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#Post#: 102142--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sat 28th FEB – Wed 4th MAR 2026
By: Boz Date: February 28, 2026, 3:35 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=TheThingFromLewes
link=topic=7747.msg102133#msg102133 date=1772307023]
[quote author=Charlieboy link=topic=7747.msg102124#msg102124
date=1772305767]
Zac Kennard kettle not even close to being as good as his father
, totally inconsistent, even a clear error in law , 10 yellow
cards in a game without a bad tackle from either side. 11 if you
count the one for Tom cleverley which he gave for dissent after
making a clear error in law , whilst I never condone dissent
it’s pointless and gives the referee another decision to make. I
hope I never ever see this guy again . And hope he reflects on
his very inconsistent performance.
[/quote]
You must have caught Kettle senior on very good days!
😜😆
[/quote]
You say this so regularly, whenever there is positive comment
about Kettle Senior, that half tempted to use the old emoji.
Aside from think the last Rovers game he took charge of, when he
got a handball penalty decision clearly wrong, he was fine in
the middle with us.
#Post#: 102144--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sat 28th FEB – Wed 4th MAR 2026
By: Boz Date: February 28, 2026, 4:05 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Ryanellis link=topic=7747.msg102141#msg102141
date=1772313966]
[quote author=Acme Thunderer link=topic=7747.msg102136#msg102136
date=1772311669]
Crewe Alexandra FC (First Team) v Tranmere Rovers FC (First
Team)
Football League 2
Referee: Blair, Harrison
Assistant Referee: Taylor, Grant
Assistant Referee: Forrest, Keiran
Fourth Official: Hall, Bradley
I had not see Harrison Blair before and tbh, when the teams came
out, I thought I was looking at Reubyn Ricardo. Slighty smaller
than RR and with a slightly different running style, but in
every other respect, HB and RR are clones of each other. Anyway,
Harrison had a decent first half but then seemed to c**k things
up in the last five minutes of the half, first seeming to be at
complete odds with AR1 Grant Taylor on the direction of a throw
in, which had to be retaken after Harrison tried to explain
things to the Crewe captain. Then, more crucially, he missed a
pretty obvious foul on a Crewe player in the build up to the
Tranmere goal. Crewe fans were not amused and Harrison was booed
off the pitch at half time. Fortunately, he seeme to regain his
confidence in the second half, cautions were correctly issued
and, whilst he seemed a bit robotic at times, his decisions were
generally spot on. I'm pleased that the wrong call on the foul
at the end of the first half didn't materially affect the result
of the game, and generally, I felt Harrison had a decent second
game on the EFL and showed promise for the future.
[/quote]
Fully agree. With regards to the throw-in drama, AR1 and
Harrison both gave it Crewe’s way, then for some reason the AR
changed his mind… Crewe had already taken this throw and were
attacking.
I felt Harrison let Tranmere’s keeper get away with a lot time
wasting, this wasn’t reflected in just the 4 minutes added on
second half. I said 7 mins and this was minimum! But Crewe
managed to score the winner as soon as 4 mins were indicated
from a wonderful set piece routine.
Another one for me - when Tranmere scored and play was
restarted, a flare came onto the pitch. Harrison didn’t stop
play despite play being in and round the flare… which was
interesting.
I’ll be interested to see how Harrison gets on for the rest of
the season and what appointments he gets. Was this game a bit
too early for him? A team fighting for play offs v a team in a
complete mess? I think this was a good test for him, other Crewe
fans have different opinions.
[/quote]
I thankfully swerved this game as Rovers never do well at Crewe
even in a good season, which this clearly isn’t. I’m therefore
reliant on the Rovers commentary, brief highlights, your two
reports and comments from other TRFC fans attending.
There clearly is an interaction between defender and attacker
prior to the Tranmere goal, but the footage isn’t that clear on
who instigates contact. I will take it that AT and Ryan had a
clearer view, as if it was the Rovers attacker then our goal
should not have stood.
The commentators picked up on the messy throw-in incident, but
also a possible penalty midway through the first half, after a
challenge by Warrington. The Rovers pundits initially thought
penalty, but after seeing footage back confirmed Mr Harrison’s
play-on call was correct.
The travelling fans mentioned incidents midway through the
second half where felt a few-kick for Rovers not given, then
very soon after what appeared to be a Rovers corner given as a
goal-kick. If that was the most they had to grumble about, then
doesn’t sound like Mr Harrison did too badly.
#Post#: 102146--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sat 28th FEB – Wed 4th MAR 2026
By: Woody_2216 Date: February 28, 2026, 4:13 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=HChip link=topic=7747.msg102137#msg102137
date=1772312950]
Anyone know how Bobby got on at Lincoln?
Does this mean he could be back in the Championship in the next
few weeks?
[/quote]
Not great but not too bad a tad inconsistent.
#Post#: 102147--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sat 28th FEB – Wed 4th MAR 2026
By: Ryanellis Date: February 28, 2026, 4:45 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Boz link=topic=7747.msg102144#msg102144
date=1772316323]
[quote author=Ryanellis link=topic=7747.msg102141#msg102141
date=1772313966]
[quote author=Acme Thunderer link=topic=7747.msg102136#msg102136
date=1772311669]
Crewe Alexandra FC (First Team) v Tranmere Rovers FC (First
Team)
Football League 2
Referee: Blair, Harrison
Assistant Referee: Taylor, Grant
Assistant Referee: Forrest, Keiran
Fourth Official: Hall, Bradley
I had not see Harrison Blair before and tbh, when the teams came
out, I thought I was looking at Reubyn Ricardo. Slighty smaller
than RR and with a slightly different running style, but in
every other respect, HB and RR are clones of each other. Anyway,
Harrison had a decent first half but then seemed to c**k things
up in the last five minutes of the half, first seeming to be at
complete odds with AR1 Grant Taylor on the direction of a throw
in, which had to be retaken after Harrison tried to explain
things to the Crewe captain. Then, more crucially, he missed a
pretty obvious foul on a Crewe player in the build up to the
Tranmere goal. Crewe fans were not amused and Harrison was booed
off the pitch at half time. Fortunately, he seeme to regain his
confidence in the second half, cautions were correctly issued
and, whilst he seemed a bit robotic at times, his decisions were
generally spot on. I'm pleased that the wrong call on the foul
at the end of the first half didn't materially affect the result
of the game, and generally, I felt Harrison had a decent second
game on the EFL and showed promise for the future.
[/quote]
Fully agree. With regards to the throw-in drama, AR1 and
Harrison both gave it Crewe’s way, then for some reason the AR
changed his mind… Crewe had already taken this throw and were
attacking.
I felt Harrison let Tranmere’s keeper get away with a lot time
wasting, this wasn’t reflected in just the 4 minutes added on
second half. I said 7 mins and this was minimum! But Crewe
managed to score the winner as soon as 4 mins were indicated
from a wonderful set piece routine.
Another one for me - when Tranmere scored and play was
restarted, a flare came onto the pitch. Harrison didn’t stop
play despite play being in and round the flare… which was
interesting.
I’ll be interested to see how Harrison gets on for the rest of
the season and what appointments he gets. Was this game a bit
too early for him? A team fighting for play offs v a team in a
complete mess? I think this was a good test for him, other Crewe
fans have different opinions.
[/quote]
I thankfully swerved this game as Rovers never do well at Crewe
even in a good season, which this clearly isn’t. I’m therefore
reliant on the Rovers commentary, brief highlights, your two
reports and comments from other TRFC fans attending.
There clearly is an interaction between defender and attacker
prior to the Tranmere goal, but the footage isn’t that clear on
who instigates contact. I will take it that AT and Ryan had a
clearer view, as if it was the Rovers attacker then our goal
should not have stood.
The commentators picked up on the messy throw-in incident, but
also a possible penalty midway through the first half, after a
challenge by Warrington. The Rovers pundits initially thought
penalty, but after seeing footage back confirmed Mr Harrison’s
play-on call was correct.
The travelling fans mentioned incidents midway through the
second half where felt a few-kick for Rovers not given, then
very soon after what appeared to be a Rovers corner given as a
goal-kick. If that was the most they had to grumble about, then
doesn’t sound like Mr Harrison did too badly.
[/quote]
Oh yes the goal kick that should’ve been a corner - I was up the
complete other end for that. I originally thought our keeper had
saved it, and Harrison had a clear view of it. I wonder whether
he thought it had bobbled before the goalkeeper which is why he
thought the goalie didn’t touch it.
In all fairness to Tranmere, your support was incredible. I
didn’t fully understand singing “we’re the Tranmere, the mighty
Tranmere, we always win away” chant since that hasn’t happened
since NYD! You were also singing (well the yobbos were) during
half time too. One of the best sets of supporters this season to
come to Crewe imo.
On the game - Tranmere were the better side in the first half,
and I had flashbacks to Fleetwood not too long ago. Crewe
completely flicked the switch second half, and all Tranmere did
was sit back and invite pressure. After we scored the equaliser,
there was only going to be one outcome really…
#Post#: 102204--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sat 28th FEB – Wed 4th MAR 2026
By: nemesis Date: March 1, 2026, 1:50 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Charlieboy link=topic=7747.msg102124#msg102124
date=1772305767]
Zac Kennard kettle not even close to being as good as his father
, totally inconsistent, even a clear error in law , 10 yellow
cards in a game without a bad tackle from either side. 11 if you
count the one for Tom cleverley which he gave for dissent after
making a clear error in law , whilst I never condone dissent
it’s pointless and gives the referee another decision to make. I
hope I never ever see this guy again . And hope he reflects on
his very inconsistent performance.
[/quote]
Wow, this sounds exactly like his father: inconsistent, errors
in law, too many cards - talk about a chip off the old block.
Dad must be very proud of him.
#Post#: 102212--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sat 28th FEB – Wed 4th MAR 2026
By: elbee94 Date: March 1, 2026, 3:26 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Colchester United FC (First Team) v Salford City FC (First Team)
Football League 2
Referee: Martin, Ross
Assistant Referee: Cooper, Ian
Assistant Referee: Fitch-Jackson, Carl
Fourth Official: Cartmel, Wayne
I’m going to go against the grain here, with U’s staff and fans
very unhappy with the officials but I thought it was an average
showing from Ross and team.
It wasn’t the best of games with little penalty box action for
either team, especially first half. I thought Ross got his foul
detection spot on, with 4 correct yellows, in the first half but
was too relaxed with Salford’s tactics to slow the game down. I
thought he did a slightly better job in the second half with
timewasting but also him (and especially his experienced AR’s)
bought some really cheap free kicks. SG2 AR’s seem to be more
confident in flagging for decisions but got a few wrong in my
opinion. That’s the second time i’ve seen Ian Cooper recently
and thought he’s been pretty poor.
However, I have one big grievance and that’s the 1 minute of
first half stoppage time - I was corrected earlier in the season
as it’s the 4O’s job to timekeep? If i’m wrong, I apologise to
Wayne Cartmel but if he was the one to make that decision, he
badly needs a better watch! The most misjudged stoppage time
allowance i’ve ever seen - perhaps he saw how poor that half of
football was and decided he wanted a cuppa in the warm! I’ve
heard (unsubstantiated) that the ball was in play for 18
minutes… 5 minutes in the second half was more like it.
A couple of issues for Carl Fitch-Jackson, with the game delayed
for a repair to the net on his half of the field before kick off
(not sure if that was poor pre-match check from him or something
that occurred after his check) and then a second half kick off
delay due to comms problems for him.
An unhappy crowd, the officials didn’t put in a performance to
remember (especially with SG2 assistants weaker than a newish
referee) but neither did they produce anything offensive.
Colchester deservingly beaten with a timid showing.
#Post#: 102217--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sat 28th FEB – Wed 4th MAR 2026
By: Sowena Date: March 1, 2026, 4:36 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=nemesis link=topic=7747.msg102204#msg102204
date=1772394613]
[quote author=Charlieboy link=topic=7747.msg102124#msg102124
date=1772305767]
Zac Kennard kettle not even close to being as good as his father
, totally inconsistent, even a clear error in law , 10 yellow
cards in a game without a bad tackle from either side. 11 if you
count the one for Tom cleverley which he gave for dissent after
making a clear error in law , whilst I never condone dissent
it’s pointless and gives the referee another decision to make. I
hope I never ever see this guy again . And hope he reflects on
his very inconsistent performance.
[/quote]
Wow, this sounds exactly like his father: inconsistent, errors
in law, too many cards - talk about a chip off the old block.
Dad must be very proud of him.
Having seen Mr Kettle senior several times I would agree this
performance sounds exactly like every occasion i have seen him
live. Far too many bookings, inconsistent and overall poor
control of most games…
[/quote]
#Post#: 102240--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sat 28th FEB – Wed 4th MAR 2026
By: PDMat Shav Date: March 2, 2026, 5:49 am
---------------------------------------------------------
I was at the Crewe Alex v Tranmere on Saturday and watched
Harrison Blair, i was not very impressed, i know it was is only
his second EFL match to referee, but showed, he was inconsistent
in recognising offences, and had the opportunity to play several
advantages during the game, but stopped played play when the
ball was clearly giving the team with the ball an advantage.
When Tranmere scored just before half-time he was the only
person in the ground who didn't see the foul on the Crewe
defender. He annoyed both teams during the game and should have
cautioned the Tranmere after the amount of times he told to
hurry up at goal kicks
He was fit and moved around the field of play very well, and
all four all cautions were correct to law. I am sure the Referee
observer will have plenty of advice for him on his performance,
but not the best day at the office for Blair
#Post#: 102254--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sat 28th FEB – Wed 4th MAR 2026
By: TheThingFromLewes Date: March 2, 2026, 10:09 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=nemesis link=topic=7747.msg102204#msg102204
date=1772394613]
[quote author=Charlieboy link=topic=7747.msg102124#msg102124
date=1772305767]
Zac Kennard kettle not even close to being as good as his father
, totally inconsistent, even a clear error in law , 10 yellow
cards in a game without a bad tackle from either side. 11 if you
count the one for Tom cleverley which he gave for dissent after
making a clear error in law , whilst I never condone dissent
it’s pointless and gives the referee another decision to make. I
hope I never ever see this guy again . And hope he reflects on
his very inconsistent performance.
[/quote]
Wow, this sounds exactly like his father: inconsistent, errors
in law, too many cards - talk about a chip off the old block.
Dad must be very proud of him.
[/quote]
I have to say that I’ve seen a few reports on Kettle Junior and
I would say the majority have been relatively good, but when
things haven’t been, it’s been very quickly picked up on.
As for Kettle senior, the views of Nemesis are entirely
quantifiable given that I’m sure he has seen many many more
games than most of us on here to justify his comments.
#Post#: 102298--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sat 28th FEB – Wed 4th MAR 2026
By: TVOS Date: March 2, 2026, 3:44 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=TheThingFromLewes
link=topic=7747.msg102254#msg102254 date=1772467794]
[quote author=nemesis link=topic=7747.msg102204#msg102204
date=1772394613]
[quote author=Charlieboy link=topic=7747.msg102124#msg102124
date=1772305767]
Zac Kennard kettle not even close to being as good as his father
, totally inconsistent, even a clear error in law , 10 yellow
cards in a game without a bad tackle from either side. 11 if you
count the one for Tom cleverley which he gave for dissent after
making a clear error in law , whilst I never condone dissent
it’s pointless and gives the referee another decision to make. I
hope I never ever see this guy again . And hope he reflects on
his very inconsistent performance.
[/quote]
Wow, this sounds exactly like his father: inconsistent, errors
in law, too many cards - talk about a chip off the old block.
Dad must be very proud of him.
[/quote]
I have to say that I’ve seen a few reports on Kettle Junior and
I would say the majority have been relatively good, but when
things haven’t been, it’s been very quickly picked up on.
As for Kettle senior, the views of Nemesis are entirely
quantifiable given that I’m sure he has seen many many more
games than most of us on here to justify his comments.
[/quote]
Ahem....
I saw Trevor Kettle 16 times and as I kept replying every time
his appointment to a Rochdale game was quoted on here, apart
from the second of those 16 matches (Scunthorpe away, Easter
Saturday 2004), he seemed to keep all his eccentricities for
elsewhere.
I'll be seeing Kettle Jr on Saturday for his fourth Dale game;
the other three have been absolutely fine.
*****************************************************
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