Erithacus

You could rent one from a tool hire company for a while. See if it does what you need before spending big bucks.

Another performance that is more about frustration than disappointment. We seem to be falling into a way of getting the better of the stats except the scoreline. Whilst it is not that concerning for the FA Cup, it does put the rest of the season into sharper focus. I thought the side got to grips with Liverpool from the start and could have made greater gains, but lacked a quality touch at the business end of the pitch. Better creativity or better movement would have been the springboard for scoring. Sadly, we didn't have that touch today; Thestrup was often isolated by a competent defence. Chances were few throughout most of the game, which largely saw both teams canel each other out. For a change, the starting formation departed from the 5-4-1, with Powell and Mustaki able to roam into the wing-half positions. That gave some extra width which was helpful. In the middle, Rogers was at the heart of most of the battles; Symes fizzled at times but found progress difficult. Abi Harrison, starting more right-sided for a change, had a few useful moves but it was disappointing to see her taken off at the half. Defensively, Connolly was commanding and for long stretches of the game Liverpool hardly had a look at goal. Yañez, making her debut, had little to do of note - such was the flow. However, when the opposing player was sent off in the middle of the second half it didn't really make too much difference - Liverpool were already in a resolute mindset and could manage. They even brought on Flint and Van de Sanden and left two up top, with their pace a threat. But the decisive moment occurred just a few minutes before time at a set-piece, when the unequal numbers was less of a factor. You might call it a lucky break but that doesn't stop it counting. Once that went in, the girls pushed forward more energetically but couldn'd find that touch. Also disappointing was the crowd of a 'mere' 2,500. In the past that would have been considered fabulous but, as a measure of progress, it looks a little underwhelming today. Clearly the draw of the FA Cup is faltering in the women's game too. In terms of new recruits in the January window, I don't expect much to happen. With the much smaller talent pool in the women's game, there will be fewer to pick from. I also note that the club as a whole is looking at a deficit of £22 million - there won't be much spare for the girls, probably. In comparison, I see Man City are to build a bespoke women's facility at their training ground - a cool £10 million is going into that: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67943010 . How the other half live...

Will be a Western League game for me today.

The dynasty has finally ended! Belichick has left the Pats after 24 years of unparalleled history. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/67948937

Got a long weekend ahead but I'll be there.

Hail Michegan! The Wolverines are the newly crowned college champions after beating Washington last night (this morning) in Houston, landing them with a glittering 15-0 record. A couple of breakout runs in the first quarter gave the Huskies a mountain they couldn't quite scale. A few ill-timed turnovers from battered QB Peniz Jr. gave Michegan the chance to squeeze the opportunities for a comeback. Seemed quite a refreshing battle this season without most of the usual suspects. Next time the play-offs are going to be expanded, so that will be worth a good watch.

It may not feel much consolation but the Pats are looking like they will undergo a metamorphosis. Once Brady left, it was only going to be a matter of time before Belichick was put under the squeeze. Is the dynasty about to crumble? Will the Jets revive with the AFC East now unclamped?

Think my old man bought me a pair of Gold Cups when I was about big enough for school footy. They were a decent boot with cardboard insoles that soaked up the water and rivetted soles. Made in China - at a time when little was outside of Hong Kong. Later selected Mitres from a shop in Sandy Park or Fairfax House. Eventually graduated to Adidas Liberos - it didn't stop me playing like a cow on a bike though.

Aye, but caused many players to suffer shins with divots. Skinned or took lumps out on a regular basis. #mensgame

Seem to recall Alan Hinton of Derby Co being the first (or the first at pro level) to wear white boots in the early 70s and being on MotD for it. Before that, of course, boots came in one regulation colour - tan! My old man used to wear his new boots and stand in the brook on Hartcliffe Way for half an hour before the kick-off to soften them.

It really has been an unpredictable season - in a league where unpredicability is woven into the fabric. Several teams have had mighty swings in form and their paths to the play-offs have been in like kind. Perhaps this is the fruit of having an extra game season. I can't help thinking the Chiefs are exasperated by their own failings - not that they have had many since Mahomes arrived - and are now tasting some reality. Another team I worry about are the Jags - Lawrence has improved greatly and the results show it, but I still think they have yet to realise full potential and can stumble. He was out this weekend but is reported as being close to return. Love the play-offs, even before they start formally. Some teams have started to open the throttles and the pain grows with every down. Meanwhile, the College season has passed the four-team semi-finals mark, with the big game next weekend. Next season they will expand it to twelve - seems a really good move.

Interesting graphic; nice one, Shahanshahan. It's nice to see but I'll be more content at the end of the season. I also assume this is for league games only, not cup or European stuff. It may eventually point to Ashton Gate being the second home of the Lionesses. Still it does show that playing at the Gate has proved very popular. Also note that the Gate is the highest ranked single venue - almost all the other teams have a choice of two.

It's always been an unwanted tradition amongst football fans: the Boxing Day game, with lots of heavy, booze and sprout-fuelled dinners still fermenting away inside. There ought to be a law that some spectators should have a catalytic converter fitted. I personally have a special pocket in my undergarments for a piece of asbestos.

The Women's team was previously Bristol Academy before the Bristol Sport group swooped to take over. Earps was in goal 2014-15, and kept the score lower than we were really worth. Despite her obvious talent, the team crumbled and were relegated after 2015. No surprise she has proved far better in the following seasons.

Great to see ex-City (Academy) keeper Mary Earps win BBC Sports Personality of the Year tonight. We bask in her glory. Pity she didn't have time to dress and had to appear in her bedroom kit.

The BRI. Broke my arm as a kid and the 23rd and spent Christmas Morning in the wards before being sent home for dinner, arm in a sling. One good memory was that the nurses came around on Christmas Eve singing carols. Those were the days.

A good performance but, undeniably, a loss. With West Ham picking up a late point at Leicester it does have an impact. Yes, we weren't really expected to get anything out of today's game but the table is unforgiving. No need to panic, but it all counts in the end. When you consider how we were at the beginning of the season, it does give me real encouragement that the team has found its feet at the top level, are now up to speed and can give anyone a game. There has been steady progress and hopefully it will carry on all the way. Looking at Chelsea's world all stars it was always going to demand a resolute application of the shape - yes, a 4-5-1 of course. They look like the proverbila well-oiled machine and their interplay showed how much time they must spend on the training field. Keeping the Chelsea midfield at bay proved not impossible but a real test. Amy Rodgers had a strong influence on proceedings but was up against perhaps the best midfield in Europe. She was rock and also tried to start counter-attacks when she tackled opponents. Fran Kirby's ability to fill the Number 10 role, just off the front line, and make herself available at all times was a major headache; Erin Cuthbert's box-to-box coverage and her defensive skills were untouchable; Lauren James glided through the defence on occasions and ex-Robin Sophie Ingle kept a calming assurance to the middle. Jamie-Lee Napier looks to be growing into the role and stopped a number of moves down the left wing at source. She battled well and perhaps could have scored in the first half. It was good to see the girls give as good as they got and had a couple of good chances that, with a little more confidence, could have found the net and changed the game completely - particularly as Chelsea gave the ball away in their own box at times. I thought Nayomi Layzel had a great game and was as solid as anyone in the back line. I suspect that having the experience of Meg Connolly is a real education. Ella Powell did well to keep the wing tight and tried to make a run up the line on the odd occasion when play allowed. In goal, Liv CLark continued her reliable form and was generally a safe pair of hands. The goals were difficult to stop but the head injury at the end is cause for more concern as the goalkeepers depth is now a worry. Although often having to stay on the back foot, Thestrup was largely shackled and had little to really get hold of. Abi Harrison started (once again) as wide left but slid into a more central position, eventually dropping a little deeper and was always looking to find a gap in the defence. Her hard work was not properly rewarded. Ffi Morgan's pace posed a threat but opportunities were limited. Overall, it was a display that will be heartening. Despite the result it shows the team in a much better light and if some players can return during the mid-season break now then it will be all the better. As the next game will be the Liverpool cup game, it should be a platform to move forwards (and up the table) in the New Year.

All round to Spudski's then! I'll bring a bottle...

I won't exacerbate the Yorkies debate but Brussels? Yes please! In our house they were known as bum bullets.

Sadly didn't take the chances that were created and paid for being just the one goal up for most of the game. Side was much changed from the league selection with lots of players with fewer minutes under their belts given the opportunity against a Championship side who were lined up in similar respect. Infrequent first-teamers were generally on top of things, dominating possession and pushing forwards. However, there were a few good chances that should have been sitting in the net but weren't. In the end a rare Reading attack slipped under Haaland's body just before full time. Penalties - we missed one and another was saved. We were already out of the next stage before a ball was kicked, of course. Good to see how the academy is getting some talent emerge, especially Maya Kendell. Bright and tricky on the ball, and keen to take opponents on. Most of the expected starting XI for Sunday's game against Chelsea were kept warm and not used.

Let's hope we're still cheering after tonight's game.

I'll be getting the bus pass before soon too! What I'll do with it is another matter...

Thought Moneyfields was the lowest ranked still in (away to London City); Ks are the lowest local team after beating the Gas Girls. <Rubs hands in expectation> The match is due the week after the men's third round date, so could be a handy double.

I passed my test a year after you, PSR, and also have the 'paper' licence. It still amuses/frustrates me when I have to provide it for the bank or whatever and the spotty clerk is dumbfounded. They don't realise that they don't have a photograph inset and can't work out what else to do. I've lost years off my life trying to get anything sorted at times. Looking at the official Government website it looks like the DVLC at Swansea was set up in 1965 taking over licence issue from county or borough councils. The new green paper format was introduced on 1st March, 1973 (there were about 20 million drivers then).

The Chiefs are slowly starting to fall apart and the cracks are now showing. The glory days are looking a little more distant after the 6-6 Bills put one on them, and after a game where they gave away so many silly penalties. Still they remain top of the AFC West, a game ahead of a fast-emerging Denver. Old Patrick will probably be glad they have to play three more games against teams at the bottom of their divisions. They couldn't, could they...?