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 🐾

Chelsea v Barcelona

Ms Blue Sky-rocket Chelsea Women host Barcelona Femeni in the UWCL League Stage at Stamford Bridge

Where are we and what’s going on?

A big night ahead

The Blues play host to arch rivals Barca-moaners in the league stage of the new Swiss model Champions League. It’s a mild November evening in SW6. Basil is out on the Fulham Road collecting for a foodbank with his skills. It’s MD4 . Chelsea sit 5th in the new league having got off to a slow start and drawn away to FC Twente. Barca sit top having won all their games.

Champions League Nights at the Bridge

There are some surprises in the squad. There is no Millie on the bench as is LJ. LJ has not been selected for the next internationals as she is only just coming back from her last international injury. Sam Kerr is being rested for her upcoming international duties. Hannah is injured so Olivia Peng is in goal. In front of Olivia are Lucy Bronze, eNatalia Bjorn and Naomi Girma. Out wide are Sandy Baltimore and Ellie Carpenter. That’s 5 at the back which is unusual for Sonia. The midfield is Kiera Walsh, Erin Cuthbert and Wieke Kaptien. Up front are Allesia Thompson and Aggie Aggie Aggie. We expect Lucy and Ellie will fill in the gap at right wing between them.

The only Sam we'll see tonight 

There are no surprises in the Barca 11 but some new names on the bench as the senior squad is a bit thin. They still have Vicky Lopez and Kika Nazareth on the bench though. Gulp.

It’s a good crowd in the East and West stands. We’re joined in the West by Basil. There is the usual UEFA build up, a bit of Liquidator. We all stand for the anthems. The teams have one last huddle then it’s come on the Chels.

Off we go…

It’s a good battle as both teams try to press high and play out from the back. CGH is causing trouble down the right wing as usual. Luckily Payor’s control just fails her this time. CGH takes her own chance next but Naomi does well to block it.

Chelsea are weathering a bit of pressure at the moment. That pressure is soon relieved as Ellie’s run is picked out by Aggie. She smashes it from the corner of the box and into the net on 16 ⚽. 1-0.

Payor makes her next chance count on 21 but it’s ruled offside. Haha.

Sandy is getting space to run with the ball on the left. She crosses into a busy box but it’s eventually cleared.

Barca get a corner. It ends up at the feet of Payor and she puts it into the top corner on 24. 1-1.

Wieke combines well with Erin but Wieke’s shot is saved by Cata Coll. The combo is Walsh and Thomson this time but it’s into a side netting. They try again and it hits the post. Getting closer.

The ref calls play to a stop on 39. We don’t know what’s going on but she has a chat with the managers. Rumour in the crowd is it’s a technical issue with the broadcast. A power outage possibly. Time for some team talks for both sides. It’s all resolved, the emergency 50p has been found and we’re off again on 46. There are 9 added minutes.

Sandy is finding plenty of space again, not that she needs much. Her first effort is from range and goes over the bar. The second is an easy save for Cata Coll. She had better options there but is confident of her own considerable abilities. And we do moan regularly about players playing the pass when a shot is on so you go for Sandy.

Lucy’s ball finds Aggie in space. She misses but it’s off-side anyway. It’s still 1-1 at the break.

Chelsea have started sitting a bit deeper. Ellie is badly fouled by Brugts who is lucky to stay on. There is a blue wall at the edge of the Chelsea box. It’s not all solid defending as there is a very nervy backpass from Wieke to Olivia.

Barca are on top at the moment. It doesn’t stop a Chelsea break though. Erin ball finds Ellie. Ellie is on for a brace but she fires it just wide.

Barca’s pressure leads to a dangerous free kick. it ‘s well blocked by Lucy. They are finding their feet and starting to look like a Barcelona team. Bonmati’s dangerous cross finds no-one though and is caught by Peng.

Sonia makes her first change on 71 as Aggie is replaced by Kat. Kat makes her presence felt straight away as she heads home. Chelsea are in the lead again briefly only for it to be ruled out after a VAR review for offside. Boo.

We breathe a sigh of relief on 74 as CGH is subbed off only to groan as she is replaced by Vicky Lopez.

Lucy Bronze is in the way again as she heads clear from a dangerous free kick. Chelsea seem to be resurgent again. A great 1-2 between Ellie and Kat gives Ellie a great chance. Somehow she misses the target. Can’t be missing those at this level. She should be celebrating a hattrick.

This game is far from done. Chelsea sitting back and giving away a corner. The blue line is still holding somehow.

A late change swaps Pina for the in form Nazareth. Help. She doesn’t have enough time to be an influence. Chelsea get one last corner and it’s all over. Bragging rights and points shared. Neither side will be happy with that. First points dropped by Barcelona and Chelsea will feel it’s 2 points dropped at home. We’re done here and off back to Fulham Broadway tube.

On the train home

We think it’s all over…

That was a great contest. Two of Europe's top teams trying to better each other. The Spaniards have, almost, always had the upper hand in the past. It was a battle of equals today. Curse or bogey team or whatever, it’s a thing of the past now.

Chelsea will be the most disappointed that they didn’t come away with the win. Ellie had so many good chances that she should have had a hattrick. There seemed to be more momentum in the attacks down the right with Lucy joining in. How does she get up and down the pitch like that? From 6 yard box to 6 yard box. Amazing for a defender sitting in a back 3. Naomi on the left of the 3 was going nowhere. Ellie and Lucy made for great overlaps on the right.

One surprise tonight was only seeing one substitution from Chelsea. Is Sonia saving legs or not wanting to upset what was clearly working in the midfield and defence? Only she knows that.

There was very good pace in the Blues backline to stop the breakaway. If they hadn’t scored from a corner, they wouldn’t have scored at all. CGH who. There was some seriously dodgy defending by the blues in possession. Not what you need at this level. They were lucky this time but it was worrying to see. Very Brighton. Peng is a great keeper but seems to struggle to switch the ball quickly from left to right. She played the ball back into danger instead of away. It wouldn’t have been surprising if there had been a number of back-pass induced medical incidents in the crowd.

On the plus side, the Barca midfield will probably be having nightmares, seeing Erin Cuthbert everywhere they look. There is no escaping her sometimes.

In other news, Arsenal won at home to Real Madrid but Man Utd lost badly away to Wolfsburg.

Chelsea have Roma at home next followed by a trip to Wolfsburg. We have the European Champions “The Lionesses” facing China, the Asian Champions in a friendly at Wembley.

The other bits

POTM: Ellie got the goal and could have had 3 but Erin was everywhere. The Barca players will probably having nightmares featuring Erin for weeks to come. Hopefully longer. “She’s behind you” 👻🤣

Basil Bulletin: He was on the Fulham Road collecting for a foodbank and then making a noise in the West Stand.

Basil

Officially Opinionated: The officials had a good game. They clamped down on or ignored the Barca nonsense. A refreshing change for this match up at the Bridge.

The Scran’O’meter was disappointed to go past the Spoons on Victoria Station and straight to the Burger King. I suppose needs must on a school night though. The veggie thing was nice. 6/10.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Newhaven v Worthing

Rebel Treble Newhaven FC v Worthing FC in the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup at Ford Road

Where are we and What’s going on?

It’s been a while but we’re glad to be back at Fort Road after a break of 6 weeks. It’s a big cup game tonight on a chilly Winter evening by the Ouse. The Dockers ⚓ host the Rebels 🐟🐟🐟 in the 3rd round of the Sussex Cup 🏆. The Rebels are flying high in the National League South so are 3 whole divisions above the Dockers. It’s an understatement to say that it will be a tough night for the young Dockers team. Success may be a long shot but a respectable performance would be good for confidence. And a penalty shoot out would be a fantastic result even though it’s a school night. 

Winter coat weather by the Ouse

 The team sheet contains a new face. We’ve not seen Shay Togin before, so welcome to the Dockers, Shay. Roman is in goal with Richmond and Tom in front of him. The full backs are Harry and Ash. Elliot and Shay are in the middle with Blunty in front of them. Up front is Ezra with Noah to his right and Leo to his left. Lee is on the bench with Teddy and Dexter. The Rebels have squad numbers and names on their shirts which is always a bad sign. 

The line ups for tonight

Up for grabs tonight is a place in the quarter final. The “Ultras” are ready with their drums behind Roman’s goal. It’s going to be a tough physical battle. Let’s hope that it’s all about the football. Let’s go and grab that QF spot. 🎵Come on you Dockers by the Sea🎵.

Off we go..

The Rebels are well organised and able to dominate the ball. The Dockers are determined to make a scrap of it and are well able to break at speed. Ezra gets the first chance but his shot is low and saved. He gets another chance from a good free kick but heads it just over. It’s a good start. The Rebels get a couple of chances including hitting the post. 

Roman makes his first save on 27. He has no chance 2 minutes later when a screamer from outside the box flies past him into the top corner from outside the box. What a great goal. Shame it was for the Rebels. They get one more chance before the break but it’s wide of Roman’s post. 1-0 at half time.

It’s a busier time for Roman now that the Rebels have their feet under the table so to speak. After one save, he’s picking the ball out of the net again. The Rebels double their lead with another great shot on 50. 2-0. 

We think that the important 3rd goal is going our way when we get a penalty. But this is the Dockers so expectations are somewhat low. Ezra takes it well but it’s saved as is his follow up. Still 2-0. Oops. 

The Dockers fail to clear a corner and it ends up in the net. 3-0. 

The first Dockers change is Teddy replacing Noah on 62. On 64, the Rebels make all 5 of their changes in one go. Wow. You don’t see that very often. Ezra has run his legs off and is replaced by Lee on 70. Time for a consolation goal please Lee. Or anyone. 

Our subs combine to make a great chance but it’s saved. Worthing are still trying to extend their lead and the Dockers are desperate to reduce it. Neither happens and it finishes 3-0 to the Rebels. A well deserved win for the Rebels and a robust Dockers performance. It’s freezing; time to go home.

We think it's all over..

That was a great game and a good performance by the Dockers. The scoreline was respectable considering the difference in quality between the two sides. The Dockers not capitalising on their few chances is the only thing they need to worry about. They battled and defended well. And maybe a bit of penalty practice. If that had gone in, at the first or second attempt, 2-1 would have been a very different game. It quickly became 3-0 and that was the end of any real hopes. 

Worthing were a very good side and worthy winners on the night. Good luck to them in the next round of the competition and for the rest of the season. It’s been too long since we were at Woodside Road so maybe it’s time to get a visit planned. 

It’s a young Dockers side and we were worried that the occasion might lead to some over enthusiasm. We were wrong and it ended up as a good clean game of football. It needed the Dockers to be robust and physical and they managed to contain the Rebels very well. The goals were ones that any team would be proud to score. The first was a worldie too. 

There was some good noise from behind both goals. The fifth official was present but on his best behavior 😶. Must be some FA officials on site👮. The rattle was present too. The best banter of the night came from the away fans as the ferry arrived. 🎵You can sick your ferry up your a**e🎵. That’s a new one to all of us. 

In other news: there were some bigger scores in the cup tonight. The Hornets won 7-1 and Three Bridges won 10-0. All the other games finished 3-0. No cup shocks tonight. The Dockers are back to league action on Saturday and it’s a big derby game with Seaford. UWCL action up next for us as the Chels host Barcelona on MD4.

The other bits

POTM: Goes to the whole squad 🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅tonight for a fantastic team performance. Everyone stepped up. Well done.

The ref had a good game but didn’t have too much to deal with. A few disputes over throw-ins but that’s fair enough. Well done too.

Programme patter :  There was a programme for the usual £1 and it featured Richmond on the cover.  Very good it was too.

Back at Fortress Road

The Scran’O’meter loved the hot chocolate ☕ 7/10. Just what was needed to keep the cold out.

Ferry Watch: Appeared at 8:50 and docked bang on time.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Brighton v Charlton

The Dolls of the Valley Brighton & Hove Albion v Charlton Athletic AFC Women in the WSL at The Peoples Pension Stadium

Where are we and What's going on?

The Seagulls host the Addicks in their final group game of the WSL Subway Cup. The chances of the Albion qualifying for the knockout stages are almost non-existent since losing to West Ham. It would, however, be good to go out in style tonight. That could be hard harder than it looks though. Charlton are 4 points clear at the top of WSL2 after 8 games. They are in the habit of winning and won’t want to lose any momentum tonight. The Seagulls are playing for pride.

Dario has chosen to use this as the opportunity to rotate his squad and rest some of the senior players. A few of the Under 19s will get a game tonight. The Seagulls also have a 6 pointer against Leicester at the AMEX on Sunday so both resting some legs and building experience through the squad sounds like a good plan.

The team sheets are out. Fran is unavailable due to illness. As expected, Baggers is in goal. It might be a back 4 with Maelys Mpome, Jorelyn Carabali, Marit Auee and Rachel McLauchlen. In the middle are Emily Gay, Fuka Tsenoda and Nadine Noordam. Up front are Rosa Kafaji, Tahirah Heron and Elliana Martin. That’s 3 youngsters getting a start.

Charlton aren’t new to women’s football having played at the highest level as Bromley Borough and later Croydon. It’s going to be an interesting game and anyone expecting a repeat of the Southampton result could be very much mistaken. Hoping for a good performance and not penalties as it’s a school night. It’s a small crowd of 566 all cramped into the West Stand. The Samba band is close by. Let's hope there's plenty to make a noise about. 🎵Let’s go Brighton, let's go!🎵

Off we go..

The first shot comes from the visitors. It’s tame and doesn’t trouble Baggers. Brighton soon start to occupy the Addicks half. They are being well supported by the noise from the ‘Atmosphere’ section. They are being frustrated and unable to create anything positive due to the Addicks harassing and closing down. Rosa receives the ball on the wing. She is tackled and it goes out. The ref flags for a Brighton throw so Rosa takes it. The ref then changes his mind and gives the throw to Charlton. What!

Emily Gay is playing well in the 6. Tahira Heron is getting good space down the right wing and she wins the first Seagulls corner on 14. Looks like Fuka Tsunoda is on corner duty tonight. Nothing comes of it though. Charlton are defending very well. They are sitting in a low block at times and denying any quality passing from Brighton.

They may be sitting back but they know how to break, Our hearts are in our mouths as Marit and McAteer tangle at the edge of the box. Fortunately, the ref doesn’t see anything wrong with it. However, the ball breaks clear and it takes a sliding tackle from Jorelyn to put it behind for a corner. The ball is recycled after the corner and the inbound cross bounces awkwardly, evading everyone in defence including Baggers, to land in the back of the net on 18. Oops. 0-1. Not how we wanted to start. It takes a couple of minutes for the scoreboard to update. It does eventually update. Boo. There is no VAR here to update the score after the fact. Plenty of time to get back at them.

Brighton are able to get the ball in the box, via Heron and the right wing but it’s very crowded. And the passing is not quick or accurate enough to break through this well organised defensive line. The Addicks are pressing too. They know that the Seagulls are prone to mistakes at the back when under pressure. A back pass to Baggers is in turn passed to Maelys but it’s too short. The Addicks striker pounces but is tackled and loses the ball.. The attacker continues her run though and flattens Baggers. The move carries on and the ball ends up in the Brighton net before Baggers can get to her feet. It’s thankfully ruled out and a freekick awarded for the foul on Baggers. Phew. Still 0-1.

Just a minute later and it’s fired just over Bagger's crossbar after more dodgy passing at the back. Need to tighten up Brighton. The Seagulls are pressing again but can find any spaces to pass into. Rosa is not getting much help down the left. She tries a shot from range but it’s over both the bar and the stand roof.

A poor backpass from Jorelyn is closer to the striker than Baggers but Baggers makes a good save. Phew. Charlton are getting better possession than Brighton at the moment.

Some good play down the Seagulls left at last as Rosa runs onto a through ball on 37. She puts in a good cross but Nadine’s touch lets her down and the keeper collects it. There is more space down the left now but for some reason all the effort is going into trying to play through the middle. Tahira is struggling with the physical battle on the right.

The Addicks are a very aggressive physical side and are winning individual battles all over the pitch. Another cross in, this one from Rachel, is claimed by the keeper who is having a good game. We have a good shout for a penalty as Jorelyn is caught from behind as she runs onto a ball in the box. Ref decision is a corner. Don’t know what he was watching. Jorelyn gets a good header on the corner but it’s just tipped over. The resulting corner is headed straight to the keeper. There is just 1 added minute. It’s 0-1 at the break. The sides are separated by a lucky bounce and some bloke in a yellow shirt.

There are 4, yes 4, changes for the Albion as they re-emerge. Going off are Rosa, Maelys, Nadine and Rachel. Coming on are Maisie 🎵she’s one of our own🎵 Symonds, Carla, Caitlin and Evie Milner. There are now 4 of the under 19s squad on the pitch. Caitlin goes in at centre back and Jorelyn moves across to right back. Evie slots in at left back. The drums 🥁 of the band get us going with Sussex by the sea, Samba 🪇 style.

Tahirah goes down off the ball on 49. It doesn’t look good. She is helped up by the physios to great applause but can’t walk so they call for the stretcher 🚑. She is replaced by Taylor Warren who swaps wings with Elliana Martin.

It’s transitional for a while and Charlton come closest with a cross that skims the top of the bar. Brighton start to gain some control in the game. Jorelyn and Maisie combining well up the right. Jorelyn has a good shot from inside the box but it curls just wide of the far post. From the corner, she gets another chance. It’s an improvised lob from the far post. It’s agonisingly close to the top corner as it skims off the bar. Seagulls are getting closer. 🎵There’s only one Carabali🎵.

It’s all Albion but the Addicks are so solid in defence, blocking passes and more importantly blocking runs inside the box. Caitlin hits the far post and Jorelyn misses an open goal. Taylor Warren is playing well down the left wing. It’s all much more positive. Carabali is on fire. The passing is much more creative now. Caitlin is pushing everyone up the pitch. Maisie and Jorelyn combining well on the right with lots of 1-2s. Maisie finds the best shot so far from outside the box. It needs a great save to tip it over the bar. The corner is too low and comes to nothing. Carla is getting the ball with her back to goal but is so well marked, she can’t turn.

The Addicks are still threatening to break occasionally. A fantastic run from Maisie results in a yellow card for Charlton’s Bradley. The free kick is floated in by Fuka, Caiten Hayes meets it but is denied by another fantastic save by Pederson. So close again. Another chance from Gay forces a good save. It looks like an equaliser might be coming soon with 18 to play. Who knew that Jorelyn was such a good attacking right back.

But, the Seagulls still can’t find a way through the close packed defence. They need to be careful though as Charlton make a fast break. Luckily the shot is into the side netting. Maisie’s cross looks like it’s met by an Addick’s arm but there are no appeals. The ball is now spending plenty of time in the Charlton box. It just never quite bounces right or there is always a defender on hand in the right place. Lots of crosses coming in from Brighton but the defending is great. Caitlin is playing as a 9 now and getting half chances. The Seagulls' best chance for a while comes as a fast break ends with the ball at Carla’s feet at the edge of the box. She drags the shot wide, or is it deflected. Goal kick so the ref thinks not.

The play down the right is good but the crosses are well defended and Carla and Martin can’t eke out a decent chance. There are 7 added minutes. A fantastic chance for Carla as a high cross loops in from Fuka. She gets a head to it but it goes just wide. There are some great crosses going in. Maisie’s rushed shot from the edge of the box is sliced so badly it goes out for a throw. Oops. Dougie Tuck would be proud of that. #sliceitliketuck The pressing hasn’t stopped this half and nor have the drums. 🎵Give me a B🎵. It can still go to penalties if we get a late equaliser. But it doesn’t. Defeat for the Seagulls at the Broadfield. Not what we want on the night but doesn’t really matter as we can’t progress in the cup having lost to West Ham. Home time now.

We think it's all over..

Firstly, we hope that the injury to Tahirah isn’t as bad as it looked and she is back running the wing soon.

It ended up as a good game with more of how we expect the Seagulls to perform. It wasn’t the result we wanted though. The Albion will have been viewed as a big scalp to Charlton. They wanted it, they went for it and they got it. It was a lucky bounce that beat the defence and Baggers. Could they have done better? Maybe, but if you don’t try, you don’t get lucky. The Albions tried lots but got very little luck. They could maybe have had a penalty or even two. Not lucky with the officiating either.

It was good to see so many youngsters getting their chance on the pitch. All of them did well and were improving the more minutes they got. A full 90 minutes in a senior competition will be fantastic for the development of Emily and Elliana. Next up is Leicester at the AMEX on Sunday. Hopefully, the full squad will be available for that. Performances at the AMEX have been slowly improving so we look forward to 3 points incoming. Leicester have struggled to get going this season so fingers crossed. We won’t be there but hope to make the away game to London City at Hayes Lane. Up next are Newhaven then Chelsea. See you then.

The Other Stuff

POTM: goes to Jorelyn for that storming performance down the right wing in the 2nd half.

The officiating was weird. Some very odd calls. Flagging the throw to Brighton then changing your mind after it’s been taken. It was a new one on us and probably everyone else. If it was a foul throw (it wasn’t), why didn’t he indicate that. And flag the earlier Charlton foul throw as such. He was lucky that it was an honest game of football with neither side interested in gaining an advantage with the dark arts. The teams may have rotated due to it being a cup competition but that’s not a reason for the PGMufcOL to do the same.

The Scran’O’meter was in its element with the lovely Margherita pizza 10/10. No latte, chips or doughnuts available today though. Unusually, we went for hot chocolate and it was lovely. 8/10.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Cup Football Under the Lights at the Broadfield

Sussex by the sea

Watching from the stand