearby. 🎵Come on you Dockers by the Sea🎵.

Come on you Dockers

Off we go..

The Dockers are straight on the offensive. It’s a good quick start but Blunt’s shot is just wide. Promising. The Dockers are keeping the ball well and attacking the Common’s final ⅓.

It’s not all one way though as the Common are quick on the break and force Roman into a save.

There is a good period of possession again. Blunt hits wide in another chance. Tom gets a booking to go with his one from last week. There is some trading of chances with Tarum, wide, and Teddy, saved, coming close either side of a good save from Roman.

The Dockers Ultra’s are quiet but the Common kids haven’t stopped. A bit of Posnan going on at one point. And more player songs than some EFL clubs.

The Dockers get a couple of free kicks that are too close to go over the wall. Tom takes them and both do go over the wall and the bar. Are you Alfie in disguise?

There is one more chance with the Common forcing another save and Ezra putting his shot wide.

It’s been a good half from the Dockers but they have been inefficient in front of goal. Need to push on or that could come back to bite them.

Sunset watching

The second half starts like the first except it has got colder and thicker gloves are required. The Dockers come close, first through Roobo who forces a save from a Blunty corner. The keeper needs to make another save before Blunt hits just wide again.

The Dockers are getting good possession and Ezra and Harry are working really well together to get forward down the left. They are probably exploiting the rotational inertia of the no. 4. He could easily be a Tuck relative.

The Docker’s Ultras have changed ends so both groups are now in the Surf’n’Skate stand. Or should that be the North Stand.

Fort Road sunset

The moon is coming up over Firle Beacon. It’s a stunning huge Wolf Moon. It's a bit distracting, big and gold in front of us. Wow!

Teddy is bundled over in a crowd of bodies in the box. The ref points straight to the spot. After a lengthy conversation with the lino, he overrules himself and it’s a drop ball for the Common. It looked like a good initial decision to us. There is a continuing discussion around the ref and Robbo is booked for telling him something he didn’t want to hear. The assistant is the recipient of some feedback as he reaches the home dugout 😶.

Robbo breaks clear and gets 1 on 1 with the keeper who manages to block the shot. He creates another chance for Teddy. It’s not going in is it.

Little Common are awarded a penalty on 63 after a handball on 65. It comes off Oesi’s chest on to his hand. It’s in the grey areas of the hand ball rules as it comes off another part of him first but his hand is raised. It doesn’t matter in the end because Roman makes a great low save to tip it round the post. Get in and ha ha.

It’s not long before Newhaven get another penalty after a clear but soft trip on Tarun. Ezra steps up and makes it count. on 72 ⚽. Finally a goal after all that teasing.

The changes start on 74 as Tom Howard-Bold is replaced by Shay Tobin. It’s uneventful until 83 when Teddy Woods is replaced by Dexter Lambert. Fingers crossed that some fresh legs can help us extend the lead.

In a great move down the left, Ezra squares to Robbo who passes to Blunty. It’s a fantastic chance but he skies it from inside the box 👀.

The Common have looked threatening on the break all game and finally get their reward with an equaliser on 85 after a great run down the right by the speedy No. 3. Can’t say it wasn’t on the cards. Bum!

It’s nearly the winner for Ezra as we reach 90 minutes. He gets his head to a corner but can’t control it and it goes way over.

The Dockers have really upped the tempo now. The frustration shows as Tarun is booked for a dreadful tackle. The ref is finding time from somewhere as it goes on and on. The quality fades as the clock winds down and the Dockers can’t find a late winner. It’s still level on 90+6. Two points capitulated more than lost for the Dockers this afternoon 🤷.

We think it’s all over..

It’s hard to believe that this is the same team that played so badly against Peacehaven a week ago. There were limited changes but they have been worked hard in training 😅. What was needed was more efficiency up front. There were so many chances but they need to make a couple more of them count. If they scored that chance in the first minute, it would have been a very different game. There was always a chance that the visitors would sneak a goal and that was exactly what they did. The timing of the equaliser was awful for the Dockers. They stepped up the pace to try to get it back but became increasingly desperate.

There were positives. The confidence is back, despite the 2 point dropped. The Dockers are still 4th in the league. They have moved above Peacehaven who didn’t play but have been leap frogged by Guernsey. It’s going to be a good scrap from here to the end of the season for the playoff places.

Also positive is that we scored a penalty. That does make a change. It’s a shame that the first one was overturned for whatever reason. And their penalty could have gone either way. It was accidental and hit his chest first.

It was one of the coldest games we have been to while and it got colder as it went on. It needed some more goals to keep us warm. It must have kept the crowd down as there were only 149 through the gates despite the lack of football elsewhere.

The Common Ultra’s did their team proud today. And they stayed long enough to see their team score this time. 10/10 for the repertoire of songs including the Posnan and 🎵one-nil and you effed it up🎵. Fair enough. Their songs didn’t always match the context but you can’t fault their passion and energy.despite the cold. They didn’t change ends as they seemed settled in the stand.

The Dockers Ultras with their new flag and their drums were less numerous and less noisy. They did migrate down to the other half at the break leaving both sets at the same end. Unusual.

The other bits..

POTM: There were a number of good performances today. The award was going to Blunty but it slipped away with that miss near the end. So today’s winner is Ezra, some great attacking runs and scoring the penalty. Well done Ez 🏅.

Officially Opinionated: They seemed to do OK most of the time but with a few odd calls. The ref had no doubts about the penalty but used his assistant as he should. I wouldn’t have wanted to be that assistant when he had to walk past the home dugout. There may have been a little feedback provided by some on the bench.

The Common pen was hard to take but we can see why it was given. The third penalty was soft and may not have been given had the first not been cancelled. And what’s with all the dropped balls. There must have been 4 or 5. He seems to love them. We loved the extra time but it seemed a bit excessive for the game that didn’t stop much.

Ferry Watch: The Cộte D’Albâtre was docked when we arrived and remained there all game.

The Scram’O’meter loves the hot chocolate ☕ here and it’s got a 7/10 today. We needed that to keep the cold out.

Programme perusal: We are very disappointed to report that there was no programme today as it’s been a holiday and no-one was at work to make one. Poor excuse, the slackers 😡.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Newhaven v Peacehaven

Haven Can't Wait Newhaven FC host Peacehaven & Telscombe FC in the SCFL Premier League at The Sports Park

Where are we and What’s going on?

Back at the Tye

The Dockers are away at the Tye for the 2nd visit of 2025. It’s the Boxing Day fixture being played on the 27th at 3pm for some reason. There is still a good crowd of 725. The Dockers have been digging out some decent results recently but the Tye is rarely the scene of decent football. Newhaven lost 2-0 here on Easter Monday in a very bad tempered and scrappy game. We arrive here today with low expectations. Also low is the sun so it’s a good job we have a new Dockers cap courtesy of Santa. The seats are very comfy and the hot chocolate is warm. Let’s hope we’ve not peaked already.

St Stephen's Day +1

Roman is in goal. Tarun Rohilla and Elliot Bresciani are in front of him. Dan Allen (new face to us) and Ashley Wadhams are at fullback. Tom Howard Bold is in the 6 with Shay Tobin and Blunty in the 8 and 10. Lee is up front with Teddy and Ezra out wide. One of our favourites, Billy Oliver is on the bench.

The Tye line up contains ex Docker Callum who can be a big threat. He made POTM a couple of times too.

We have everything crossed. An early goal would be nice. Let’s get this show on the road. Come on you Dockers.

Off we go..

It starts scrappy and continues that way for a while. The Dockers are trying to play on the floor but prevented from doing so by some very determined opposition. It’s all one way traffic with the Tye looking most likely to make anything happen. They get the first decent chance but it’s well over.

Robbo breaks clear on 20 but chooses to square it and the chance is gone. He’s soon through again and goes 1 on 1 with the keeper. His lob doesn’t have enough height and it’s an easy catch for the big keeper.

The stalemate is broken on 29. It’s a good goal ffor Peacehaven from a cross in from the left. It’s 2-0 on 33 and a brace for their no. 10. The important 3rd goal comes on 45+1 as the Tye make the most of the Dockers non-existent defence. 3-0 to the home side at the break.

There is a change for the Dockers at the break with Shay Tobin making way for Harry Hammond.

It’s a quick start for the Tye. After a scramble, the ball skims the inside of the post, through a crowd of statues including Roman and rolls gently into the net. 4-0. A shocking goal to give away that one. Their No. 10 has a hattrick.  The Dockers need find something now or it could be a cricket score.

The Dockers haven’t given up and score from a free kick on the right. Ezra rises highest to make it 4-1 on 49 ⚽. A consolation or back in it?

There is some kind of altercation on the far touchline. Not sure what happened but after a very lengthy debate with the lino, the ref gives a yellow card to Tom.

There are some more Dockers changes as Bold and Wadhams are replaced by Rawlinson and Hoffman. Lee looks injured though and keeping him on seems madness as this is already long gone.

Roman is down injured after a late challenge in a move that was off-side anyway. Let’s hope he’s OK as we have no spare keeper. He is thankfully back up after treatment. Phew.

It’s a good job he stayed on as he is needed for a good save a minute later.

There are 2 final changes for the Dockers as Rohilla and Wood are replaced by Smart and Oliver.

The changes bring some energy and the Dockers are a better team for the next 10 minutes or so. Billy is making a nuisance of himself on the left wing.

Newhaven’s defence provides no resistance for another Peacehaven chance. Only a great save by Roman stops them getting a 5th.

The Dockers get one more chance but Dan Allen heads over. 

 There is more pointless injury time then it’s all over and we can go home and defrost.

We think it’s all over..

Well, that was a horrible thing to watch. The Dockers allowed themselves to be dragged into a scrappy game by a team that wanted to play that way. They made a few attempts to play on the floor but never really threatened with it. The Tye defended well on the floor and in the air. And were ruthless when faced with the Dockers wide open defence. It’s a well deserved Derby Day win for the Tye. Again. They certainly wanted it more. Maybe they hadn’t had an extra portion of Boxing Day Turkey Curry. Or maybe they had. Another defeat for the Dockers at the Sports Park in 2025. Both derby fixtures will thankfully be at Fort Road in 2026. We seem to do better in these at home.

The points difference between the teams has closed up now. And the Tye move above the Dockers. It’s equal points but the goal difference is a chasm. The Dockers will have better games. This one one forget.

The Peacehaven Wild Kids did a great job backing their team. Love the National Anthem before kick-off. They disgraced themselves with their behavior later on and we hope that the culprits are appropriately punished.

The Other Bits

POTM: Hard to pick out a decent performance but Ash Wadhams gave us a few moments of hope with some storing runs out of defence 🏅.  Thanks.

The ref wasn’t great but these games are always horribly niggly and hard to manage. He was so pedantic about where free-kicks and throw-ins were taken even when he was somewhat mistaken. He didn’t seem bothered that it took ages for the ball to be retrieved for the kick-kicks and throw-ins because the Tye had kicked it away again. Wasn’t bothered about them playing on after the whistle either even when Roman was injured in the process.

The Scran’0’meter enjoyed the lovely hot chocolate ☕ 8/10.

We would have liked to have been able to pursue the programme but there wasn’t one so we didn’t. Very disappointed 0/10.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

England v China

Eight nothin’ going on 'cept in Brent England Women host China Women in a friendly at Wembley Stadium

Where are we and What's going on?

Underneath the Arches

The Lionesses host the Steel Roses in a friendly on a chilly but thankfully dry November evening in Brent. Wembley is pretty rammed with the “sold out” crowd numbering 74661. There are quite a few empty seats and plenty that seem to be struggling to find their allocated seats 🤷. It’s a great view from the back row of the lower stand.

Watching the warm up

The team news is in. Hannah, Kiera and LJ are still out injured. Anna Moorhouse gets a debut in goal/ Serena has finally realised that Maya is a centre back and not a full back. She is partnered by Esme Morgan. The fullbacks are Lucy and Niamh. The 6,8, and 10 are Captain Kiera, Georgia and Toonie. Up front is Lessi. Out wide are Meado and Hempo. Hemp is just back from injury and really flying for Man City.

Following her retirement from international football this summer, Fran’s England career and 77 caps are being celebrated tonight. She is presented with a framed 77 England shirt and flowers. Super Fran gets huge applause and it’s well deserved 👏. Thanks Fran, see you in Crawley soon.

We can see the ITV presenters in front of us. It’s Laura Woods, Anita Asante and Wrighty. Them and their desk on wheels disappear as the lights go down.

ITV crew

There is a quick performance by Self Esteem who sings 🎵Focus is Power🎵.

Self Esteem's down there somewhere

There is a light show to the music then a few fireworks. We stand for the anthems and suddenly it’s time to play. 🎵Come on England🎵.

Fireworks at last

Off we go...

The Lionesses kick off but China get the first attack. They get a corner on 3 but it’s well defended. England's first chance comes from a long ball from Maya to Mead. It’s off-side but the lino plays on. It appears we have VAR.

There is some good play from the Lionesses. Especially up the right wing. Lucy, Beth and Lessi are combining well. A run from Lucy leads to a cross to Mead, a great touch and a quality finish. 1-0 on 12 ⚽. It was coming.

It’s a Toone assist to Mead for her brace on 14 ⚽. 2-0.

Russo feeds a ball through to Georgia. She fires a low cross across the goalmouth and Hemp, with perfect timing, slides in at the far post to score on 16 ⚽. 3-0. 3 goals in under 4 minutes. Wow. Ruthless👍. Job done on the Asian Champions in under 20 minutes.

Hemp is on fire now. She hits a long curling shot just wide of the far post. Her next one is saved but it drops to Georgia who drills it home on 23. 4-0 ⚽.

It’s Rosso’s turn to get a couple of chances. The first is offside. The second is cleared and play carries on. Then there is a VAR check for a possible handball in the earlier attack. It’s an England penalty. Who’s going to take it? Georgia of course. She makes no mistake. 5-0 on 38 ⚽. England are toying with China who can’t get near the ball. 5-0 at the break.

There are some early (for Serena) changes at the break. Going off are Esme, Beth and Hempo. Replacing them are Lotte, Jess Park and Chloe Kelly. The finishers have arrived.

In a move down the right, Georgia combines with Jess and Lucy. Toone links it back up with Georgia who puts it in the far corner. It’s a hat-trick for Georgia and 6 for England on 52 ⚽.

The Lionesses' movement off the ball is killing the Chinese. They are trying to press but getting torn apart. The Lionesses play is not all passing in triangles. though. Maya is hitting some fantastic long balls over the top to Russo.

China get a rare chance, it’s rushed and way over the bar. England straight back on the attack. The chances come and go.

Captain Walsh is replaced by Lucia Kendall. Arise Captain Lucy.

It should be 7 as Chloe’s cross drops to Lucy, She crosses to Jess who chips over the bar. Lucy had a great chance to shoot there. They need to stop trying for the perfect goal. Just score. OK then. Russo presses the keeper who inadvertently rolls it to Toone. She is far too polite not to return it to the keeper via the net on 71 ⚽. 7-0.

Another Serena change and Lucy is replaced by Taylor Hinds. Arise Captain Alessia. Niamh swaps across to right back and Taylor slots in on the left.

It’s Toone assisting next as her pass to Russo ends up in the far corner on 78 ⚽. 8-0.

China are now stepping it up a bit and hitting on the break. It’s another rushed effort over the bar.

Alessia makes way for Aggie on 85. Arise Captain Georgia.

China get their best chance yet. It’s a good shot on target. Moorhouse saves, fumbles and recovers to keep a clean sheet. Still 8-0. There are 3 added minutes and China get one more chance. It’s a tame shot from the edge of the box and easily saved.

90+4 and it’s all over. 8-0 A Lionesses Wembley record.

We think it's all over..

What a great game to watch. Lots of goals from good progressive football. Just like the Lionesses of old, We thought it would be Beth getting the match ball following her quick brace but it went to Georgia for her 30 minute hat-trick. It was very much a display from the old guard up front though the defence had some more recent faces.

There were not as many changes as we had expected with the size and quality of the squad in all areas of the pitch. At least we got to see Baggers warming up in her England kit. Hope she’s playing in it soon.

We thought that some of the players who have Champions League fixtures coming up should have played less minutes as they have games coming up in the next couple of weeks. It was entertaining to see so many goals but without giving some of the newer squad entrants more of a chance, what was the point of the game. It was won inside 30 minutes. A sell out money earner for the FA and ITV? The players can only play what is in front of them and they executed it brilliantly. Utterly ruthless with very few wasted chances.

China didn’t stand a chance but never gave up. The 90 minutes was bookended by 2 Chinese corners after all.

That’s all for now. Time for a game of stop’n’go down Olympic Way heading for Wembley Park Station. Up next, more Lionesses at Southampton.

The other bits

POTM: Goes to the dynamic duo of Toone and Russo. They work so hard to make the goal happen as well as chipping in with their own.

Officially Opinionated: The ref had a really pedantic first 5 minutes. Insisting a Lionesses freekick was re-taken as it was about 10 feet too close to the Lionesses goal despite the fact that they played it backways anyway, Why?

She did settle down and was only sent to the VAR screen once. To be fair we didn’t think it was a penalty either and there wasn’t much complaint on the pitch. A good game that didn’t stretch her skills. The Lino on the tunnel side did seem a bit sluggish to start with but it looked like the caffeine kicked in eventually.

The Scran’O’meter loves a Spoons and the all-day breakfast 🍳🥓 rated a 9/10. The Wembley Pick ’n’ Mix was lovely and the same price as last season. Yum. The top was confiscated from our empty water bottle but we had a spare hidden under a hat. A bottle of Pepsi had already had the top removed but we had a spare for that too.

Spoons for Brunch

Basil Watch: We caught up with him for a selfie inside the ground and later saw him in the front row down below us.

We're only here for the Basil

Love Tranmerekat 🐾