Tranmerekat on Tour: Paint It Blackstenius

BHAWFC v Arsenal WFC in the WSL at the People's Pension Stadium in Crawley

We are back at the Broadfield stadium where the Seagulls are hosting the Gunners. It's rained hard were so hope pitch is not too slippy. This is the Seagulls penultimate home game and it will be a tough one against the high flying Gunners. Brighton are closing in on league safety and the red army (seen here in quite a nice black kit) are looking to get into the top 3 to ensure European football next season. Poppy starts as Jorga is injured (ACL) and Stefanovic replaces the unwell Megan Connolly. Walti was on the team sheet but has pulled out unwell and been replaced by our Jodie. Jodie goes up front and Palova has dropped back into the 6.

It takes Blackstinius a whole 4 minutes to breach the Brighton defences as her wide run is challenged by Morse who slips over and leaves her free in the box to slot it in from an angle. Brighton sloppy passing outside their own box gifts her an easy second 3 minutes later. Is very soon nearly 3 but it's disallowed for offside. The Seagulls settle a little bit but ride their luck with Blackstinius hitting both the crossbar and the side netting. We get a couple of half chances but neither Kayleigh green nor Terland can find the target. The gunners 3rd goal comes again from poor defending with unchallenged crosses and Freida heads it home. Freida assists for the 4th as she threads a pass through to Palova. The angle is tight but she slots it in between Megan and the near post to make it 4-0 in the last minute of the first half. Time for the Seagulls to regroup.

It works as they make some changes with Sarri on for Lee and Bance on for Stefanovic. They defend and press much better. Arsenal take off Refeala from defence for Geo in attack. The Gunners win a string of corners to no avail. Stina has another clear chance but Megan saves it well. The seagulls are attacking more and Zinsberger has to make a good save from Terland on 62. Megan makes a better one from Kuhl. It becomes quite end to end with changes at both ends. Geo goes off injured and Foord comes on in her place. Thanks for that. The last half hour is good to watch with lots of competitive football and chances at both ends. Carter comes on for Katie at 75. There are more chances for the Seagulls but they are held to a draw in the second 45. Shame about the other bit.

Not a great result for the seagulls and they will be disappointed with the defensive mistakes but at times they equalled Arsenal. A good result was always unlikely so "Wa dust wa selves down" and move on to the next one. Highlights were Poppy being a little rough side (just shy of full Jodo) with Jodie. Nice to see youngsters showing their elders so little respect. Katie was being her usual nuisance on the wings and was combative in the middle too. Megan made couple of stunning saves late on to stop Blackstenius getting her hattrick. The Seagulls now need just 2 points from the last 2 games to be safe 🤞

POTM: Goes to Katie Robbo for some of the running on the with leaving Katie McCabe in her tracks.🏃‍♀️

Ref was the best seen here for a while. You do know what you're doing.

Scranometer had a bumper day with the Dough Shack Pizza 9/10 🍕, Chips 🍟in a cup, some of the best football ground chips, 8/10 and a Luxury Hot Chocolate with cream and marshmallows 10/10. Helped off-set the disappointment of the football.

See you soon

Love Tranmerekat 🐾