Don't FROW It All Away

Newhaven FC host Forest Row FC in the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup 1st Round at Fort Road

The Dockers host the FROW in the 1st round of the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup 🏆. Hopefully we’ll get some good cup runs going this season. The Dockers are still in the PB and Vase but out of the FA Cup. The more that this team play, the better they will get. There is no Robbo today as he is on holiday. He started the season on fire so hope he’s having a great break. That 500th goal will come soon enough. It’s Captain Bailie in charge tonight. He is joined in defence by Dash, Tristan and Osei. Elliot and Charlie are in the middle. Up front are Teddy and Billy.. Out on the wings are Pacey and Ezra. There is a late change to the advertised keeper as Roman replaces Jonny. Hope Jonny is ok and that Roman gets a nice quiet shift between the posts. The FROW were promoted last season and have started this season very well. It’ll be a tough game for both sides.

It's nearly a great start for the Dockers and it takes a good save to stop Billy from scoring in the first minute. FROW get a couple of chances but Roman does very well to keep the ball out of the net. Billy gets another go on 7. He gets past the keeper but puts it wide. Both teams are playing good football and getting chances. Pacey makes a late tackle on the No.7. He goes down screaming like he’s broken his leg when the tackle was boot to boot. His team mates are trying to get Pacey sent off but the ref gives a yellow which is even a little harsh as it was just a bit late and clumsy. No.7 soon recovers from his broken leg and it up and playing again. Teddy and Pacey are both playing well on the wings and covering a lot of ground. Teddy is being man marked by the No.6 who has him round the neck at one point. Sticking to the task or a bit excessive? The Dockers are joining up well and playing a good passing game. It could be a bit quicker and there are a few dodgy decisions but it’s a very young side. The last chance of the half goes to Forest Row and somehow it’s goalless at the break.

Into the second half and Captain Bailie is booked on 48 for standing still while the opponent runs into him. The ref struggling to get much right since the break. Ezra is clearly fouled in the box but the ref can’t have been watching. The first change comes on 58 as Pacey is replaced by Tommy Jupp. A good shift from Pacey, he covered a few miles. A good move down the left followed by 3 passes in the box sees Tommy come in at the far post to tap home ⚽. Newhaven are in charge now. Need to get a second sharpish. Ezra finally gets his penalty on 74. It’s softer than the one that wasn’t given earlier 🤷. It takes ages to be taken while Ezra is waiting. Ref doesn’t seem bothered about the keeper being off his line trying to intimidate Ezra until the last second. One of the FROW is booked for moaning. He isn’t moaning after Ezra doubles the lead from the spot ⚽. There is some confusion straight after the restart. The lino flags for something and the FROW get a freekick from the centre circle. No-one seems to know what has gone on there. Some more changes up front with Teddy replaced by Harry. The FROW No.18 goes down after challenging for a header. He doesn’t get the ball so tries to stop the game by rubbing his head. He makes a miraculous recovery but the crowd keep checking in with him just to make sure he doesn’t have a concussion. It’s the responsible thing to do. The Dockers are now running the ball into the corners to run the clock down. A new one for Fort Road that. Billy is replaced by Christian on 90+3. It’s all over in a couple more minutes. Second round here we come.

What a game that was. Some good football on display from both sides. The Dockers quality told in the end. The young team didn’t always make the right decisions but effort and skill can’t be faulted. The FROW had some big players and dominated in the air against the front 3 but with the ball on the floor, Teddy, Pacey, Ezra and Billy were great. Another penalty awarded to Ezra, same as last week. It wasn’t the one it should have been. The earlier one was a better shout but the soft one that was given will do nicely. They march into the 2nd round of the Sussex Cup. Will we see Robbo back for his 500th goal. Probably not as it is our international break now so we won’t see the Dockers until October. They have the weekend off but play Faversham Strike Force ,(Wow, what a name), in the Vase a week today. Good luck boys.

POTM: Roman kept the Dockers in the game with a couple of good early saves. Some other great performances out there too but it goes to the man that guards the net 🏅🧤.

The officials did OK mostly but the ref had a short spell in the 2nd half where he got everything wrong like booking Bailie. It came right in the end though. And what was that freekick after the restart about. The lino pointed something out but it’s a mystery to us.

Ferry Watch: The Ferry appeared about 8:50 so docked in good time. 👍

See you in a couple of weeks

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Behind the goal

No Robbo

Back to Blunt

Newhaven FC v Seaford Town FC in the Peter Bentley Cup at Ford Road

The Dockers host the Badgers in the 1st round of the Peter Bentley Cup. The visitors tonight are new promoted to the SCFL Premier League. We hope they become regulars in the league, it’s nice to have rivals especially now that Saltdean have been relegated. There is a good crowd at Fort Road with 271 turning up for the derby game. There is no sign of Herbie in the Badgers squad, hopefully he’s just away and not moved on. The team news is that Lee is on the bench. A hat-trick tonight would see him clock up 500 goals in his Dockers career. That would be some super sub performance. Fingers and paws crossed. Up front is Ezra with Teddy on the left and Pacey on the right. Behind them are Charlie, Captain Blunty, and Elliott. The back line looks a bit makeshift with forward Corey in the middle with Tom. Harry is on the left as usual with Scott Smith on the right. No sign of Osei or Tarun tonight. Ex-Docker, Maz Vardy is in central defence for Seaford. They look like a big physical side with plenty of height. The Dockers will need to play well to impose their own game on the floor to get the win today. No penalties please. It’s a school night.

It’s an uneventful first 20. Then Ezra breaks from the middle. He is pulled back outside the box and the defender doesn’t let go until inside the box. Penalty to Newhaven. Seaford are complaining but should maybe have a word with their own player who should have let go outside the box. Harry steps up and makes no mistake ⚽. 1-0. It's just a minute later with a great chance down the right. Harry cuts into the 6 yard box and chooses a square pass from a yard out. It’s really congested in front of goal and the chance has gone. Passing probably not the best choice from there. It’s a narrow lead at the break.

The Dockers continue to create good chances but the Badgers keeper is having a great game. The first change at 60 is Lee coming on to replace Pacey who has worked his socks off all cross and behind the front line. Can he get closer to the 500 target tonight? The visitors get a couple of chances but good goalkeeping and defending maintain the lead. Teddy is booked on 72 for being fouled and not moaning enough. He is replaced a couple of minutes later by Dexter. The Badgers best chance of the night is a free kick but it’s over the bar. Tristan replaces Charlie who has been playing more like a 10 than a centre half for a while. The Dockers continue to press for a 2nd. It comes with the last kick of the game as Lee makes it 2-0 and 498 club goals on 90+5 ⚽. Into the next round.

That was a good performance from the boys. Kept working at it against a tough side and a keeper having a great game. Lee is one goal closer to his 500. 2 to go. Harry should have had a second goal but chose to pass. Need to test the keeper at that range when the 6 yard box is so congested. An earlier second goal would have made it less nervy, sitting on a single goal lead risks a Tranmere style ending with the points shared after leading for so long. But, a win is a win and hopefully the start of another cup run. No penalties is a bonus. Home time.

POTM: Goes to Captain Blunty. Very combative and always looking to move forward.

The officiating was unremarkable except for the weird booking of Teddy who seems to be one of those players who gets fouled a lot and then booked for it to add insult to injury.

Ferry Watch: It glided into view at 8:50. Perfect timing.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Got the last programme

Grass is looking good

Mon the Dockers

Let It Lee

Newhaven FC host AFC Varndeanians in the SCFL Premier Division at Ford Road

The Dockers ⚓ are finally back at home and host the V’s in the league. It’s nice to be back in BN9.  The end of summer is nearly here and it’s cooler by the Ouse tonight. Let’s hope the improving Dockers can continue to build into a good team. It’s going well so far.  There are a few changes tonight. Teddy starts in place of Dexter on the right wing. Tom Howard-Bold is in Blunty’s spot in the 8 and Charlie in the 10 replacing Corey Smart. There is no sign of Blunty tonight. Hope he’s just on his holibobs having a nice time and not injured. We’ve not seen the V’s for a couple of years so are interested to see them in action. After all, the last team to live at the Withdean is doing OK. We’ve have some musical accompaniment tonight as the V’s ‘Ultras’ have a drum 🥁. There is some last minute confusion as there is a change of ends.  The 'Ultras' pack up their flags and head for the Skate Park end.  For the last game of summer, let's do this.  Come on you Dockers. 

There wasn’t much of note in the first half hour except a few Dockers missed chances.  On 31 minutes. Ezra hits a long ball, Lee gets between the ball and the last defender, controls it and puts it past the helpless keeper ⚽. That's what we came for. 1-0. With 5 to go to the break, Ezra sees his shot saved and then Lee’s is blocked. The hosts are still only a single goal in front at the break. Hope they don’t come to regret that in the 2nd half 🙏.

The Dockers come close extending their lead at the restart but neither Teddy or Harry can make it count. Need to extend the lead before the V’s get a chance to get back into it. The 2nd goal eventually comes on 62. A Dockers free kick is blocked but goes high, the keeper fumbles it in the 6 yard box and it’s somehow bundled into the net ⚽. It may have been Tarun. He gets the credit and it’s 2-0 to the home team. A few of the V's players and fans are giving Father Jack a hard time about off-side bur we really don’t care. He's not going to change his mind. The changes start on 65 as Ash is replaced at left back by Bailieeeeee 😍 . There are a few signs of life from the V’s but they can’t make it count. The Ultras start singing Sway of all things. Bless ‘em. JD running down the wing.  We hope he's that far out of position as JD is the no. 9.  There are some more changes as Charlie is replaced by Corey in the 10. Charlie has had a great game, very commanding, and shouty but in a good way, in the middle and a good leader on the pitch. The 3rd goal is another Lee special. The keeper comes out of his area for a bouncing through ball but misses it. Lee doesn’t and chips it home in style. Never mind the stand, name the town after him. Robboville? Leehaven? Big-ton? It’s all over on the pitch as far as the result in concerned but the Ultra don’t care. Teddy is replaced by Dexter. Lee is replaced Billy the whizz. Tarun is replaced by Smith and then it’s all over. 3-0 to the Dockers. A good night's work from the boys.

A great win for the Dockers. They were more in control than we have seen them recently. It’s starting to gel a bit more as they get into the season and are playing back to back games. It was a good away away at Cobham at the weekend that put them through to the 2nd qualifying round of the Vase where they will face Faversham Strike Force (sounds scary) at home in September. Robbo is very much at the heart of the attack. He is so good at getting himself between the defender and the ball. Hopefully others will continue to chip in with goals as well. Teddy and Ezra starting to look more confident. This young team can only get better if it stays together. That is it for the Summer ☀. A busy Autumn 🌦 of football starts here next week. Can’t wait.

POTM: goes to Captain, or should that now be General, Lee . Amazing energy, fantastic goals and a brilliant example for the rest of the boys.

Ferry ⛴ watch: The ferry crept im a 9:20 hoping no-one would notice it was late. We did notice. A stiff letter to DFDS is being penned as we speak.

Today, we are starting a new feature called “Utterly Ultra” Here it is:- The 15 or so youngsters  with the V's were fantastic today. Really did their club proud with the drum and the massive repertoire of songs. They stayed right to the death despite the 3 goal deficit. Awesome effort lads. Sway safe.

 The officials tried to let the game flow and yet still stop the players killing each other. Always difficult to do and they did reasonably well.   Father Jack did ok on the line on the stand side. Seems he is up for a cheeky selfie too. A few of the V’s players and fans were very upset about the 2nd goal but it was bedlam in the box. Who could tell what was going on or who did what. The ref maybe needs to get some Maths tuition though. For every free kick, he got to 9 ½ yards but couldn’t get all the way to 10 so the wall was 18 inches too close for every free kick. It’s not like he has to take his boots off to count to 10. He’s got 10 fingers. (If the ref has less than 10 fingers, we sincerely apologise and "As you were" mate).

Same time, same place next week

Love Tranmerkat 🐾

It's nice to be home

Mon the Reds

Down Town

Tranmere Rovers visit Crawley Town FC in EFL2 at the Peoples Pension Stadium

The Rovers are away to the ‘Red Devils for the 4th league game of the season. Form has been mixed so far but we are unbeaten in 90 minutes. Andy Crosby’s whites were knocked out of the League Cup by Burton losing on penalties. Since we lat saw the Rovs at Colchester, they have beaten Shrewsbury 4-0 and drawn with Gillingham at home. There are some changes to the squad as old favourite Ethan Bristow gets a start. Love a speedy full back. Charlie Whitaker replaces Connor up front. Crawly have had a dreadful start to the season and it would be 100% Tranmere if we allow the hosts to turn that around today. We came for the Pizza so lets stay for the football. We’ve met a few old friends and checked out the new away fan park behind the South Stand. Up the flippin' Tranmere.

Both teams get early chances. Omari gets a couple more but it’s scrappy and broken up with lots of fouls. Crawley get the best chances in the last 10 and should be leading going into the break.

It starts scrappy but Tranmere are gradually starting to get a bit of control. We get a couple of corners. Nathan Smith heads in the 2nd at the far post on 56 ⚽. Omari on the assist. There are more corners but it stays 1-0. The changes start after an hour. Connor replaces Josh up front. There are more on 73 as Taylan, Jason and Jordan replace Charlie, Nohan and Ethan. Our nerves are finally settled on 80 as Omari makes it 2-0 from the edge of the box ⚽. There are a few home fans leaving but all credit to most who are staying put. Omari gets a round of applause as he goes of to be replaced by Sol. It’s not pretty for the last 10.  The hosts get a few corners and could easily get one back at the death. They don’t and it’s a 2-0 win on the road for the Whiles. Whoop!

A win on the road continues the unbeaten run. We weren’t at all convincing in the first half but turned it around in the second. The SWA were great all the way through, Swaying down the wings with Omari and washing it down with Tequila. Crawley have 1 point from their first 5 games and it’s their worst start to a season for 15 years. Oopsy. It was an assist and a goal for Omari who is starting the season really well. It was good to see Sol again. It's been 4 years since we watched him put 2 past the Dockers at Ford Road. He’s got a way to go to be a starter and needs to be better without the ball but he’s young and popular and got his own song. Hopefully the Whites can build on this performance. It’s been a really positive start to the season. It wasn’t completely convincing display but then we're not really realistically expecting to set the league on fire this season. A steady building season is what we need. Tranmere are the only league team to have finished in a worst position for the last 5 consecutive seasons. The only way is up from there.

POTM: Omari for the assist and the goal. When he scores he scores. And the Tranmere sing.

Scan’O’meter thought the pizza was as good as ever. Still the benchmark at 10/10. A pity we didn’t know about the new fan park and sat eating it on the kerb. Did Tim ever finish that sausage roll. We’ll ask him at Bromley. No cans of drink were allowed to be taken in. Funny how the rules change between men's and women's football at some grounds but not others. The Broadfield and the AMEX for example.

Back here soon for the start of the WSL season

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

The Boys are back at Town

It's a good watch (in parts)

Rec'n'Ball

Newhaven FC away to Liile Common Gatwick FC in the SCFL Premier Division at Little Common Recreation Ground

The Dockers ⚓ face the Green Lane Boys on a warmish but breezy evening at the Rec. The Newhaven are rested after a weekend off and looking to add to their 4 points from the first two games with a first away win. The Dockers 3.0 is definitely a work in progress with a very young line up this season but there is loads of potential in the squad. There is just one change form last Tuesday and that’s Dexter who is not in the squad tonight being replaced by Pacey Bean. Hope he’s as speedy as he sounds. The Greenies (that’s not funny) have yet to register any points so far. Long may that continue, well another 90 minutes plus stoppages would do. That’s the kind of duck that Tranmere are so good at breaking. The pitch is looking really good. There is a slight slope across the width but the grass looks excellent especially considering the weather recently. Lets hope it plays well. Come on you Dockers.

The Common start the brighter but their first threat is a corner that goes straight out for a goal kick. What follows is not pretty with about 15 minutes of scrappy head tennis. The first bit of real quality comes from the Dockers and it's Lee as usual. This time, it’s a lovely chip to find the head of Corey Smart at the far post. He heads it in on 23 ⚽. 0-1. A very Bailie’esque leap for the header. The GLB (better) get their first real chance from a free kick. They are denied by a great save from Roman. The Dockers get one more chance but it’s Ezra’s turn to be denied by a good save. Newhaven are the better team with the ball but they can’t manage to keep it for long enough. A single goal lead at the break.

The first chance of the half went to the Dockers who seethe goal chalked off for a foul on the keeper. Fair? Probably. Robbo has swapped positions with Ezra, who is now more central. We see the first change on 56 as Pacey Bean is replaced by Teddy Wood who comes on for his Dockers debut. We’ve seen him before somewhere and will remember just after we post this report. The Common are improving and see a chance deflected over as the Dockers are defending well at the edge of the box. Robbo gets a good chance on 65 but the keeper gets the luck of the bounce to make the save. It’s 15 to go when one of the Green Laners (improving) goes off. It looked like a second yellow but turns out it's a sin bin. See you in 10 minutes. The Dockers are having to soak up a lot of pressure but are sitting deep and defending well. In the best move so far, Teddy plays a through ball to Ezra There’s no off-side as he sets off from his own half. He runs on unchallenged and beats the keeper from 12 yards ⚽. Great goal. 0-2. Another Breachy change sees Corey Smart replaced by Tariq Vincent. Lee has done his bit and is replaced by Tommy Jupp on the wing. The sinbin is over and it’s 11 v 11 again. Into injury time and another best move of the game sees Teddy break free of the press. He runs round the whole of the Common team, then cuts in to finish from the edge of the box. It’s a quality strike too. 0-3. It’s all over except it isn’t. There are 2 more Dockers changes as Billy Oliver replaces Ezra and Scott Smith is on for Harry Hammond. How fast to Billy Oliver. Blimey. Billy the whizz more like. 90+5 and the Common score with the last kick of the game. It’s well deserved as they have been dominant for the last 15 or so minutes. All that practice from the Ultras pretending they scored and then they missed the real thing. Three points on the road well earned tonight.

The beautiful game that wasn’t. It was horrible as everyone suddenly forgot how to play football and just headed it backwards and forwards.  When the ball did come down, it usually got smashed back straight into the air. Lots of shouts of “time” but no-one listening. There were some very brief flashes of skill, mostly from Newhaven and they resulted in goals. Common did have one moment and it took a good save to stop the free kick but that was it. Three good goals from the Dockers with nothing much in between. Disappointing to conceded at the death but it was well deserved by the battling home team and almost hugely funny. The “Ultras” had packed up and were leaving when their team scored. All that practise wasted. Better luck next time lads or maybe wait until the whistle has gone.

POTM: Almost went to Ezra who had a great game but he was pipped in injury time by Teddy with a brilliant individual goal. He had that great assist too. Welcome young man. Can’t wait to see some more of those performances.  If only we could remember where we have seen him before 🤔.

The officials were generally grown up and consistent for 90 minutes which is an improvement on last week. We did worry about the speed of the lino on the far side but there was no issues, mostly because all the play was in the middle.

The Scran’O’meter recorded a very nice 7.5 for the hot chocolate. Credit too to Cadburys for the assist.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Away at the Common

I Won't Back Crawley Down

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Home of the Anvils

Alive and Chicken

Tranmere Rovers visit Colchester United in EFL2 at the JobServe Community Stadium

Football is back again. It’s the first game of the EFL season and we’re at Colchester where the Rovers face the Eagles. It’s been 3 months since we last watched the whites on that fantastic day in Newport. It’s not as sunny today with clouds and a few spits of rain. We’re in a big crowd. It’s filling up behind the goal and over 700 SWA are expected. There are a few familiar faces in the squad. Luke is still in goal, whoop. There are still 3 at the back with Jordan Turnbull alongside old favourite, Lee O’Connor and great new signing Nathan Smith. Storming Cameron Norman is on the right wing with new boy Patrick Brough on the left. Exciting news is that, fan favourite, Nathan Bristow is back at the Whites although he is not in the squad today. There are two good new signings in the middle with new captain Richie Smallwood alongside youngster and Liberian international Nohan Kenneh. Across the front are Oh Mar Reeee Patrick, Josh Davison and "O-E-O" Connor Jennings. There are a few more old faces along with some new ones that we’ll hopefully see as the season goes on. The club seems to be in chaos off the pitch but inside the bubble of Andy Crosby’s SWA, it’s all looking quite hopeful. Lets hope the Rovers can bring it home for the 700 SWA today.

A scrappy first 10 with chances for Lee O’Connor and Josh blocked. The Rovers get a couple of corners. The first is headed over by Smith. The second is flicked on by the head of Norman to find the foot of Connor. Into the net it goes on 15 ⚽. 1-0 to the Whites. Top of the league sing the SWA who have just checked the league table. Someone ring Rick Parry and get the league abandoned now before anyone else scores. Tranmere continue to get chances and corners but it’s down the other end so it’s difficult to see how close we are getting to a second. The Eagles get a couple of chances in the last 5 minutes but it’s the Rovers in the lead at the break. Hope we don’t come to regret those missed chances. It’s also an opportunity for a breather for the SWA who have been very noisy. The whole stand feels like it’s swaying at times. It hasn’t stopped more than a few from going early for a beer and watching the last few minutes of the half through exit, bottle in hand 🍺.

Tranmere are still looking to push on in the first 10. The changes start with Danny Cowley blinking first. He gets it right and it’s more even now. There are a flurry more changes at the hour mark as Josh makes way for Kristian and Omari for Luton Town loanee Taylan Harris. Cowley also makes a couple more changes for the home side. Starting to feel he has a little bit more depth available for changes than Andy’s recently built Rovers squad. Danny is a class manager at this level. Shame he's getting it today. Connor makes way for Sol with 20 to play. The quality of the Eagles changes is starting to tell as they are threatening to score. Ten to go and Nohan, who has just been booked is replaced by experienced arrivee from Port Vale, Jason Lowe. The pressure eventually tells as sub Lisbie scores on 87. Poo. The Whites dig in to prevent a second and the points are shared.

For a short while then, we literally top of the league. It didn’t last. That early goal rasing expectations. We could have had more but it’s a long long season and we are just starting to build so it's not a bad start. It was an uncomfortable watch.  Not because of the football but the broken seats being a pain in the bum. A fantastic turn out for the SWA as this is such an out of the way place.  It’s a good fun trip out with the Whites. Not the usual scorchio of the first game of the season but we know how cold it can get here so we’re not complaining. Danny Cowley has a fantastic record in this league and we will have learned a few things today. A good start for Andy Crosby’s Super White Army. Tranmere are in Crawley in 2 weeks so we’ll see you there.

POTM: It’s hard to pick as the team are just starting to work well together so it goes to Andy Crosby, King of the SWA.

Scran’o’meter enjoyed the Maccies breakfast from Clackett Lane. Bottle were sold in the ground with top on. 😲

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

No summer sun today

Never mind the Hassocks

Horsham FC play Hassocks FC in the Sussex Community Shield at Culver Road

It’s time for the Sussex Community Shield 🛡 again as we return to Lancing for the fund raiser for Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice. As always, it’s our first competitive match of the season. This year it’s holders and Sussex Cup Winners Horsham facing the SCFL Premier League winners Hassocks. The Hornets 🐝 will be hoping to retain the Shield and the Robins , who won everything then played for last season, are not accustomed to losing and won't be looking to roll over. The 2 divisions difference in the clubs won’t necessarily play out on the pitch. Chestnut House have brought their mascot along in the form of a squirrel 🐿 that must be at least 6’2” tall. We're a bit scared of it. The Hornets have a few new signings including Gianluca Botti who we last saw at Lewes. He is a great forward and it will be interesting to watch how he fits into the Hornets team. We don’t know much about the Robins but we do recognise their right back. It’s ex-Docker Rob Malilla making his Robins debut. He must be a glutton for punishment as he was on the losing team for this fixture last season when Horsham beat Steyning 5-0. Surely it won’t be that bad tonight. Let’s see how it goes. Mon the Yellow and Green.

Horsham are getting lots of possession from the start. Hassocks are well organised at the back, defending with 2 close lines of 4. No gaps to squeeze through. The first real chance comes on 40 from some good build up by the Hornets. The finish is wide though. At the other end, the Hassock No. 9 seems a bit stranded. The half finishes with no more excitement.

It’s two changes to the Robins at the break. The Hornets are soon dominating again and the Robins get their first yellow card. They have their backs to the wall but are still defending well. The Hornets are getting closer. It’s another yellow then a red for one of the Robins defenders. It was tough with 11. Going to be very difficult now with 10. Greg Luer is on the end of a flowing move and finds the back of the net ⚽ on 74 after just 10 minutes on the pitch. Deadlock broken. Or is that flood gates. Going to be an interesting last 15. A few more yellows added to the Robins increasing tally.  The second goal has to wait until 86 when Gianluca fires home from just outside the box ⚽. In to injury time and the Robins finally get a shot on target but it’s saved. 2-0 to the Yellow and Green. Does that make it a treble for them?

It was the quality of Horsham that came through in the end. Hassocks are a very good side and will be very difficult to beat this season with that defence. Their keeper is certainly working them with his constant ‘advice’. Two solid sides with a few good chances but the Hornets were starting to overwhelm the Robins as they tired. They also picked up a yellow or 6 (and a red) in their increasing desperation to maintain a hold on the game. One defender was lucky with just a yellow when it could easily have been a straight red for being the last defender. Ref might have made a different decision had it been a tighter game at that point. Credit to the Robin’s defender the big No.5. He nearly made POTM before Gianluca came on. The Hornets subs finally made the difference. The Robins didn’t get a decent chance and were only going to keep the Hornets at bay for so long. They did well but would have started to run out of players had it carried on much longer. A good game on a nice evening. Hope the Hornets and Robins are both successful in their new leagues.

POTM: Gianluca added excitement to a good solid game and scored a great goal. Always good to watch him tear a defence apart. The award almost went to Dan Taylor the big No. 5 for great organisation of the defence 🧱.

The Scran’O’meter does love it here. The veggie sausage 🌭 and chips 🍟 scores a 9/10 and the hot chocolate smashed it with a 10/10. Thanks Culver Road.

The ref had a good game, kept it flowing when he could, despite it getting niggly at times. Hassocks were good for their yellows and red although they did disagree somewhat. They decided to stop the Hornets by any means and seemed happy, well there was considerable vocal disagreement, so maybe resigned to the consequences.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Lancing in the Daylight

Team news

I Run The Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Fortress Road

Seven Sisters in parked up

Breach For The Stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Sunshine by the Ouse

Small boats

It's a big place and I'm small

If you're Aggie and you know it

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you next season.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Fire and Smoke

Heading for the Arch

A win at Wembley