Tranmere v Cambridge

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

Where are we and What’s going on?

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

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

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

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

Off we go..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We think it’s all over..

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

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

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

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

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

The Other Bits..

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

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

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

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

See you soon.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Sun's out for a change

Here we are

On the buses

Newhaven v Godalming

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

Where are we and What’s going on?

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

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

Off We Go..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We think it’s all over..

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

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

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

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

PS We’ve drawn Steyning which will be tough.

The Other Bits

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

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

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

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

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Minging down with rain

Braving the elements to check out the teams

Brighton v Nottingham Forest

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

Where are we and What's going on?

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

Blue skies at the Broadfield

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

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

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

Samba band drummer Auntie Helen

Off we go..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We think it’s all over..

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

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

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

The other bits

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

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

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

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

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Newhaven Little v Common

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

Where are we and What’s going on?

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

Fort Road sunshine

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

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

Today's Teams

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

Come on you Dockers

Off we go..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunset watching

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

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

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

Fort Road sunset

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We think it’s all over..

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

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

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

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

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

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

The other bits..

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love Tranmerekat 🐾