Getting their kicks from a blow-up doll

Unbeaten Franklin Tavern, who top Division Two of the Sussex Sunday League, have a blow-up doll called Jamie, named after a girl several of the players are friendly with.

And the side's lucky mascot seems to be doing the trick, as the team are romping away with the title and are in the semi-finals of the Sunday Bowl, the quarter-finals of the County Cup and are still in the Invitational Cup.

Tavern won their first game with the doll as their mascot 9-1 against Exchange and Churchill and Steve Harrison's side have not looked back since.

Blow-up doll Jamie is the creation of Troy Martin, 22, who started the team three years ago.

The right winger said: "We had a presentation towards the end of last season and we did a raffle. The doll was in the raffle but none of our boys won it which was really disappointing. An old man won it and refused to blow it up which was the whole point.

"Dean Ewens' mum Anne bought us another one and we took it along to a game which we won 9-1.

"The doll is named Jamie after a girl Dean, myself, and a few of the other lads know rather well. She often asks why the doll is called Jamie and when she sees this I am sure she'll realise.

"There is a similarity between the doll and the real Jamie. They both have blonde hair and they look the same. We put some bags under the eyes of the doll as well.

"We let whoever scores take the doll in the showers afterwards as a reward. Everyone is up for it and she is a sought-after prize.

"Our goalkeeper Tony Grenville is the worst. He never scores but he is always messing around with the doll.

"Every other team that sees the doll laughs. But that's the idea, it is just a bit of fun."

Midfielder Ewens, 23, said: "It is a bit of a laugh. Troy is keen on the doll though, the way he carries on he could puncture it."

The players credit the doll for helping inspire the team and with a six-point lead at the top of Division Two, the Brighton pub side from Lewes Road are hot favourites to win the league.

Martin added: "The season is going alright, we have a good side and we all know each other well. The team spirit is great and Jason Hope has banged in 28 goals which helps.

"We all like a laugh. Our captain Terry Hayworth came to training a couple of weeks ago with a pair of knickers on and bra."

The team have an extra incentive to do well since Martin's father, Steve Harrison, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Ewens added: "We want to win for ourselves and also for Steve Harrison because he isn't well. It cheers him up and because he's not working it gives him something to do. We want the team to be a success for him."

Boss Harrison is proud of his team. He said: "I love football and all of them have kept me going through my arthritis.

"When I was diagnosed, I was going to give up the managing but they asked me to keep it going. It has been a pleasure to be involved.

"They all work hard for each other and are a great bunch of lads. The team started three years ago and it has been very enjoyable since.

"I couldn't be prouder. They never let me down and all the boys always turn up no matter what state they are in."

"It is a real team effort on and off the pitch. My wife Pamela washes the kit and Anne Ewens brings me bacon sandwiches and soup throughout the week."

Best wishes to Steve from everyone on the sportsdesk here and I hope you all enjoy the London Pride.