Dario Ga Ga

Brighton & Hove Albion Women face Leicester City Women in the WSL the Peoples Pension Stadium

We're at the Broadfield for the first time this season to watch the on-fire Seagulls take on the struggling Foxes 🦊. Brighton are 3rd and Leicester back in 7th. Dario was Manager of the Month of October🏆.  It's mild but feels like it's getting dark already. It's our remembrance game so the managers lay wreaths and the last post is played.

Brighton have great possession and dominate the ball from the start. The breakthrough comes on 20 when Nikita ⚽ heads home (again) from close range. The score board doesn't update and we start to wonder if it has been disallowed for some bizarre reason. The screen goes black and when it comes back on with the correct score, there is a big cheer. There are more chances and plenty of corners but it's a single goal advantage at the break.

It's business as usual with the Seagulls dominating the ball. The Foxes gradually start to get back into it a bit. The Leicester manager makes changes and they are more effective than those made by Brighton. They have 10 minutes of constant pressure as the Seagulls sit back and weather the storm. It's a big relief when the whistle goes.

It was never in doubt until it was. The Seagulls need to be more ruthless when dominating early in games. It would save a lot of nerves in the last 10 minues of games. Leicester defended well but didn't really look like scoring. It was great to be back at the Broadfield but a shame the 2082 attendance wasn't higher. Up next, the Gunners on Friday.

The ref was a bit of a useless article. Must not have been aware that he could book either side. The Seagulls got 3 yellows (4 if you count Dario) and the Foxes got none. Bonkers. 🤡

POTM: Goes to a top defender for keeping it all safe and organised at the back, Guru Bergsvand 🏅.

The Scran'o'meter was back at it's favourite place with the wood fired Pizza only getting 9 as it was downgraded by 0.0 for making us wait so long.

See you soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Back at the Broadfield

Carnaval de Parris

Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United in the WSL at The AMEX Stadium

The Seagulls are at thier second home to host the Red Devils on a very changeable late autumn day. The monsoons have been replaced by sunshine and it is lovely and warm in the East Stand. It's the second outing in 7 days to watch the seagulls. We're hoping for another 3 points today but this will be a tougher test. The Reds have won 3 in 3 this season. The two sides played out an exciting 2-2 draw at Crawley almost a year ago with the Reds needing some Official assistance to save the point. Hope they don't get that sort of assistance today. Both teams have had a good start to the season and whoever wins will go top of the league overnight as it's the only Saturday game. There is just one change to the Seagulls starting line-up as Cankovic is replaced by the returning Poppy. It's the usual 3 at the back with Olislagers moving into central midfield with Vicky. Fran, Nikita, Pauline and Bruna make up the front 4. Maisie and Michelle are on the bench today and have both been selected for the England U23 squad for the upcoming international break. Fran has made the senior squad but Poppy and Nikita miss out this time. There are some familiar faces and some new names in the Man Utd team. Their new striker, the strangely familiar, Terri someone, seems to be settling in nicely, unfortunately. They have a new keeper to replace Mary Earps who left for PSG in the summer. Also gone is our favourite, Lucia Garcia, who is playing in Mexico now. Grace Clinton is back from loan and Celine Bizet has also joined from Spurs. Sussex By The Sea plays as the players come out, the words are displayed round the pitch side advertising for those of us that are still learning them. There are a few hundred of the Toone army in the corner to the left. Good to see alot less red shirts in the home stands. Just a few youngsters with their Brighton shirt wearing siblings. There are no wheelie bins of fire today🔥. We have noisy blue and white smoke bombs. Pyro done 🧨, time to party🎉.

The Reds are giving the Seagulls a hard time form the start. Baggers makes a great save from Miyazawa on 7. Bizet puts a cross in from a good way out and a Baggaley comes to collect it, Grace Clinton flies through to bundle the ball into the net on 10. Bugger. The Spurs connection working there.  Utd are dominating and camping out in the Seagulls end. Terri gets her first shot on goal but it's easy for Sophie to catch. Brighton are still playing out from the back but it's looking really risky against the high pressing Reds. Nail may be bitten.  Nikita is fouled running down the wing but skips over the sliding tackle and the ref waves to play advantage. When the ball comes back the other way, Dotti is booked for a bad foul but the ref ignores that fact that Nikita was nearly taken out at full speed. She must have forgotten her red 🖍️crayons today. Convenient 🙄. Half an hour has gone and Bridgton finally get to the other end of the pitch and win a corner. It never goes in the box, just backwards and forwards in front of it🤦🏼‍♂️. Pauline goes down injured and heads off down the tunnel after treatment on the pitch . Hope she is alright but she has looked a bit off the pace all game. She is replaced by Maddison Haley on 41. Fran turns over the possession in midfield giving it to Maddison who charges forward to get the Seagulls best chance so far. It's well saved and the resulting corner comes to nothing. 0-1 at the break. Big half coming up for Brighton 🤞🏼.

There are two changes for the Seagulls at the restart. Olislagers is replaced by Maisie and Bruna by Agyemang. A bit more physicality in the middle and on the left. Brighton suddenly look much better.  They can get and keep the ball at last. They level the score on 52 ⚽ when Maisie's low cross is put in by a diving header from Nikita. 1-1. Whoop. Brighton are getting good possession and get a couple of corners but can't find the finish they need.   Agyemang is making great runs down the wing, interchanging well with Poppy. Things you like to see part1: Tooney sitting on the floor waving her arms in the air after the ref waves away a foul 🤣. Things you like to see part2: The Reds keeper sitting down for a Zinsberger break, I mean treatment on 72.   At 75, it's time for some United changes. Aoife Mannion comes on for Miyazawa and Simi Awujo on for Lisa Naalsund. Not big guns then. Baggers makes another great save, this time it's from Grace Clinton. Baggers then makes catch fractionally ahead of Terri getting to the ball. She flattens Sophie then rolls around claiming penalty. No. Get up, Brighton reject. We've got Nikita now. Toone has been really quite , apart from moaning at the ref, but gets a shot in on 84 although it's tame and an easy catch for Sophie. Fran gets in a great shot on 87 but it's just about pushed wide. It looks like it's gone out for a corner but United just carry on playing. Terri forces Sophie in to a good save on 90. Five minutes added but the Seagulls are still hanging on. Tooney makes way for Rachael William (gulp) on 92. She always scores from the bench but hopefully it's too late today even for her. A couple of minutes more pressure then Maisie shields the ball out for a goal kick and we all breath again. There's no more action and it finishes level. A well fought point for the Seagulls in front of a record crowd of 8369. 👏🏼

A great game and a good result for the improving Seagulls. Very much a game of 2 halves though. United could have put it to be in the 1st half but they weren’t clinical enough to beat an on form Baggers. Dario had a Plan B for the 2nd half and it worked really well. The sun came out as we watched the Albion go toe the toe with the biggest club in the World (their claim - not mine).  There was a good atmosphere in the ground although it wasn't as noisy as Crawley.  At least the stands weren't full of red shirts screaming/screeching every time Toone got near the ball.  It was also good to see Nikiti get a goal and not Terri 😉. We got the better end of that deal. The shared points means the Red go top overnight as the reminded us loudly on the way back to the car. The Seagulls are 2nd and worse case scenario will be 4th tomorrow.  Settle for that. 10 points from 5 games when it took 11 games to reach that point last season. In other news, Tranmere won away at Bromley with goals (whatever they are) from Omari ⚽ and Saunders ⚽. Well done to the Whites and the travelling SWA.  Are we Wrexham is disguise. It's the international break now so we will be seeing the Lionesses and hopefully Fran on Friday at Wembley. Can't wait but might have to as it's the RUR Cup 2nd round on Tuesday.

POTM: Nikita comes close but Sophie Baggaley stepped up before 🧤and after 🧤 the break so she bags 🤦🏼‍♂️the award🏅. Well done Baggers.

We would like to thank the PGMufcOL for providing the officials for the match today. I think they earned their money.

Bottle top news: Oh, dear. AMEX Stadium, NIL POINTS. The Pepsi lid was confiscated outside the stadium by the steward who had to wrench it from it's tether. Grumpy. The spare Coca Cola lid smuggled in didn't fit the Pepsi bottle. Double grumpy. Damn you AMEX stadium and you too, Pepsi. Irony alert: they sell Coca Cola in the stadium. Doh 🤦‍♂️.

Scran'o'meter: Excellent chips 🍟 from the Fish & Chip van outside. 8/10

See you soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Back at the AMEX

Trying the kit for size

Super Fran

The Seagulls Have Landed

Brighton & Hove Albion Women face Crystal Place Women in the WSL at the VBS Community Stadium

The Seagulls face the Eagles at Gander Green Lane in the first Women's edition of the A23 derby, the derby that never was. It's a new ground for the Seagulls but it's familiar to us as the home of Sutton United. There is a new hybrid pitch ready for the arrival of the WSL in Sutton. It's our first outing to watch the Seagulls this season after the disappointing end to last season. There is a new manager, it's Aussie Dario Vidosic, g'day' . He was brought in some new faces and got the girls 6 points from 9 so far with the first outing being a four nil thumping of Everton in which Kiko scored a hat trick. It leaves them 3rd in the table going in to today 😁. There have been a few leavers including Ziggy to PSG, Sarri to Everton, Katie to Villa, Terri to Man United, Lee to Birmingham City, Emma to Juventus, and Pinto to Atletico Madrid. There are a host of replacements and there are some big names amongst them with no less than 2 lionesses. Nikita Parris joins from Man Utd and Fran Kirby from Chelsea. Really showing the Albion's intent on a better league position this season. There are a few more incomings to note. Michelle Agyemang from the young lionesses joins on loan from Arsenal. Cankovic joins from Chelsea and youngster Bruna Vilamela joins on loan from Barcelona. Not forgetting Japanese international and hattrick hero, Kiko Seike who joins from Urawa Red Diamonds, She's shining like a diamond already. We will get to know some of the others better as the season goes on. Poppy has had a great start to the season. She has been playing as a wingback to the new back 3 formation but is suspended after picking up 2 yellows against Villa last time out. The only name we know in the Eagles is England youngster, Lexi Potter. We know the ref, it's Kirsty ,who we have seen a few times, lastly being at the loss to Everton at the Amex back in April. Sutton were relegated at the end of last season so it's a pleasant surprise to be back at Gander Green Lane. It's a new ground for CPFCW who have moved from Hayes Lane, home of Bromley. The vacancy has been filled by London City Lionesses. We're in the Sutton United home end terrace. Excited? Let's get started.

The Seagulls start with their new dynamic style but the passing isn't up to scratch to carry it off. The Eagles are up for the challenge. There are a few half chances each way before Nikita heads over from Bruna's cross. Bruna is in the thick of it again on 35 as she taps in from close range ⚽. Cankovic goes down injured on 39 and is replaced by Maisie. The Seagulls get another good chance on 42 but Fran's shot is saved. Katie Stengal's blocked shot is the last action of the half. Eagles 0 Seagulls 1.

The Eagles get the first chance but it's wide. Vicky forces Jessica Yanez into another good save. Dario makes his first changes on 61. Pauline is replaced by Michelle Agyemang. Bruna by Kiko and Dotti by Rachael McLauchlan. Kiko is lively down the right wing but her team mates seem more interested in cutting in than overlapping. They are coming back into the game a bit now as Michelle's shot goes over and Kiko's is saved. The next Seagulls sub is Marit Auee replacing Nikita on 94. The last chance goes to Palace and the whistle eventually goes on 90+6. Another big 3 points.

Seeaaaguuuuuulllls. A tough game that saw them struggle to break down the Eagles, who, in turn were effective on the break. Two very different playing styles with the Seagulls playing out from the back although too ponderous and sloppy. The Eagles were happy to sit deep and were very effective on the break with crisp passing in front of runners. The Seagulls were constantly passing behind runners. Stopping the forward momentum. Fans were frustrated by that and constantly overplaying the ball. Too many ineffective shots from range after failing to break down the defence. It was great that the youngster Bruna got her first goal, hopefully a few more to come. Only some great defensive work and a few good saves kept the clean sheet and the 3 points though. But a win is a win and the Seagulls are 4th with 9 points already. It was a great atmosphere with a good noisy group singing. Even if the singing had to pause while the page on the songbook was turned. It was all positive, getting behind the girls with no sign of the supposed rivalry. There were some Palace fans singing "seaweeds" but they were completely ignored. Here for the positive👍🏼, not the negative👎🏼. Although we did laugh at their "1-0 to the referee", "how much did you pay the ref" and "You're not fit to ref the game". Don’t sit on the fence, tell us how you feel. We sneaked in, with tickets, through the home end and so got to enjoy the new fan park. They certainly had a lot more going on than Sutton. That's it from Surrey 😉.

POTM: The defence was amazing today so the award 🎖️ goes to Jorelyn Caraballi for her part in that.

The ref had a great first half but lost her consistency in the second as the frustrated Eagle started falling over at the slightest touch. Overall she did well though.

The Scran'o'meter hit a fantastic 8.5/10 for the veggie breakfast at Tim's Café on the high street. Cok iyi.

Bottle top news: No news. No fuss about bottle tops as is becoming more normal now.

See you at the Emirates in the week.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Back at gander Green Lane

Attacking

(You've gotta) Goal With It

Newhaven FC at home to Saltdean United FC in the SCFL Premier League at Fort Road

The Dockers ⚓host local rivals, the Tigers 🐯, on a warm late summer 🌇 evening by the Ouse. We can't remember playing the Tigers without the weather being horrific but maybe it's always like that at Hill Park. It's nice at here Fort Road but the nights are drawing in earlier. You know what that means, Winter in Coming! But not yet as it's still shorts weather. The Dockers have been struggling since the start of the season and we don't expect tonight to be any different. Kieron will have the Tigers purring, well organised and motivated. The Dockers have had a weekend off, kind of. Their game in the FA Vase 1st round was abandoned without kicking off. Tooting Bec, who were the home team, forgot their kit. The game has been deemed to be an Away Walkover so we are through to the 2nd Round . That could be considered a cup run in the Dockers current form. This is non-league football so we won't mock the very embarrassed club and it's hard working volunteers. Instead we will have another laugh at the time that Arsenal Women had to buy socks in the Chelsea Club Shop before the game could start due to a sock clash. Time for some team news. The BIG news is that Josh Tuck is back. Not sure if it's for long but we hope so. We had heard he signed for Lancing and we were missing him badly. His arrival may be in some way connected to the departure of Max Vardy who has signed for Seaford. Good luck Max. Bussy is back which is very good news. Across the back line is Reedy, Josh, Bailie and Etienne. Charlie, Tom and Warwick are in the midfield. Up front are Lee on the left, Shonk on the right and Jake in the middle. There are some familiar names in the Tigers squad. Old favourite and ex Docker, Aaron Windsor, is at left back, No doubt that he will be covering a few miles up and down the wing from there. Herbie Rogers is up front having signed from Seaford. Badger 🦡becoming a Tiger🐅. Both have stripes but that's about it. On the bench are ex-Docker under 23's Alex 'Patch' Patching and Toby Reeder. Hoping that they are still on the bench at 90 minutes. The Tigers form, hasn't been great and they only have a single point from the first 4 games. Hoping that's 1 from 5 games after today. We are back to 2 Rogers and 2 Robinsons on the pitch today, just not all the same ones are before. This is our 200th game watching football, both good (rarely) and not so good (Mostly, I'm looking at you Tranmere). Wonder in which camp this game will fall.

The Dockers make a good start with an early goal. It's great through ball by Shock to Lee who rounds the keeper then plays a reverse pass into the opposite corner beating the last defender on 5 ⚽. Lee looks to be playing really well tonight with some great early touches of the ball. Reedy gets clear on the overlap down the right but is tripped from behind. Free kick but no card!. Ref maybe forgotten his pencil ✏️ today. Or is this one of those that uses crayons 🖍️. The Dockers extend their lead on 20 ⚽ when Jake fires in a rocket form outside the box🚀. Jake scores again on 22 but the lino rules it out for off-side. Lee tells the ref where to stick his crayons now that he appears to have found them and heads off to the sinbin for a 10 minute nap😴. The lines person weathers the storm of abuse (sorry😶) for a while then eventually explains that Jake bad been off-side but moved back on side after the ball is played. Why he couldn't have indicated that at the time only he knows. Warwick is all over the pitch tonight and gets his reward when he rounds the keeper to find the net from an impossibly tight angle on 24⚽. It's almost 4 as Josh heads just wide on 31. Lee returns to the pitch after his lie down to get the Dockers back up to 11. However, it's not long before the Tigers get a goal. The Dockers fail to deal with a long ball and it's dispatched past Bussy into the net on 35. 3-1. Tom Vickers goes in for a thumping 50:50 tackle in the centre circle. His opponent doesn't get up but play continues. The ref eventually stops play so the poor dying player can be read the last rights or maybe get some treatment. The Tigers swarm round the ref trying to get Tom booked for stamping. Really🙄. The whistle goes with no further drama.

The second half starts well with the arrival of the ferry 🚢 at 8.52. Eight minutes early, top marks Captain. The Dockers are less fluid since the break. Jake comes close on 57 but hits it just wide. The changes start on 58 as Jack Shonk makes way for defender Jacob Thomson. Reedy moves up to right wing. The Tigers are playing the ref well and getting all the decisions. The Dockers defence is caught out again and Patch makes no mistake on 65. 3-2. It's going to be a nervy last 25 for the Reds. Be a miracle if we can hang on to the lead that long. There is a big cheer 📣 on 73 as the ref finally blows his whistle😮‍💨 for a foul on a Dockers player. Not sure if he meant it. Wherever he did or not, it's probably the last time. The Tigers get a good chance on 74 but it goes wide. A minute later and it's in the net or is it? No it's just wide again. Still 3-2. Dockers are clinging on here. Josh is injured and gets treatment on the pitch. Ref makes him go off to get it bandaged. Down to 10 men again. Dockers are awarded a throw deep in the attacking half. They look like they preparing for a corner and nobody goes to take the throw. Etienne eventually goes over but before he gets a chance is booked for time wasting 🤷‍♀️. Josh eventually rejoins the field with a very blue bandage round his head. He is promptly booked for something🖍️. Harry Reed is replaced on 85 by Cai Pritchard who is new to us. The Dockers manage to hang on to the lead despite their own, the refs and the Tigers best efforts. 3-2 the Reds 👏.

That was great at the beginning and nervy at the end. The Dockers dominated to start with and probably thought they had finished it off in 25 minutes with 3 goals. The Tigers thought otherwise and never gave up. There are few missing for the Dockers today although they looked like their old selves to start.  They slipped back to being their new selves as the game progressed. Josh Tuck being back made a big difference and we can't wait until he in teamed up with Robbie Keith again. Soon please 🙏. Our favourite young Docker from a couple of years ago , Aaron Windsor had a really good game. Their second goal was scored by ex-U23 Docker, Patch. Looks like they are flourishing under Kieron who was their U23 coach until taking up the role at Saltdean. Looks like he is starting to stabilise the team as it all went a bit Pete Tong after the money dried up and they went from 2nd in the league to battling relegation. Judging by tonight's spirited performance, they are going to give every team a hard scrap. Dockers are up to 8th so looking better although still a bit flaky at the back. Tonight was our 200th game and 200th match report. Hope the next 200 are just as much fun.

POTM: Tough one today as there were some good performances all over the pitch. The award goes to Ryan Warwick for his influence throughout the game and a great goal 🏅. Special mention goes to Aaron AAAZZZZAA Winsor for a fantastic performance having a big impact on the game for a left back. Well done.

The ref had a bad day at the office. The first sinbin we've seen in over a year despite refs putting up with much worst abuse than Lee's expletive that didn't seem aimed at anyone in particular. More than once he let play continue despite a player down on the floor with a head injury. So, in summary , inconsistent and ineffective. Good banter with the crowd though. Not. We are left wondering if he uses FA approved crayons or brings his own. #crayola

Ferry watch: The Seven Sisters was early today with the 9pm arrival docking at 8:52. Good driving.

See you soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

A nice evening at Fort Road

Confused of BN9

Millpond

Tatts Don't Impress Me Much

Newhaven FC at home to Bexhill United FC in the SCFL Premier League at Fort Road

The Dockers ⚓host the Pirates 🏴‍☠️ in the much re-arranged and now moved fixture. It was due to be held at Bexhill on Wednesday, then Tuesday and suddenly it was moved to Fort Road on Saturday. Who know what's going on but we don't care as it means we can walk down on a sunny afternoon by the River Ouse🔆. The Dockers have had a patchy start to the season having not won since the opening day and drawn after going behind against YM at home last week. The Pirates have had a worse start and have lost their last four. Neither team is setting the league table alight with both in the bottom half. There is no sign of Bussy and Josh James, new name to us, is in goal. The backline is one we've seen before maybe wish we hadn't. Max and Harry are out wide with Tom and Billy in the middle. No sign of Bailey or Robbie.  Blunty and Charlie are in the midfield with Warwick and Cal out wide. Warwick is better as a number 8 but we seem to be a bit short of wingers while Little is out. Short of short wingers then!😂 🧥➡🚪. He is still working with the coaches so hope he is back soon. No sign of Luca either. Up front are Shonk and Lee. There is a new name on the bench in the shape of a left back Etienne Frimpong. Tarum Rohilla is also on the bench. This is the first time we have seen him this season but he was around last season. Good player, hope he hangs around. It looks like the Pirates might only have two subs. Let's see how we get on.

The Dockers get couple of early half chances as they attack the skate park end. No-one is surprised when we don't score as our early game form is non-existent at the moment. Our defence is looking ropey. No surprise there either, we are not sure who is in midfield and who in central defence. Looks like Tom and Charlie are interchanging. It's a good plan but not sure it's working. Or it might not be a plan at all and it's just a bit chaotic in front of goal. The defending is at fault when the Pirates get down the left wing and are allowed to run through everyone from wide left, deep into the box. The resulting low cross is put into the net on 21. A well deserved lead. Can we hang on until the break without conceding again? Against the run of play, the Dockers break and a deep cross is headed in at the back post by Tom. It's off-side and the lino got it spot on this time. The Dockers are still putting themselves under pressure and but helped out by Josh Jones who makes a great double save on 30. Warwick is decisive at the edge of the box but his shot is blasted well over. Max tries an overhead kick from a corner. It's very tame and not very overhead. Wayne Rooney it wasn't. Highlight of the first half is when a couple of Spitfires do a flypast  on their way home from Eastbourne Airbourne✈️✈️. Excitement over, Cal goes down injured in the middle under a nasty challenge and the ref waves to play-on. Play continues until the ball goes out a minute or so later. Cal is still down and when his treatment is finished, the ref pulls the play back to point of the foul. Probably the longest advantage we have ever seen played that was then pulled back when no advantage was gained👀. We don't make anything of the freekick and the half is over thankfully. 1-0 to the visitors.

The Pirates and the officials are ready to kick off on time but there is no sign of the Dockers. Have they decided not to come back out? They eventually arrive and the reason for the delay is obvious. There have been 3 changes with Tom, Max and Billy being replaced by Koby, Tarun and Etienne. Big change to swap out most of the defence in one go. First half defending could have been worse.  And for about 10 minutes it is worse. It's very nervy at the back. We do start to settle a little with the occasional attack being the best form of defence. Lee gets clear but stumbles as he runs into the box and the chance is gone. Koby is booked for a very late challenge and then Shonk is replaced by Jake on 57. Straight swap. Cal is dogged on the right wing and somehow wins a corner. He takes it himself and his inswinger goes straight into the net ⚽. Is it deflected?, maybe, who cares. The Dockers are level on 58. He strikes again 2 minutes later as he curls a long range left footed shot in from the right corner of the penalty box on 60 ⚽. 2-1 to the Dockers. The keeper might have a couple of assists, we can't be sure but he isn't claiming either goal😶. He gets a bit of stick from the crowd (sorry😔) but it doesn't seem to put him off any more than before😂. There is a drink break as it warm and the Dockers seem to improve a little. Not sure what they were drinking 🍹. There is a nasty foul on Reedy on 80 as he gets an elbow in the head. The play carries on regardless but is eventually stopped. Harry is subbed off to be replaced by Mo. Charlie goes into Reedy's right back position and Mo goes up front. At least one player is smiling. The Pirates press in the remaining minutes and they get the inevitable late equaliser on 90+1. We will have to hang on for about another 5 minutes before the whistle goes. The last bit of entertainment comes on 90+3 when the Pirates no.3 has to walk the plank as he gets a straight red    for dissent. Opps. He gets a round of applause (that's our excuse👏) on his way back to the tunnel. Too late to make any difference to the game. It's all over and the Dockers snatch a draw from the jaws of victory in the late minutes yet again 🤷‍♂️.

That's another point for the Dockers and it could be said that they were unlucky to concede the late goal. They were lucky to score 2 goals from almost nowhere thanks to the fantastic skills of Calum Edwards. Poor, or complete lack of, decision making and sloppy play making it far too easy for the visitors who for some reason looked happy with a draw. They will look back and be disappointed that they didn't put the floundering Dockers to the sword ⚔ early on and claimed all the booty 💰 for themselves. There is lots of work for the Reds to do with the three changes at halftime being a big statement that then didn't work. There are some players still to come back and it's peak holibobs season so players will be sitting on the beach 🏖 instead of the bench. It will settle down and improve, meanwhile the wonder goals are papering over the cracks. If we wanted to watch football this bad we could have stayed in and watched Tranmere on Sky+. Except we don't have Sky Sports!  Thinking a few more trips to the mighty Dripping Pan might be coming up. But, the sun is shining and there was a lovely breeze walking home along the cliff top. Stunning views too.

The ref was good. Got the big things right although definitely had his own style. Liking the "refs with loads of tats" thing too. Don't see that very often. If ever, although we suspect that Mike Dean has a discreet LFC tattoo somewhere😶. Line keeping was it's usual hit and miss self but the disallowed goal was spot on. A good half a yard off. 45.7cms to those that are metricated. Is football ever going metric?

POTM: Goes to Cal 🏅 for proving the wallpaper, paste, pasting brushes, pasting table and everything else required to paper over the cracks. The jury is still out on whether the keeper provided an assist or two by footing the ladder for Cal. Inverted wingers rule.

Ferry watch: The ferry ⛴ was in when we arrived and still there when we left. Can't keep up with this timetable any more.

See you soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Sunny afternoon at Fort Road

Today's teams

Scenic route home

Rook The Casbah

Lewes FC away to Bognor Regis Town FC in the Isthmian Premier League at the MKM Arena

The Rocks play host to the Rooks in a Sussex derby at the Nye Camp. East meets West on an autumnal evening on the Sussex coast. Hopefully the rain seems to have been and gone for today.  Fingers crossed it stays dry. We have split loyalties tonight as we love our local team, the Rooks, but Dougie is back at Rocks at four seasons at the Hornets🐝. He came off the bench late on in their 3-2 loss away at Cheshunt. The Rooks won 2-0 at home to Chatham despite having a change of manager and big turnover of players in the summer. A few favourites have gone as we saw at the Hornets. Dougie looks like he is playing left mid field or left wing. Making use of his left foot🦶.

The Rocks are on top from the start and the Rooks look sloppy in possession. Neither can get a good shot on goal as both are defending well. There is an odd incident where the Rock's striker appears to be pushed in the back by a Rooks defender who then goes down like he's been shot in the ear. It's ends up as a Rooks free kick near their corner flag. Bizarre. Hope that's not how it's going to continue with lots of unnecessary rolling around pretending to be dying. Not great to watch. It doesn't re-occur and it turns into a good flowing game although not much of it in the final 3rds. The Rocks have the upper hand with a little more quality their attacking possession. Ben Mundele is replaced by Patrick Muirhead on 21 for an injury off the ball that looked like a hamstring. Was on his feet to leave the pitch so hope he's ok soon. At one point, the Rooks keeper catches the ball safely and as he tries to get to the edge of the box, he is obstructed by a Rock who goes theatrically flying to the floor. There is a minor melee with about 1/3 of each team joining in. The ref breaks it up quickly and it's eventually a Rooks free kick. It was clearly obstruction but not sure if anyone got booked in the chaos. The Rooks have the better of the last 10 minutes of the half getting joy down their right wing with Matt Warren getting deep and putting in some good crosses. Can't remember at the moment who is playing on the left for Bognor and should be stopping these runs but sure the name will come to us 😂. The Rocks defence 🧱 holds firm and it's goalless at the break.

The Rooks last burst seems to have levelled things up a bit after the restart with neither side having much quality in possession. Success for both teams looks most likely to happen on the break. Dougie goes off after 58 to be replaced by Jasper Mather. Don't have to feel guilty about supporting the Rooks now. It's lively but still without much quality except for the occasional stepover or backheel. Of the two, the Rooks keeper is called into action to make the better saves which he does well. The breakthrough comes for the Rooks when a cross is flicked on and tapped home by Eddie Allsop on 85 ⚽ . Cue about 2 minutes of limbs from the Red and Black army behind the goal. The 5 minutes of added time seem to take an age ⏳️ with the Rocks taking (or trying to take) control. Lewes are calm in possession but Bognor get some chances. The whistle goes and it's bedlam behind the goal. All the Rooks players come over to share the victory with the fans. Great game. Home time🚗🏠.

The was a really enjoyable game to watch. The late goal helped but it would still have been good had it finished 0-0. But it didn't🤭. Six points from the first two games for the rebuilt Lewes team under new manager Craig Nelson. Think the fans love him already. There is work to do for Bognor who weren't far off.  There would have been no complaint if they had won it as they should have been ahead at the break. We haven't seen a scrap 🥊on that scale for a while. It was a bit half-hearted but they don't seem to get out of hand anymore. Maybe we just go to the nicest places😁. It was good to see Dougie playing more forward than at Horsham. Hopefully back to goalscoring form soon as he was up to 7 in the season cut short by Covid which was his last at the Rocks before joining the Hornets. Can't remember how many he scored in Yellow and Green but maybe there were one or two that sneaked through without us noticing. Glad we came along tonight.  It was a great game and an enjoyable evening with the bonus out 3 points heading east on the A27.

POTM: Going for 2 today. Dougie for an astonishing bit of footwork defending at the edge of the box. Where has he been hiding those skills 🤷? And for the Rooks it goes to Marcus Sablier. We love a pacy winger. He had a great game and his replacement, Mal Morris did well too.

The ref did well. One or two strange decisions need to give the crowd something to "Boo"📣. Nothing that impacted the result though. It wasn't clear who he was booking and why at times.

The Scran'O'meter had a lovely night out and awarded 8/10 for the Haloumi Burger 🍔with chilli 🌶️jam and 9.5 for the hot chocolate ☕. The Nye Camp still top of the hot chocolate league table even though Doug's Tuck Shop has gone. Might start a petition 📝 to get it back.

See you at Fort Road at the Weekend.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Back at the Nye Camp

The lights are on

A late goal for Lewes

The Rocks

MKM Area apparently

YM Does It Always Rain On Me?

Newhaven FC away to Horsham YMCA in the FA Cup Extra-Preliminary round at the Herbert Direct Stadium

Newhaven FC away to Horsham YMCA in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round at the Herbert Direct Stadium The FA Cup starts here with the Dockers visit the YM at Gorings Mead with just 6 rounds to go to reach the first round proper. It's a nice ground surrounded by tall trees and we're in the main stand sitting on seats that came from the Withdean Stadium. Last time we sat on these was to watch Tranmere lose to Brighton. Hoping for a better result today and a the forecast is for a bit less rain. We've got raffle tickets so will need to keep and ear👂🏻 out and fingers crossed 🤞🏻at half-time. It's a mixed up line up and we're not quite sure who is playing where. Hope they know what they are doing. Bussy we know about the backline consists of Billy and Ash Wadhams with Max and maybe Tom in the middle. Or it could be Joe Summerbell and tom in the 6. Maybe they don't know either. Charlie Curran is on the left wing and it might be Koby or Warwick on the right. Lee and Jake are up front. Bailey, Shonk and Luca are on the bench. Don't recognise any of the YM players. The pitch seems very short and wide but at least the grass has been cut. There is a bit of a slope in places but it's better than many. The YM won their first game against Little Common 5-0 which put them top of the league which will fill them with confidence. The Dockers beat the Varndeanians 2-1 at Fort Road so no big statement to start the season. Perhaps they peaked in pre-season as they won all 6 games. Let's see how it goes.

The YM are on it from the start. Very intense and aggressive. The first chance goes to teg Dockers though as Tom heads just over. It's the hosts who are first on the score sheet as a low cross is deflected in off a dockers leg on 8. A goal down, the Dockers need to settle and get a grip on the game. They don't and it's 2-0 after 14 minutes. Important third goal, etc, etc. The YM are denied it as they head just over on 18. The first sub of the day is the injured Charlie Curran who was hurt in a "50-50" tackle a few minutes ago. No one seems to fill Charlie's role of the left as his replacement, Reedy, goes on the right wing. Looks like Ash has the left wing to himself. That's a lot of space to fill. Bussy jumps to punch a ball clear at the edge of the box and is clattered into by a YM striker. He goes down badly, not m moving and is soon surrounded by support staff. He is down for about 15 minutes before he gets up and is applauded as he is helped off the pitch. He is walking and conscious which is good but if it was serious he would be fighting them off to get back in goal. Hope he is OK. Get well soon Bussy. The replacement keeper is Roman Chiosa who we have seen before. He was around for pre-season but also playing the Whitehawk cup win a couple of seasons ago. Big performance needed from him today as he could have a busy afternoon that could start to look like a rugby score if the Dockers don't get it together. A big sigh of relief is breathed as the whistle goes for the break and the Dockers can get a stern talking to🗯.

Winner, winner, tofu dinner. We won a tub of celebrations in the half-time raffle. As tempting as it to spend the 2nd half in the car eating them. it's time to return to the torment.

A sub for the Dockers at half-time with Joss O'Halloran replacing Ash at left back. It's still a struggle for the Dockers but the important 3rd goal could change the game. The battle against the ref takes on a new twist as Max Vardy is booked for an alleged foul off the ball. The ref didn't see as he was 15 yards away watching the play. So how he could give a yellow card is anybody's guess. Answers on a postcard to wedontknowwhatweredoing@thefa.com. Anyway, a freekick it is. It's taken 7 or 8 yards forward of where the alleged foul may or may not have taken place. It's curled into the box and ends up in the back of the Dockers net on 56. The ref chalks up his first assist. The Dockers first "shot" of target comes from Tom who shoots from range after a storming run up the pitch. It's tame and easily saved on 60. An attacking change is made a Vardy is replaced by Luca who goes on the left. The hosts are still dominating and score their fourth on 70. Is it an OG off the keeper? Who cares to be honest. Keepers not going to claim it. The Dockers defence is still all over the place. There is no cover from the mid-field either. It certainly isn't inspiring confidence in Roman who looks nervous in goal. The YM striker misses an open goal on 74. How did he put that wide. It's 5-0 on 40 from a great volley. Work rate and team work has made the difference but at last a little bit of quality. Shame it's for the wrong team. The Dockers finally manage to string together a couple of passes as Billy and Luca combine down the left wing. A decent cross to Shonk who scores the late consolation on 88⚽. It's a bit too late for a fight back now lads.  The YM miss again on 90+1 with almost the last kick of the game. Glad that's all over.

What a horror show that was. The Dockers were so good in pre-season but now seems to have forgotten all that training and who their new team mates are. This should have been a tight game between two good teams but the Dockers chose otherwise. The mid field and defence were non-existent. When you being ripped to bits that the back yet continue to pass out from the back was the cause of some real nail biting moments. A lot of work to do before Tuesday with the first away league game at Crawley Down. That's enough moaning for now. Congratulations to the YM and good luck n the next round of the FA cup. That energy and aggression could carry them far.

POTM: One player that really put in a shift was Billy. Also played a big part in the only goal. Well done 🏅.

The ref had a bit of a shocker too and the injuries may not have happened had he got a grip early on. The aggression of the YM crossed the line at times and the ref turned a blind eye to what was not far from judo at times. Though the tackle on Bussy was an easy yellow as there was no attempt to jump to play the ball yet the jumping Bussy got upended by the player going under him. The ref didn't even think it was a foul and had to give a dropped ball as he had let play to continue with the keeper unconscious on the floor. And the first of only 2 yellows was for an alleged tackle that he didn't see. It can't have been giving for stopping an attacking opportunity because he did nothing about those later on in the game. So what was it for? He didn't know because he was miles away watching the player with the ball. We should have kept quiet about not be able to moan about the refs as they were all acting like grown ups. It seems that there a still a few opinionated "Tories" out there to let us have a good moan every now and then.  Just hope it's not too often.

The Dockers are back to concentrating on the league. And the 3 other cups. See you somewhere soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Dockers taking a corner

We've arrived

Nice little ground

Newhaven on the BBC app!

Breaking Up Is Lard To Do

Horsham FC face Steyning Town Community FC in the Sussex Community Shield at Culver Road

The Hornets 🐝 as Sussex Challenge Cup champions 🏆 take on the Barrowmen who are SCFL champions 🏆 at the Sussex FA headquarters and the home of the Lancers. Tonight is in aid of the NSPCC so hoping they raise a load of money. We have raffle tickets so hoping for something tasty to eat or drink. The predicted storms haven't arrived so it's a lovely warm summer evening at the moment, just perfect for a spot of football. Dougie isn't in the squad tonight as he has left the Hornets to return to the Rocks. There are some familiar faces among the Barrowmen. Newhaven hero Alfie Rogers is starting as the 10 and Rob Malila is at 7 on the left wing. There are a couple of new faces in the Hornets notably our favourite Lewes player Ola Ogunwamide who is on the bench tonight. Up front in the 9, but wearing 19, in Chris Dickson who arrives from the Chatham Town team who beat the Hornets on penalties in their play-off semi-final heartbreak. Hope it's a good scrap from the Barrowmen against the quality we know the Hornets have. Off we go.

The Hornets start well and force the Barrowmen's keeper Nathan Stoomberg-Clarke, NSC, into a double save on 9 minutes keeping out shots from Chris D and Charlie. The Hornets soon get on the scoresheet on 13 ⚽ when the no. 10, Daniel Ajakaiye, blasts in from just inside the box. It's nearly 2 on 17 but NSC makes another great save. He is beaten again on 38 when Dan controls a dropping ball in the box while being pressed by 2 defenders. He somehow gets himself and the ball clear and smashes it home again for his brace ⚽. 2-0 to the Yellow and Green at the break. They have been completely dominant.

We don't win anything in the half time raffle but do manage to buy some nice NSPCC pin badges.  You can find them and details about Childline here.

The only change we can see at the break is that Alfie has been subbed off. The important 3rd goal when it comes, unsurprisingly, goes to the Hornets. Dan's hattrick is denied by a great NSC save only for the ball to end up which Charlie Meekins who makes it count on 54 ⚽. Daniel won't get his hattrick today as he is subbed of on 57. In his place is our favourite, now ex. Lewes player, Ola. Whoop, whoop. Expecting some flying play on the right wing.  Some great passing in the build-up allows Chris Dickson to tap home on 73 ⚽. Steyning haven't given up but are struggling to put together any decent possession. They eventually get their first corner but it comes to nothing. The Horsham manager is making sure they don't back off. "Keep the ball", "Don't slow down". They keep the pace up but are still pushing forward and losing the ball. Some of the decision making in the final 3rd is poor for such a good team. Trying too hard to score another instead of passing and keeping possession. Ole gets it right and is tackled just as he gets to the edge of the box. It looks tight but the ref has a good view and points to the spot. The keeper flicks the ball out of the Hornets play's hands and walks off with it. Trying to put the penalty taker off but it's a different player who steps up to take it so he made himself look like a bit of an idiot for nothing.   Captain James Hammond steps up to make it 5-0 on 87 ⚽. It's all over at Culver Road and it's a convincing win for the men in Yellow and Green.

It was a great game for the Hornets fans and the Lardy Army. Not so good for the Barrowmen who struggled to have any real presence in the game. Lewis Carrey, the Horsham keeper was hardly called into action at all and had no saves to make. Some more silverware for the Hornets trophy cabinet. We would have liked to see more of Alfie and it was a shame he was subbed so early as it looked like he was having a good game or as good as any of them. Things certainly didn't improve without him. Hope he get a good run this season as he can easily clock up a good number of goals. We weren't sure if the Steyning manager kept shouting at his defender Charlie Weller or singing his favourite song from Grease, 🎶Well-a well-a well-a huh, Tell me more, tell me more 🎶, hoping we might all join in 🤷🏻‍♂️. Also got a bit confused about whether the Horsham manager was shouting at his captain, James Hammond or ordering a late avocado 🥑on toast breakfast, "Avo, Avo" 🤷🏻‍♂️. We'll never know or hope not to.  Finally, it was nice to see some Hornets 🐝 as there is a complete absence of bees and wasps on the Sussex coast this summer. Sad to see or not see. 

POTM:   Some great performances on display but it goes to Daniel Ajakaiye, again, for the first couple of goals and especially the skill on show to get the second against the odds.  A brace of POTMs to go with his brace of goals. 🏅🏅

That's it for our time with the Hornets as we follow Dougie back to Bognor. I'd rather be a Rock than a Rebel is how I think it goes. Going to miss the Lardy army and their great range of songs relating to high-fat spread. Thanks. It was fun.

The ref had a great game and was even very funny at times.  Certainly kept the game flowing and good natured.

The Scran'O'meter loved the sausages of the veggie hotdog 🌭 but the roll must have been last season's as it crumbled to dust before we could eat it.  6/10.  

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Corner at Culver Road

The Home of the Sussex FA

The Sussex Community Shield up for grabs

Horsham the Winners

Some good players in there