Brighton v London City

Winner City Life Brighton & Hove Albion v London City Lionesses in the WSL at The Peoples Pension Stadium

Where are we and What's going on?

The Seagulls host London City at the Broadfield on a very wet Sunday. It’s been raining since we were last here a couple of weeks ago. The big spending Kang Gang are having a great first season in the WSL. They are sitting just 1 point below Brighton in 7th. That makes this a big midtable 6 pointer. Albion won the away game in Bromley by a single goal scored by Madie on 6 minutes. Let’s hope they get it done today but that it’s less nerve-wracking. A single goal lead for 84 minutes wouldn’t be good for our nerves or our nails.

We were worried that it might be too wet but the ground has clearly had improvement work done since THAT Chelsea game. That was almost water polo 🤽.

There was some sad news in the week as we heard about the passing of Rado Vidosic. He was the father of Dario and Head of Women’s Coaching. It will be a tough one for the girls out there today.❤ Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Chris Roberts takes over management duties for the moment.

There is still no sign of Fran, either staying or we now assume going. Chia is in goal with Baggers back on the bench. We have a settled back 4 of Marisa, Moeka, Manuala and Charlie. The midfield is made up of Miasie, Jelena and Nadine. It’s the usual front 3 of Rosa, Kiko and Madie. On the bench is new signing, Norwegian midfielder, Oleug Tvedten.

The big shock with City is that they have signed Delphine Cascerino. She’s not here today but what an addition. It’s nice that Nikita (bench) and Poppy (starting) get a good welcome back to the Broadfield. That goodwill will last until kick off then the gloves are off. Kosovo Asllani starts with Freya Godfrey and extremely tall goal scoring talent, Izzy Goodwin.

There is a round of applause for Rado. It’s a difficult one to predict but it’s a big game for the Seagulls so we expect a big performance. It’s not a huge crow, just 1990. We’re more disappointed that Scooter hasn’t joined us today. It’s a small away following with only about 50 in the away end. Possibly the smallest we’ve seen. We hope those 50 are very disappointed in 90 minutes. Time to find out. Lets go Brighton, lets go!

Off we go..

It’s a lively start for the Seagulls. They dominate but Rosa can’t beat the offside trap and gets caught twice. She finally gets through but shoots over on 7. The Albion should be in a clear lead but it’s just not happening.

The Albion go off the boil after 10 lively minutes. It’s dull for a while but until Roasa gets in another shot. This time it’s blocked. It comes to life on 23 as Madie plays in Kiko on the right. She does what she does best and blasts it home. 1-0.⚽

Rosa is inspired and back on the attack. Her first shot is saved. The next one blocked. Then she is caught offside again. She needs to be more clinical with these chances.

It’s half an hour gone when City break but are caught offside. They don’t wait long to try again. The cross in from the right is met by Moeka whose attempted clearance ends up in the back of Chia’s net. The visitors have equalised without a shot on target yet. 1-1.

The Seagulls keep their heads up. Madie gets a shot in but hits the right post. Into 2 added minutes and Nadine takes her turn but hits the left post. Anywhere but in the net!

The visitors get one last attack and Freya Godfrey is given too much space. She hits a great shot from the edge of the box. Their first shot on target and Chia is picking it out of the net again. Albion are behind at the break. 1-2.

Not long into the second half and City get their first corner. They haven’t had much possession at Seagulls end until now. There may have been cheering 📣 when Poppy puts it straight into the side netting.

It’s a bit end to end now. Kiko misses to the right. Back down the other end and Jana Fernandez does the same.

We are shocked, shocked I say, that we get as far as the 64th minute before Poppy is penalised for a foul.

It’s scrappy for a while but Rosa manages to miss again.

The Albion make their first 2 changes on 71. Charlie Rule makes way for Rachel McLauchlan. Rosa is replaced by new signing Olaug Tvedten. Not going to try to pronounce that. Can’t wait until she gets a nickname.

Madie is injured on 72 and needs treatment. She is soon fixed and back in the action. It’s end to end again. Izzy Goodin sees her shot blocked. Nadine with assistance from Kiko has her shot blocked. Madie assists her next chance but that’s also blocked. The Seagulls are throwing everything at the defence in the City penalty area.

Nadine makes way for Carla on 86. A bit late for fresh legs up front. We hope she has enough time to make a difference.

Brighton are piling on the pressure now. Marisa and Oleug both have shots blocked. The Seagulls get a corner. Maisie misses a sitter from the middle of the goal. Madie’s shot is blocked and it’s another corner. And another. Just score a goal please.

There are 4 minutes of injury time to play. Plenty of time for an equaliser. Another Albion corner. It leads to a shot from Oleug that goes just wide. There is another corner. Jelena gets the first Seagulls booking on 93. Three more minutes without another corner and it’s all over on 90+6. 1-2. How did we lose that?!?

We think it’s all over

That’s not how we hoped it would go. It had it’s moments but there were large chunks that weren’t great. The aggression of the first 10 minutes dried up quickly and didn’t re-appear until after the subs made an appearance near the end. To lose 2-1 to a team that only managed 1 shot on target must be absolutely gutting. That’s efficient for you. Chia has had to pick the ball out of the net twice without the chance to make a save.The Seagulls need to learn that lesson. Sooo many misses or tame shots. It could and should have been out of sight in 5 minutes. But it has been a difficult week for the team with the loss of Rado so maybe the performance means more than the result in the circumstances.

There was no change in the league table because Villa lost as well. The “best of the rest” title is looking like a big stretch at the moment. Elsewhere in the league. Chelsea dropped to 3rd after a thrashing by Man City. Arsenal were busy winning the Club Cup Final. We planned to go but that didn’t work out. Congrats to the Gunners who won 3-2 with a Foord winner against Brazil’s Corinthians in extra time. 👏

Up next, we will be travelling to Kent for Tranmere’s outing at the Priestfield. Lord help us🙏.

The Other Bits:

POTM: goes to Rosa 🏅 who had her best game in terms of chances. Her conversion rate could do with improving but hopefully that will come as her confidence improves. Can’t fault her effort today though, well done Rosa.

Officially Opinionated: The ref missed 2 good penalty shouts and the lino had a great view of both but bottled it 🐔. Either or both might have been outside the box but both were certainly fouls yet waved away. Not wanting make waves by halting the rise of Michelle Kang’s Vanity Project 😃.

The Scran’O’meter changed the usual pizza and latte routine today and went for some chips with curry sauce and a hot chocolate. Both excellent. 9.5/10 and 9/10. Thanks.

Programme perusal: The programme is digital which we don’t do so it may well have been fantastic but if it’s not made of paper, we don’t want it. 0/10 again.

See you in Kent.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Our Chia warming up

Floodlights at midday 👀

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 v Little Common

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

Where are we and What’s going on?

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

Fort Road sunshine

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

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

Today's Teams

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

Come on you Dockers

Off we go..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunset watching

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

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

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

Fort Road sunset

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We think it’s all over..

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

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

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

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

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

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

The other bits..

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Newhaven v Worthing

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

Where are we and What’s going on?

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

Winter coat weather by the Ouse

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

The line ups for tonight

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

Off we go..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We think it's all over..

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

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

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

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

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

The other bits

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

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

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

Back at Fortress Road

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

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

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

Newhaven v Forest Row

Don't FROW It All Away Newhaven FC host Forest Row FC in the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup 1st Round at Fort Road

Where are we and What's going on?

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

Newhaven v AFC Varndeanians

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

Where are we and what's going on?

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.  

Until 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.

We 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 their no. 9. 

There are some more changes as Charlie is replaced by Corey in the 10. Charlie has had a great game. He's been ,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.

We think it's all over..

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 win 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.

The other bit

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

97 Tears

Brighton & Hove Albion Women face Chelsea Women in the WSL at the Peoples Pension Stadium

It’s the Seagulls 3rd game in the big playground this season. Today, Liverpool are the opponents in the penultimate home game. It’s a six pointer as the Albion are 5th in the WSL with the Reds just a point behind. Man City are 13 points clear in 4th so this is the battle to be the best of the rest. Since we last saw them play, Maddie has been injured against Man City and will miss the rest of the season. Big loss that. And during the international break, our Michelle became a national hero scoring a worldie for the Senior Lionesses against Belgium in Belgium. It was her first senior goal after just 53 seconds on the pitch. She was with the U19 squad when she got a very late call up to replace the injured Russo for the trip to Belgium. The rest is history, literally. She gets a rare start today. Also starting from the Lionesses squad are Fran and Nikita. Maisie starts after her first senior Lioness call up too although she didn’t get to play. At least her talent has been recognised👀. The Liverpool news is that Matt Beard 🧔 was surprisingly sacked 💰 in February. Acting in his place is Amber Whiteley. She took them to the FA Cup semi-finals last week but they lost to Chelsea. They took the lead in that match through an Olivia Smith goal with her trademark fast break and diagonal rocket into the net. Hope we don’t see that today but she is lethal. We were a bit surprised to see her today as she went off injured last week. We have yet to see the Albion win at the AMEX but we are hoping to break that duck 🦆 today. We lost to Everton here at the AMEX a year ago today. Hopefully we’re not completing the Merseyside double today. It’s a very sunny ☀ April 🌧 day and it’s toasty 😎 in the front row of the East Stand. There has been a bit of a wheelie bin malfunction and some have been taken away. The remaining display is a bit half-hearted. It’s time for “Sussex by the Sea” and then we’re off.

It’s a horrible start. Olivia Smith is straight down the wing and smashing it in from an angle. Identical to the goal at Chelsea last week 😡. A week to prepare for that exact danger and we’re behind in a minute. Mustn't swear, we are in the Family Stand 😶. Drat, Damn and Whops. It restarts and we make some noise to get behind the team. They can’t keep the ball though. It’s all Liverpool with misses from Fisk, Kiernan and Fisk again. The Seagulls manage to get a shot in but Nadine misses her chance. There is an impromptu drinks break as Olivia receives treatment on 31. Rinse and repeat on 39 except the play doesn't stop this time so she is left rolling around on her own. The Seagulls get caught playing out from the back and Kiernan makes it 2-0 to the visitors on 43. Long way back now. A goal before the break would be nice. Olivia Smith, having needed treatment twice, is flying down the wing. This time Poppy keeps up and absolutely flattens her 🥊. Well in, Popps. More treatment is required and after wasting loads more time, she is replaced by Kapocs on 45+6. Poppy is booked which is fair enough. The half ends after 8 added minutes, mostly due to Olivia Smith sitting down. The is a brief relief from the heat as we get a lovely cooling spray at the halftime sprinklers.

Brighton need something now. Dario makes 3 changes. Rachel, Poppy and Nadine are replaced by Dejana, Kiko and Marisa. Maisie drops into the left centre back roll vacated by Poppy. It is better! There is more aggression in the midfield and the ball is moving forward. We start to get chances.  Nikita gets caught offside. Michelle puts Kiko’s cross in the net on 48⚽. 1-2. A good start. We can’t get any momentum built and it is scrappy for a while. Fran misses from another Kiko cross. Nikita is booked for a late tackle. Michelle is injured and there is another drinks break while she gets treatment. It's now Frans turn to get booked. Michelle takes a shot from the corner of the box, it’s well high and wide as it curls into the stand but Rachel Laws was still injured in the action 🤷. More work for the physios who are earning their money 💰 today. Liverpool get a corner and Bonner is injured in the action. On come the physios again. The clock is ticking down as Bruna replaces Jelena on 81 to big cheers. She is back from Barcelona after treatment for an injury. Melina makes a good save from Holland. Bruna misses down the other end. It’s all Brighton now. Laws is booked for time wasting. Albion get a string of corners but no goals. Auee is replaced by Charlize on 90+7 as play restarts. It finishes on 90+10 with a 1-2 loss.

Not a good day for the Seagulls. Another goal for Michelle. Shame we couldn’t get more. Albion had a week off to train while Liverpool played an big FA Cup game yet it was the opposition who looked well organised and full of energy. Not having a plan for Olivia Smith and being caught out in the first minute is unbelievable. Disappointed that we underperformed when it mattered and now Liverpool have moved above us in the table as we swapped 5th and 6th places. West Ham drew so at least we didn't drop any lower but need to buck our ideas up or we will be dropping rapidly down the table. Three games to go including Arsenal at Crawley. Enough moaning.  It was a nice day out and we got to test out the new fan zone which is very much a work in progress. We did get excellent value today as we got an extra 15 minutes for the same price although Liverpool players were sitting down for most of it. They are a bit fragile on the wrong side of the Mersey. We do wonder if Smith was fit having gone off injured last week and the needed treatment 3 times today before being subbed. Maybe she is just being massively over dramatic. Who knows? They were a bit of a one player team without her. Full marks to Poppy for putting her out of her misery today. 

POTM: Is awarded to Melina for some great saves and trying to distribute the ball quickly even if no-one wanted it.

The ref got played by the Reds today with all their falling over and rolling around. She got a few names for her collection as well.

The Scran’O’meter tested out “The Terrace”, the new fan zone. The Ultra Cheese Melt toastie was nice getting 8/10. The ordering system needs sorting out though. The catering on the concourse was very slow at half time. Not Arsenal slow but bad enough. And the AMEX stewards and staff are the last remaining outpost for removing bottle tops 🍾.

See you on Monday if it's not too foggy on the Tye.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

In the AMEX with Sally

Smokey in here

Checking out the new fan zone

Long Ball Sally

Brighton & Hove Albion Women host Arsenal Women in the Subway League Cup Quarter Final at the Broadfield Stadium

The Seagulls play host to the Gooners for a place in the semi-final of the cup formerly known as the Conti Cup. We are hoping for a bounce back from losing to Liverpool away on Friday. It’s our first Seagulls game of 2025 after the very late postponement of the Durham FA Cup game 12 days ago due to a frozen pitch. The pitch has defrosted and the pizza 🍕 van has arrived so things are looking good. Melina Loeck is in goal with Baggers on the bench. Dotti is back from injury so starts alongside Guru. Poppy and Rachel are out wide. Vicky, Marisa and Jelena are in the middle, Kiko, Maddie and Bruna are up front. Nikita and Pauline are on the bench. Michelle can’t play against her home club so is not in the squad. It’s not the strongest line up but it is the Fast Food Cup. The Gunners line up is formidable even with a few big names resting on the bench. Zinsberger is in goal so we are expecting a break in the play at some point as she takes a nap. We have 62 minutes in the Zinsberger Nap Sweepstake. Last time the Seagulls met the Gunners, we showed way too much respect and suffered badly for it. We need to start on the front foot tonight.

The Albion hold their own at the start and are getting plenty of possession in the Gooners half. We seem to keep passing until we lose the ball and without ever actually getting round to taking a shot. The Gooner are more of a threat. The Seagulls insistence on playing out from the back nearly costs them as Lotte pounces on a mistake and for Melina into a good save. The visitors are putting a bit of pressure on the hosts now. The Seagulls get a good chance on the break but Kiko’s shot is wild and miles off target. It’s a shot though. The Gunners get some more chances but the Seagulls hold on until the break. 0-0. Take that. Big half to come.

There are some early changes. Walti is replaced by Little on 48. Katie Ried, who has had a good game, is replaced by Emily Fox and Meado by Mariona on 57. The Seagulls join in a Parris replaces Cancovic and Maisie replaces Bruna. Dotti is recently back from injury and is replaced by Caribali. The Gunners come close as Mariona hits the post from range. That’s a warning from Mariona. She then dispossesses Vicky and assists Russo to break the deadlock on 65. Between them, they create another for McCabe on 68. A fantastic shot from Cooney-Cross on 70 takes it to 3-0. The result seems inevitable now. The Seagulls final changes are Dejana for Vicky and Pauline for Maddie. Maddie has put in a great shift and gets a good round of applause 👏 as she walks past the stand. The Gunners show their depth by bringing on Stina for Leah for Leia. Mariona caps off 2 assists with a goal. It comes after the Seagulls fail to clear the ball and it’s a fantastic chip from the corner of the box. Can’t save that. The Seagulls have been well beaten by the supersub Gooners with 3 goals in 5 minutes in the second half delivering the fatal blow. The 4th was just salt in the wounds.

The Seagulls played well in the first half but were ground down by the quality that the Gunners were able to bring on from the bench. Mariona had an amazing game and undid all the Seagulls hard work. It was a much better game than the 5-0 thrashing in North London despite the similar looking scoreline. Our prediction of penalties was a possibility for the first half at least. The Seagulls put in some good performances particularly Poppy and Keke on the left. Dotti was playing well but Carabali has had better games. Still love her though ♥. Maddie played well and looked knackered when she was subbed. A tough night up against McCabe. We had been expecting a Zinsberger nap at some point and were very disappointed it didn’t happen. We had our own supersub at halftime as Sally joined our gang. The Seagulls need to regroup ready for Man Utd away on Sunday. We’ll see them back here for Durham on Wednesday. We are hoping to tp summon up the courage to get to Swindle to see Tranmere on Tuesday,

POTM: Goes to our favourite left back, Poppy who had a great game linking up with Kiko and dropping back into defence when needed.

The officiating could have been better. Maddie got no protection and took a bit of a battering tonight.

The Scran’O’meter is back to it’s best with the wood oven Margarita pizza 🍕 and garlic dip courtesy of the Dough Shack 🚚.

See You soon. Love tranmerekat 🐾.

New coat at the Broadfield 

Well hello Sally

One Last Time

Newhaven FC host Petersfield Town FC in the SCFL Premire League at Fort Road

The Dockers host the Rams on a cold January afternoon by the Ouse. Newhaven are mid table having lost the last 3 games. Petersfield are fighting for a play-off and have won 4 of the last 5 scoring 16 goals in the process. It’s the end of an era today as it’s 508 and out for the dynamic duo Cooky and Breachy. After 10 years, the pair are retiring. They have brought great times to the Dockers but have struggled for consistency this season with a huge turnover in the squad. There is a guard of honour from both teams as they enter the pitch. Probably get something in their eyes later. Let's hope the boys do them proud today. A new face Ben Royall is playing on the wing. Little is on the bench. Billy is in the crowd in an airboot.

The ferry is early and has already docked by the time the players come out. Must be out of respect for the bosses’ last game. The Dockers start slowly and it takes until 22 for the 1st goal. Lee runs into the box, is clipped from behind and crumples in a heap. Penalty to us. Lee smashes it home ⚽. 1-0. The score is level on 41 as the Rams break at pace and put the ball past Jack. 1-1.  It is still even at the break.  Hope the second 45 has a bit more action.

Hoping for some more action in this half. Ben Royall gets his head to a low cross but he doesn’t get quite enough on it and it skims just wide. He is clearly gutted. The next chance goes to Jake on 55 but it’s saved. Reedy is replaced on 62 with Johnson taking over right back duties.  Newhaven are now dominant and are back in the lead on 73. Lee is again fouled in the box but before the ref can blow his whistle, Jake puts the ball in the back of the net ⚽. 2-1. The Rams start to get a foothold and come close to an equaliser as they hit the bar. There is a huge cheer 🎉 from most of the 403 crowd as Little Robbo 🏃 comes on to replace Ben Royall. We get one more chance on 90+4 but Jake’s shot is saved. It’s all over on 90+6 and it’s now time for everyone to hit the bar.

A great win for the Dockers shows that they can still do it. And a great way for Cooky and Breachy bow out with 3 points and 2 Robinson goals. Not quite a classic Dockers performance that we have become used to but there are no points for style. Top marks to the 2 Rams fans and their 6 flags. They made plenty of noise, “is this a library” and really getting behind their team. The Dockers had the “Tannoy”, aka the 5th official, giving feedback to the players and officials.

POTM: A different one for today but it has to go to the management duo Cooky and Breachy. End of an era. Thanks boys .👏👏👏👏

The officiating must have been OK as we haven’t moaned about so well done.

The Scan’O’meter loves the hot chocolate here and it was the usual 8/10.

Love Tranmerekat 🐾

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