First Middle - Hat trick for the keeper!!

Almost another fortnight had passed before being handed my first game as referee, which was an NAA Division 3 game between Vernon Villa Academy and Gedling Southbank Colts.

I was more than prepared for this game and got there much earlier than I had anticipated. I had to wait almost 45 minutes before both teams appeared from the dugouts and I got the game started.

Both teams were very young and at first I thought this was an actual academy game but it just appears both sides consisted mainly of lads just out of youth football. Gedling started with a bang and were 2-0 up after about 3 minutes and were threatening to run riot. Vernon tightened the ship though and began to play some flowing football of their own.

It was a good game to start the season really, I had very little to do. I wanted to start the season as I wished to continue it, by being more active than in previous games, keeping up with play better, focussing on my position, and being confident with my decisions.

Vernon got themselves back in the game with a couple of goals before half time and came out storming in the second half, putting Gedling on the back foot from the off. I had a couple of penalty appeals early in the second half, one of which I gave and the goalkeeper ran down the pitch to take it, duely slotting it into the bottom corner.

Ten minutes later and another clear penalty allowed the keeper to run down for his second of the game before in the dying moments, one skilful midfielder had outfoxed the majority of the Gedling defence before racing clear towards the keeper. One defender caught up and in his attempt to block the shot, totally wiped out the player giving me no alternative but to issue a straight red card and yet another penalty. This allowed the keeper to race down and dispatch his third goal from the spot for a rare hat trick by a goalkeeper!

The game ended 8-2 and there were no complaints at me after the game, which was a great way to start the season, especially as I had some decisions to make on the pitch, and I felt I'd got them mostly correct.

False Labour!

I had to wait a fortnight for my second game of 2011-12, where I was appointed as assistant on the Central Midlands fixture between Yorkshire Main and Westella & Willerby. Pete Craggs was the official and James Robinson on the opposite line.

At this point I hadn't closed my dates or withdrawn from Central Midlands football, although having said that I was still happy to pick up midweek games anyway. I still didn't feel like the season had got underway yet so was still in pre-season mode but this was a league fixture and in fact both sides had already got a number of games under their belt.

Again, the preperations didn't go quite to plan as it was arranged for Pete to pick me up at about 5:30 but I got held up at work and didn't leave until 5:25. My phone battery had also died so it was a case of rushing home as quickly as possible to Pete who was already there waiting for me. Next problem - I didn't have a house key and the door was locked, with no signs of Amelia! I guessed she might be at my sisters who had just had my little neice so Pete wisked me there quickly to pick up the key, and then took me back home for me to get my bag.

We got to the ground in good time though and took in the preparations. I guess with how unprepared for the new season I was, both physically, mentally and kit wise, it was fortunate to have started with 2 games as assistant. I needed to get on the ball quickly though as pretty soon the season will be in full flow.

I was the senior assistant today so given the delights of the dugouts, though despite them being a little vocal, it wasn't too bad.

Pete felt that he'd had a poor game overall as he did have many people on his back throughout the game, but I believe he had done well. The game had finished 5-1 to Yorkshire Main after the visitors had gone 1-0 up before running out of steam.

More fun and games were to be had though as I got passed a message on that Amelia had gone into labour! So after the game it was skip the drinks and get home asap! Thankfully though despite her being in great amounts of pain and it appears had been pretty much since I'd left that evening, it was only false labour! Any time now though!!

Unprepared

My first game of the new campaign was handed to me by the Sunday League referee secretary Pete Lang. It was for a friendly that was to be played on the Wednesday night at Pinxton Welfare.

I wasn't given the names of the teams that I would be doing and also despite it being a Wednesday night, I still assumed that it was a friendly for Sunday league teams, with it being Pete Lang that had appointed me.

It was a 7:45pm kick off so I aimed to get there by about 7:15pm but just short of 7pm I received a call from the referee asking about my whereabouts. Luckily I was in Pinxton just looking for the Welfare and the referee guided me the rest of the way. I was already changed too thinking it was a Sunday League fixture therefore the facilities aren't usually decent.

I got there to find out it was an U18 friendly between Mansfield Town and Pinxton. I was quite pleased then to have been appointed on it but felt a bit daft walking in with 30 minutes to go before kick off when the other 2 officials had probably been there a while.

More confusion ensued when I got into the changing rooms and then when looking through my bag, couldn't find my boots! It was a long way back to the car too but then the assistant pointed out that they were on the floor and I'd carried them in! Don't remember that at all!! Good start to the season!

The game was quite disappointing, Pinxton surprisingly won 1-0 and there wasn't much for either team to write home about. Still, it was good to get the season underway and to have had a run out on the line as I doubt I'll be doing too many games as assistant this year.

Daylight robbery

I had the pleasure of officiating one of the most one-sided games today where the winners ended up being the side outplayed for over 90 minutes! Shirebrook Rovers had been narrowly beaten to the title the previous week and were playing their final match of the season against Mason's Arms.

Rovers dominated the match, to the point where throughout both halves a rarely had to cross the half way line. Masons were barely in the game and couldn't get the ball forward on the few occasions they had possession. It wasn't even like they defended particularly well, in the first half alone, both Rovers strikers were sent 1 on 1 with the keeper 5 or 6 times but wasted great opportunities.

I denied a penalty after about 35 minutes as the keeper went around the side of a Shirebrook player in possession, getting a full foot to the ball and knocking it out for a throw in but the player took a big hit off the keeper and in hindside probably should have been given the penalty.

There were 3 further shouts in the second half though all 3 were easy to wave away and it looked as though the game would end 0-0. However, in the 92nd minute, a trip about 25 yards outside the Rovers box saw a free kick hit over the wall and towards the keeper who looked comfortable on it but the ball spun out of his hands and over his head, into the goal for a very surprising Masons win.

I enjoyed the game, in the heat on a Sunday Spring morning but again there was a lot I could have done better today. First of all the pitch inspection wasn't really done, I had a gentle jog around the edge before kick off and my attention was gained when Masons Arms were warming up to 2 deep divots in the ground on the edge of the 18 yard box. I got these filled in but then 3 minutes into the game I had to stop plkay as there were a further 2 or 3 within the area that were very dangerous and needed filling in.

I could have been in a better position for the first penalty shout as I was about 20 yards away on the edge of the 18 yard box and the offence took place right on the goal line. I was already looking through a few players and this didnt help when the challenge was made. I saw the tackle and saw that the keeper had made a full clean connection on the ball but wasn't in the best of position to see if this had been done fairly.

I was quite quiet today but didn't really need to be particularly vocal.There were next to no bad challenges barr the possible one just mentioned, I didn't have to even speak to any player never mind issue a caution. I just feel like the end of the season though couldnt come quick enough so I can have a rest and come back next season a little more refreshed and ready to go again.

Protocol

Had one game today, up at the Highfields Complex in Nottingham, near the University. It was in the MAA and was between EMTEC and Sherwood Colliery. The sun was out for what felt like the first time pretty much all season and so I looked forward to a good game. I told myself to concentrate, be confident and enjoy it and it should go well.

Early on I had good banter with a few of the players. First off the home captain who was upset having learned the Man United score - they were 2-0 down and had come back to win 4-2.I told him I shared his pain! Shortly after this, I was told my all-black kit was clashing with the dark blue / black of the visitors and they were struggling to distinguish me with the players. I just said well I'm the one that looks disinterested, runs away from the ball and has a really poor touch! They enjoyed that and I heard no more about my strip.

The game was going ok, the first half was fairly easy, just one penalty shout that I had to turn down. The forward and goalkeeper met each quickly side on chasing a loose ball and both went down. I wasn't convinced that the forward had to go down nor that the keeper had done anything you don't expect a defender to do, it wasn't a clear push nor a barge, it was shoulder to shoulder to I waved it on.

In the second half, a couple of incidents could have been controlled better on my part. Firstly, a boot came off the away defender just after his goalkeeper had collected the ball and so I asked the keeper not to release it until his player had replaced it. He acknowledged me but then dropped the ball at his feet. After his player had replaced his shoe I waved play on and the keeper then picked the ball up, which caused a slight protest from a couple of the home players. It is an offence to pick it up after having had it under control before initially releasing it, but I waved it on anyway. Whilst it would have been harsh to give a free kick against him for doing this, it would have looked more convincing or professional to have awarded a free kick against him but asked the opposition to give it back to him.

Following this, towards the end of the game, the home striker and away keeper were in a race for the ball at the edge of the area. Arriving very close together, a fair challenge saw the ball spill loose to the edge of the box to a second home striker, but as he was receiving the ball, an away defender's boot caught his keeper on the side of the head, casuing him to go down holding it. I saw this and immediately blew for a head injury. However, as I blew, the home striker slotted the ball between two defenders in the area and into the empty goal. Because I had already blown the goal could not stand but I was now met with a bunch of frustrated home players. The captain helped me clear them away but was keen to protest the goal anyway. However, I made it clear from my position that I had done the right thing. Despite a couple of minutes of protests, they accepted the decision and the game could go on. I restarted with a drop ball to the keeper, when in actual fact, I probably should have in some way returned the ball to the opposite team having just disallowed their goal.

The game ended 1-1 and both teams had no complaints at the end and thanked me for it so that was a plus as there were a good few moans throughout. No moans either from the management so I guess a pleasing game. Hopefully tomorrows will be just as pleasing.

Stand up tall!

My CML appointment this week came late as I replaced another official a week or two prior to this game. I was told to leave my Church Warsop scarf at home! - a play on the fact that I'm from the next village, when typically you travel some distance for games, albeit this one was in Dronfield anyway, some 20 miles away.

I was to be junior official to Neil Howard, with Peter Bailey on the opposite line. I'd not met Peter before but had seen Neil 3 or 4 times at The Swan on a Saturday afternoon so it was good to put a name to a face.

This one got off to an interesting start as a number of Church Warsop players travelling together had an accident and so couldn't make it to the ground, leaving CWFC with just 8 available players. They came to see what they could do and were informed that they had to play as the minimum to start with was 8. They tried to make an emergency signing to get the manager available but the deadline had passed, though they found out that the assistant was registered so that gave them 9. They also managed to contact an U18 player who lived close by who set off and arrived after 30 minutes.

That left Dronfield with half an hour with a 2 man advantage, over a team that were already 3 places off the bottom, whilst the home side are fighting for the title. Still, despite much Dronfield pressure, they couldn't find a way through. They had few shots at goal and were made to work hard against the 9 men camped in their own box. The story was the same when the CWFC 10th man arrived and joined his teammates on the pitch.

The possession stats must've been high in Dronfield's favour yet they were hardly troubling the away goalkeeper. As the minutes ticked by, Dronfield were left frustrated as they just couldn't find their way past to get any clear shots on target and could even have lost it towards the end as the lone Church Warsop striker had a few chances running at the last defender but was only able to try from distance, never coming close.

Eventually the whistle sounded for a very surprising 0-0 result, which I later read was the first time I had officiated in a game that had ended 0-0 in all of my 156 matches to date.

I had relatively little to do in both halves, even though most of the action in the second half was in front of me. I made sure I signalled correctly and was always in line with the second last defender etc. I received a good piece of advice at half time when the referee's missus, who was also a referee and an assessor said for me to stand up tall when looking along the line as I have a tendancy to lean forward to look closer at any action that looks like it may be close - offside, fouls etc.

These words rang in my ears in the second half and it registered with me how often in a game I do lean forward and so each time I did I stood up straight and I'm sure that from now on I will take notice of these words which will surely help me in my quest to take my refereeing further.

Busy Weekend! - Sunday

I followed up my Saturday games with 2 very difficult games on Sunday. The first was a Mansfield Sunday League game at the Manor Complex, as Mansfield United met Shirebrook RBL.

Both sides tackled hard, but Shirebrook were by far the more physcial side all over the pitch, more so the captain as he threw himself quick and hard into every challenge. I had to ensure I was in a good position to see whether he was endangering his opponents, but more often than not, his challenges were well timed and fair, despite them being very strong. When he was arriving late I shouted to ensure that he remained cautious and fair and very few times early on did I need to stop play for fouls.

However, as the game went on, the tackles got stronger, especially as frustration at some offences crept into play. I had to eventually caution the captain for an unneccessary kick out on a player after making a tackle where he didn't come out as the winner of the ball. His opposite number also received a caution for a swipe at a player, which he accepted, but I couldn't understand why he had made the tackle in the first place.

The easiest caution of the day came when a home player had beaten a number of men and was about to enter the box when the away number 3 took hold of his midrift from behind with both hands and dragged him to the floor. He ended up inside the penalty area but the offence occurred just outside, whilst he was also close to being last man, but not quite. He accepted his caution gracefully and play moved on from the free kick, which was lofted way over the goal.

The second half became more difficult as both sides looked for a goal, there was a penalty claim at both ends before a clear penalty was given to the home side, which at the time made it 1-1. This frustrated Shirebrook further having held the lead for a while and so they became reckless in many of their challenges. I had to have words with both full backs before issuing a further caution to the centre back who was constantly barracking me at every opportunity. I had spoken to him a number of times before finally issuing him a yellow card.

The earlier caution to the away number 3 did nothing to change his game and he continued to commit minor infringements as well as shout at me a number of times and had I been in a fouler mood, there were a good few occasions where he could have been sent from the field of play deservedly. The Shirebrook captain also made clear his intent on hurting his opposite number too as they battled for control of the midfield and I had to have stern words with him, which seemed to work as he remained on the pitch for the duration.

In the end, it finished 1-1, even more surprisingly both sides ended with 11 men. I didn't hear much from any of the away players after the game as they headed off quite promptly but the Mansfield United side all praised me in what was a very tough game. I had thoroughly enjoyed it though and believed I had controlled it well and not allowed either side to dictate my decisions. Every card was required at the time and I made my way to the second game hoping my form could continue into it.

Despite the later game being between U14 sides, the match was just as physcial and verbal as their had been history between the 2 and a strong referee was required - too bad they ended up with me!

I recognised a number of the home players (Sherwood Colliery) from Saturday football and even a couple of the away side (Greasley MW) and thought the game would be very close. As it was, Greasley went 2-0 up quite early, before Sherwood pulled it level just before half time.

There were a number of strong challenges and I ensured that any that needed dealing with was done so in a quick, vocal and stern manner as not to allow for it to continue. Very few players in either side backed out of any tackles and so it was a very difficult game, with many free kicks.

Had I taken on this game 12 months ago I feel I may have struggled but now I am confident in my ability as a referee, especially at youth level and ensure that I let nothing go that requires dealing with. I don't shy away from making decisions, talking to players who require it and let nothing, including the technical team, from swaying my decisions, despite both sets of managers bouncing up and down the touchline all game.

A very heavy challenge in the middle of the park near the end of the first half resulted in one player being sidelined for a good 10 minutes before returning, needed dealing with. I cautioned the player after a good chat. It was his first offence and it didn't merit a red card, despite the protests of the opposition, including the downed players mother!

I had to also caution a couple of players for persistent offences, after speaking to each one a couple of times before eventually showing them the yellow card. I would much rather talk to a player to get them to watch how they are challenging rather than producing a card straight away but after a couple of talking's to, if the issue continues, cards are needed to ensure control is fully with me.

Sherwood eventually took the game 3-2 and there was an injury time shout for a penalty to Greasley for handball, which I didn't believe was the case and in the end, after 7 yellow cards and a tough 70 minutes, I blew for full time. I was greeted first by both assistants who thanked me for a good game before the Greasley manager made his way towards me. I thought I was in for an ear bashing before he took hold of my hand, pulled me in close by his side and thanked me for an absolutely perfect game, except the last second penalty decision!

This was very pleasing and gives me a great boost to my confidence, that even the losing manager can be this gracious and also aware that I had done very well in this game. On reflection, I can't actually think if too much that I could have done better in this game and hope that I perform at this level every week. I know I need to take this level of performance into the senior leagues but I believe it will come in good time.

Busy Weekend! - Saturday

Without a doubt this weekend was by far my most busiest, challenging and tiring so far on many levels as I took charge of 5 games over the 2 days, almost 6 hours of football, and some very tough games indeed.

It started easy enough though with 2 mini soccer games at Manor School. Manor FC U8's beat Teversal FC 2-1 in a close battle, whilst Manor FC Vipers U8's went down by 5 goals to 1 to Shirebrook Rangers. Both games were easy enough as expected.

I then made my way to Borrowash for my afternoon Central Midlands game where I was in the middle for the first time at this level since the beginning of November. I also had the pleasure of being informed just as I arrived at the ground that I was being assessed by Ernie Broughton, so I certainly had to be at my best as I continue in my quest for promotion.

The first thing I had to do on arrival was do a pitch inspection as there had been overnight frost and the ground had been pretty solid. A local referee had checked it earlier in the day and whilst it was unplayable at that time, he didn't want to call the game off if it improved over the day and so left it to me to decide whether it was fit to play on.

It was still quite solid underfoot and you could tell that a couple of inches down that the ground was still frozen but there was a good inch or two on the surface that was soft and the divots were soft so didn't pose a danger to the players so I was happy to allow the game to be played. A member of the away side (Heanor Town) management wasn't happy with the pitch but he was the only one moaning and as the decision was mine, the game was to be played.

My assessor arrived and we spoke about various things, from the pitch, expectations of me, fitness etc and he informed me that the pitch looked good and I was correct to allow the game to go ahead. I prepared for the match, had a breif warm up and then called the two teams out to start the game.

I try not to change my game just because I'm being assessed but I guess I am a little conscious throughout that he is there so I probably sharpen up in some areas. It was a difficult game on a difficult pitch with 2 physical sides and the pitch soon began to cut up and become very boggy in areas and so the tackles came in quick and fast. I had to be on the ball right from the off and cut out any tackles that I believe were reckless, making allowances for the fact that often it is difficult to avoid making contact with the player due to the conditions, but these still had to not pose a danger to the opposition.

There were a number of players sliding in at every opportunity and I judged each one on it's own merit, allowing play to go on if it was fair, playing advantages were possible, or stopping play if they were unfair. On the 16th minute I cautioned the Heanor Town right back after a period where there had been 3 or 4 harsh challenges and so I thought a card was necessary to control the situation. The tackle itself was worthy of a yellow card as the quick Borrowash winger had beaten his man and was heading for the box before being tripped by the offender. He accepted the card and the game swiftly moved on.

I had a worry at the start of the game as this was my first real challenge since the Xmas period that my fitness wasn't at where it should be but I didn't feel too bad out there, even on the heavy ground. I kept up with play well and was always close by when making a decision, whether it be to give a foul or to decide whether the flag from either [club] assistant was correct, as at times they were both quite out of line, not up with play.

At half time, I was happy that the half had gone well, the score was 1-1, which reflected how even the game was at that point, and I then spent half time speaking to the assessor. He said I was doing well and that the caution was spot on, came at the right time and set the tone for what I was happy or unhappy with. He mentioned that I was getting about the pitch well, didn't have any problems with my fitness or speed, and that I was controlling the game well. He gave me a few pointers to work on in the second half. Firstly to improve my signalling as I have a tendancy to not give a clear indication as to which way I have given a decision, and also to be more vocal to assist the signals.

I made every effort to improve this in the second half and so every decision after the interval came with a clear arm signal and a shout as to which way I had given it. This helped to iron out any confusions with close decisions and because I was being clear which way I was indicating, there were less debates against each call.

Borrowash began to get a foothold in the game and took the lead early on, and soon after there was controversy when I overuled the Heanor Town's assistant's flag as he indicated an offside against 2 players on the opposite side of the pitch from him. I was close to both and believed one could have been offside but was adament that the recipient of the ball had come from his own half and he went on to put Borrowash 3-1 up. The linesman didn't take well to this, throwing his flag to the floor and shouting to me. I spoke to him indicating my belief that the player who had the ball wasn't offside as I was in a good position to see this.

This incident, together with the fact Heanor were slipping out of the game took it's toll and Borrowash ran riot, eventually coming out 6-1 winners. I was still happy with my performance despite the controversy and pleased that I only needed the one caution to help control the game.

The assessor met me after the game and we discussed a number of things. He actually said that the assistant was correct and that I was wrong to overule him on this occasion, but seemed to understand why I did as he was very rarely level with play and so I had to use my own judgement on most of his decisions. I did go with him on most occasions but the one that I had chosen to ignore him looked to have had an impact.

Following the assistants frustration, he was even further from play for the remainder of the game and the assesor informed me that 2 more of the goals late on were offside but neither I nor the assistant was in a position to make the call, which was a little disappointing.

Overall, I was still pleased with my performance. I felt I controlled the game well, which was difficult due to the conditions and the 2 competitive sides. My fitness was fine, my signals were good, especially in the second half and I played some good advantages. However, due to the fact that I chose to ignore the assistant when he was in fact correct, and this led to 2 further mistakes with offside calls, I am not expecting the greatest of assessment reports or scores. I'll take it all in my stride though, learn from it and hope that it continues to improve my game.

Sunday Wars

I learned of my Mansfield Sunday League game for this weekend on Friday night having had no contact throughout the week. I wasn't informed of the teams at the time but I wasn't worried too much about that as I don't really know too many of the teams anyway, so long as I know where i'm going.

It was Archers 703 against Abbott Road and my initial impression was that the much younger Archers side would be too much for the veterans of Abbott Road. The combined age of their midfield 4 must have toppled 200! However, it was Abbott Road who opened the scoring after 20 minutes or so when a free kick floated into the back post via the wind was missed by everyone and nestled into the far corner. The scorer, who I had had words with a couple of times just prior to the goal, firstly for a reckless challenge which he was lucky to not make contact with the opponent, and secondly for verbally abusing a player, celebrated by goading the opposition in a somewhat tasteless manner and so I put him in the book.

To an inexperienced, or younger referee, this game would possibly have been very difficult but I'm getting more and more used to Sunday football every week and so relished the challenge of staying in control. The home linesman was difficult to work with and so I had to make my own mind up about offside calls, whilst a number of the away players were rash in the tackle and also quite verbally abusive. I had to ensure I was taking action with every incident and a few stern words with them did the trick.

I spoke to the away captain at half time asking him to speak to his cautioned player to ensure he lasts the 90 on the pitch whilst also speaking to one of the veteran midfielders about the height of his elbows when he goes up for the ball in the air. Both words were heeded and there was no problem with either of the 2 in the second half.

Archer equalised in the second half on 75 minutes when the wind really got hold of the ball and left the keeper stranded but Abbott had spent a lot of time prior to this wasting time and basically holding up play. It wasn't all their fault as with the wind and the venue, a lot of time was spent fetching the ball from afar, but at times they could have been much quicker.

I intended on playing 4 minutes of stoppage time to make up for lost time and 4 minutes passed just as the ball went out for a corner to Abbott Road. As the ball was fetched, I considered when to blow for full time, either now, as the corner was taken or when the ball was next cleared. I thought it would bring about trouble if I didn't let them take the corner or as it was being delivered so I hoped Archer could clear the ball and earn their deserved point. It wasn't too be though as the corner swung in and was met by the head of an attacking Abbott Road player who thundered the ball past the home keeper.

I blew up as the restart was taken and felt quite harsh on Archer who deserved a point but ended up with 0. There was a flashpoint after the game when a mouthy spectator began to wind up the home team and one of the Archer defenders spent some time embroiled in a heated war of words with the spectator and a few of the away players but luckily nothing more than words were had and I picked up my money and headed quickly for my car!

I was pleased with my performance in a very difficult game and players from both sides said I'd had a very good game which I was delighted with.

Biggest game to date

As the end of the season draws ever closer, the games are starting to get bigger and more important, for most sides anyway. I've already learned that I shall be officiating in 3 cup finals near the end of the season, which is great news - more info on that to follow.

Today, I faced my biggest game to date. An U15 Cup semi-final between Robin Hood Colts and Arnold Town Maroon. I should have had 2 assistants in this game but when I made it to the ground I heard that one had already called in sick so arrangements were made for a representative from each side to take a half each. There were only 5 minutes remaining before kick off when the other assistant arrived, otherwise I was on my own.

Before the game got underway, I was asked to lead the sides out of the changing rooms and onto the pitch and for them to then do the respect handshakes. I had heard earlier in the season that the handshakes should be taking place on a weekly basis anyway but I'd not seen it put into place all year, my bad?

Following this the game got under way and it was Robin Hood that started the brighter. This was a team I was familiar with as it was the third time this season I had taken charge of one of their games. Arnold though were apparently the favourites and began to take control of the game, going ahead in one of their first attacks on the quarter of an hour mark. Robin Hood though to their credit didn't let their heads go down and equalised merely 2 minutes later.

It was a very well contested first half and at the break the score remained 1-1. I was pleased at just how well the half had ran, with no incident of note to mention, especially as in previous games with the home side, there have been plenty of moaning and appeals from both those on the pitch and those off it, but today everyone seemed fully focused on the game.

I was advised at half time by one of the home representatives to just keep an eye out for Arnold playing a little rougher as they were known for it apparently but there'd been no sign of this in the first half. The away side started the second half brighter and midway through the half took the lead with a well worked goal down the right side. When the players had returned to their own half, I was alerted to a man down in the box. It was a home defender who appeared to have taken a blow to the knee and was in some pain, and I had my ear chewed off by a Robin Hood coach who said that I had missed something. The thing was, all the play had come down the right side, there was nothing or at least very little happening on the left or even in the centre so how this p[layer had took a knock on the far left side of the 6 yard box was beyond me.

Moments later and a free kick was floated into the box by Arnold and at first the keeper looked like he was comfortable but he spilled it, much to the delight of the unrushing Arnold forwards who had the simplest of tasks of putting the rebound past him. Once again, following the return of the Arnold players to their own half and the keeper had stayed down and was upset. Again the same Robin Hood official barracked me for missing a 'clear' kick as the ball was put in but this time I made a point of saying that I was just yards from the play and there was no contact from the moment the ball was hit into the box to after it had gone in. The keeper had simply spilled it and couldn't recover. Even after the goal he was fine just disappointed that the goal came from his error, so it just looked like dirty tactics to me.

The remainder of the game went by pretty quickly and certainly without further incident and at the full time whistle, the Arnold players celebrated their progression to the final. I was then apprached by someone from the Notts FA and thought I had been observed at first until he simply informed me he was acting on behalf of a Charter Standard awarders and asked for my opinion on how each side had conducted themselves today. I said both had been great and there were no issues or concerns to which he thanked me and we both made our way from the ground.

I had to move pretty sharpish as I had 45 minutes to get to Notts for a game I was doing as a favour. I should have been taking another semi final in Ollerton for their U17's side but had only been contacted on the eve of the game and a clash in kick off times meant I could only do the first. I then sped to the venue of the Goose Fair for a Midlands Amatuer Alliance game between Cambridge Knights (of Nottingham!) and Selston.

This game was played in very high spirits and on a great day in the sun. It was clear from the off that Cambridge weren;t the greatest side in the world, with an ageing back line and, for want of a better word, a chunky lone striker! Selston were full of fairly talented young adults and they controlled the game from start to finish.

However, chances on the day were few and far between and surprisingly the game ended just 1-0 to Selston, with the goal coming in the closing minutes of the first half. How the scores were level for so long was beyond me but the Knights had battled hard and defended quite well but offered little going forward.

I had almost no decisions to make throughout the game and simply strolled around the pitch at my leisure. In fact the quickest I moved was the second I blew for full time as I made it to my car in record time to move it from the clutches of a traffic warden, who had been sniffing around it about half an hour earlier! I was in a rush finding the pitch and had just parked at the side of a main road, but other cars were there too, it there were no markings and I saw no signs. Still, luckily I got there in time!

Headstocks Victory

For the third time in 4 weeks I officiated in another Headstocks win where goals were at the plenty. It took some doing at first though as Arnold Victory were a well organised side who created plenty of chances of their own. Headstocks had missed a couple of their own before taking the lead half way through the opening half.

They were 2 up soon after before Arnold pulled one back. 3-1 was the half time score. In the second half Headstocks ran riot with 3 further goals to finish 6-1 up and although they deserved the win overall, 6-1 was probably a bit harsh on Arnold who had worked hard.

I had to caution a Headstocks player for a late tackle that the Arnold captain certainly felt on the ankle, and there was a late scuffle in one corner that I had to deal with but decided not to caution anyone as it was handbags really.

Consistency

Following yesterday's near-perfect brace of games I was determined to ensure my performance continued into today's game in the Notts Combination for Headstocks away at Pure, a fixture I had started the season against in a pre-season game that ended 5-0 to Headstocks.

This time we travelled to the other side of Nottingham for the tie as Pure hadn't been able to organise a referee themselves, so Headstocks had asked me to take the game. It probably looked a little dubious the referee turning up with the away team but they were expecting me! I just hope the game went well enough for me to still be ok for a lift back again!

As it was, Pure started on fire, creating a couple of chances early on and taking a deserved lead inside the first 10 minutes. Headstocks weren't at the races and were being well beaten in every position and were lucky to go into the half time break only 1-0 down. They could also claim to be unfortunate too as what appeared to be a perfectly good goal from a free kick was flagged for offside and I wasn't in a position to overrule it. The ball was played into a crowded box but on the kick the defence had ran forward to force the offside trap, there were 2 Headstocks players clearly off but the player on the end of it had made a run and I was unsure whether he was onside and had no choice but to go with the linesman who was adament he was off. Tasty finish though as it flew into the top corner on the volley.

Headstocks certainly heard their managers' opinion during the interval as he tore into his usually high standard side. They came out much better for the second half and a period of sustained pressure saw Headstocks level and soon after it was 2-1. They went 3-1 before Pure pulled one back and threatend for a moment to spoil the party. But the away side got a fortuatous brace near the end as the ageing keeper made hard work of two efforts from distance and Pure may feel very hard done to having lost 5-2.

I had very little to do in the game other than wade through the thick muddy sludge as a result of the weekend downpour, and I was congratulated again at the end of the game by both sides. I was really pleased that 3 games in a row had ended in such a positive manner and it gives me strong belief that I can progress to the end of the season in such great form but I don't wanna get carried away after 3 good games.

Benefits of a linesman!!

I've said earlier on this blog that I'm hoping progression into the higher leagues with neutral assistants will make my job as a referee much easier and after this match that day can't come soon enough!

The game was FC Headstocks against La Torque in the Notts Combination senior league, a reverse of the fixture I had done in November. Both sides were doing well in the league and after La Torque had edged the first game after Headstocks had spent the majority of it in front, this game was billed to be just as tight.

Headstocks have a very talented side, especially going forward, but are a bit suspect at the back. La Torque are similar, with a very ageing back 4 but an attack that is capable of mounting a fairly powerful counter attack.

The first half went well, ending 0-0 and with little to write home about from my point of view. Headstocks controlled and really should have been 2 or 3 up with the chances they created. There were a number of appeals for pushes in the back from La Torque which I remember plenty of in the first game. There was nothing in them though, often the hand was on a back but no pressure was applied so it's no foul. If I pulled it up every time they appealed the game would've been stop-start throughout. I'd hoped for just as little controversy in the second half but unfortunately it didn't quite go to plan.

Only 4 minutes had been played when a La Torque defender played the ball and allowed his keeper to pick it up - a backpass. I made the call and the away side began to protest whilst the home side placed the ball down and stuck it into the unguarded net. I ruled this out and now I had 2 sets of players coming at me! I made it clear to La Torque that it was a backpass and ordered them to get on the line ready for the impending indirect free-kick, whilst informing the Headstocks players that the goal was not only ruled out due to the protests and haste in which it was taken but the position, as they were only 3 yards from the line when they tried to restart, instead of the minimum 6. The ball was respotted and I instructed the wall not to break until the ball was played but before I could blow to indicate the restart, the wall broke and the ball was played and hammered into the crowd of players. I had the kick retaken again and made it clear that the whistle needed to blow before they could start and anyone breaking from the line early would find themselves in the book.

The third time of asking was a success and the ball again was hammered at the wall but it stood firm and there was a large scramble as La Torque tried to clear their lines. A few swipes were taken before one defender tried to clear but instead chose to control it before the keeper took it off his toe leading to another very debated free kick. This time it was taken first time without incident and it was scored to put Headstocks 1-0 up. The La Torque players spent the next few minutes appealing at everything and took their focus right off the game, which cost them a second goal shortly after.

A long hit downfield from the Headstocks keeper was flicked on by the first striker and slotted in by the second. Before the flick on though, there was a decent shout for a push in the back but there didn't look like there was much in it. The angle I was at meant the supposed pushed player blocked the Headstock striker entirely so I couldn't see the push if it had occurred so there was more appeals when the goal was scored. I had believed it was a false appeal but was disappointed that on the return to his half for the kick off, the accused striker shrugged the appeal off and said that if they could get away with it then why not. I made it a priority from this point to ensure I had a clear view of any aerial challenges and give any benefit of doubt to the away side.

The rest of the game was controversy free but La Torque's focus had shifted from the game to any infringements and they eventually lost 5-0. I was pleased with my performance throughout the majority of the game but found the earlier incident tough to manage. As the title of the post suggests, it would have been a lot easier had there been neutral assistants but as I was out there on my own, I think I did reasonably well.

22-0! Oh Dear!

I've said many times this season that I've felt for the college team at NNC, as they're up against sides of much higher calibre and should have probably been pulled from the league long before the day after this game. This match, their 5th and worst of them all, was eventually their last official one of the season.

Cutting a long story short, they were hammered 22-0 by a very well-oiled Derby College side. Surprisingly they did finish without any sendings off, not through a want of trying though as Wes, who I'd already sent off once and booked on another occasion, was initially booked for a bit of a kick out, before purposely handling the ball preventing a Derby attack. I just gave him a word though as the score was at 20-0 and there was just 5 minutes to play, and also NNC had already been reduced to 9 players after a mass of injuries. Certainly a red on another day though!

The match itself was easy to officiate. There were a couple of clear penalty decisions given in Derby College's favour, and the only other challenge faced was the earache I was being given by a young NNC full back who, from about 15-0 onwards was asking me to blow for full time in sympathy! I had to sternly tell him at one stage that I couldn't do this with his reply being "of course you can, you've got the whistle!" I simply informed him I was a football referee, not a boxing ref! I did feel sorry for them though. Hopefully, now they've been withdrawn from the league they'll face much closer opposition in future.

15 and Out!

My 6th official game for my Sunday side, Hucknall Rangers against Nottingham Knights, became my last as a referee for a few reasons. Coming off the back of some heavy criticism in the last match for them against Linney Group on 25th October, I felt this game had gone a lot better. Rangers had won 15-0 and I didn't have many things to do other than award a couple of clear penalties in Hucknall's favour and caution a very lippy defender. But following this match, I was still criticised by a couple of Hucknall players, who I'd considered mates for the past couple of years, so thought enough was enough.

I'd taken on the task of officiating for Hucknall as a favour to manager and good friend Leon, saving him the task of tracking down a much sought after official every other week, saving him a little money in the process, whilst giving me some extra valuable experience reffing at this level (and some extra cash), as well as staying on the scene with the team whilst I recovered from my broken ankle.

After 2 seasons with AFC Hucknall, the team had been disbanded and reformed under a new name but with many of the same lads as before but there were a lot of new faces so it was good to stay amongst them, rather than not play a part at all until I had fully recovered as the task of trying to get back into the team with a lot of unknowns would have been much harder.

This game itself could have been a lot more had it not been for some wasteful play in front of goal, but I think 15-0 was hard enough on the opposition!

College boys beaten again

Taking NNC for their 4th game of the season, I'd hoped for their sake that they would fare better in this game but I didn't expect much. They were up against a Moulton College side who were struggling against the same opposition that NNC were being hammered against regularly so maybe both teams had awaited this game in the hope of getting something from it.

Moulton were the side that started the brightest and despite NNC keeping them at bay for the first 15 minutes, in typical fashion, once NNC went 1 down, heads dropped and they lost all shape and momentum. Moulton headed into the break 3-0 up and secured the same number of goals in the second half for a 6-0 win. There were positives that NNC could take from the game, not least the number of goals conceded were reduced than recent games, they also finished the game with all 11 for a change and also flirted with the opposition goal a couple of times, though couldn't manage to find their way into it.

Linney

One of my first games this season refereeing for my Sunday side Hucknall Rangers, was a pre-season game against a newly formed side Linney Group from Mansfield. It was a good chance to see what the opposition would be like as Hucknall would be facing them twice at least in the forthcoming campaign in the league. Hucknall came out of the game having little to fear, winning 3-2 - albeit comfortably and it probably could have been more but for some wasteful finishing. Hucknall's side on that day consisted of very few first team players as they tend to only come out during the actual season so have an extended break whilst the friendlies are being played.

Linney group had began the season struggling. Their side is mainly made up of either ageing, overweight or injured players, who have an obvious love for the game but are well out of their depths at this level. They were getting stuffed left, right and centre, often by double figures and there was little to debate that Hucknall wouldn't do the same to them again today, especially after the very positive start Hucknall had made. That being said, no team should be taken lightly and this was the mistake the Hucknall manager made going into this game. It was as if this game was a given and 3 points were as good as won, whilst the goal difference would be severely boosted.

As it went, Linney had a better start at least than most could imagine. I played my part in infuriating the Hucknall lads at the start by not bringing back 2 or 3 early foul throws as I didn't want to spoil the continued flow of the game. A couple of them were borderline anyway so may not have been given by other refs whilst at least one was quite blatantly a foul throw, which was appealed against but as Hucknall won the ball from it I allowed play to continue.

Hucknall were playing poorly and this resulted in Linney taking a surprise 1-0 lead and shortly after were 2-0 up. The flag did go up at one point when the ball was played through for the second goal but it wasn't clear who was being given offside as one lad had made a run from his own half and the clearer offside player had stopped. I had to speak to the linesman before giving the goal, who hadn't dropped his flag but he pointed out it was the player who stopped who he was giving offside against and that the goal should stand. The Hucknall lads were enraged at this decision, albeit the right one, but also were directing a lot of their furore at me for not pulling them up sooner for the bad throws. I made sure I pulled them up the next time which I didn't have to wait long for. Hucknall then began to throw everything at their opponents to get back into the game but at the same time, appealed against anything and everything.

From a corner, Linney cleared the box but Hucknall centre back Lee Weir met the ball with a stinging half volley that was blocked just a few yards in front of him by a Linney defender and claims of handball were voiced. I had a clear view and knew it hadn't struck the hand but even if so, the player was too close to there the ball was struck from he'd've not been able to get hands out of the way had it hit him, unless they were in an unnatural position, ie, above shoulder height etc. I turned the appeal down much to the home sides disgust.

A second appeal was turned down a few minutes later when close friend of mine Chris Taylor had burst into the box and was running along the byline before attempting to play the ball back into the box for a teammate, but his last touch before the cross meant he was having to stretch to reach the ball and it was cleared before he could quite make it. This led to an air-shot which meant he fell sidewards, which made the majority of the Hucknall players and coaches claim for a penalty and look even more disgusted than the first time when I rejected their appeals. It was evident they were after whatever they could get and were desperate with losing to such a poor side but as well as having clearly seen no offense, it was the easiest decision I've had to make due to the fact there was no appeal from the player himself, who I've known for over 20 years and had there been even a 1% chance of a penalty, he would have been the first one I would've heard! I've rejected clear penalties against him before and been reminded of them for months after so I know had this one been a decision to be made he would have been the first to tell me.

Hucknall did get one back before half time and halfway through the second half, their relentless pressure eventually led to the equaliser. This gave them a lot of confidence and the run of the game did look as though there was only going to be one winner from here. However, Hucknall became over confident and started to lose shape with every player from the front to the back pushing forward in search of the next goal. With all the space in behind the Hucknall defence due to them pressing, Linney could afford to play on the counter and long ball later, led to their striker being put clean through. The big Hucknall keeper started to come out and I was myself surprised to see the striker hit it from about 25 yards out when he could've got a lot closer to goal. It wasn't a great strike, with very little behind it but it found it's way past the keeper to out Linney 3-2 up with about 15 minutes to go.

Everything now was being hit into the Linney box from every angle but little was being made of them and it looked like they were going to remain frustarted throughout. A corner in the final minute had been headed towards the line but scrambled clear, and of course, this was followed by appeals of a goal but it hadn't crossed the line. I was being berated from every angle now, even people I'd class as close friends were now on my back but I don't know what I was being expected to do, I couldn't simply give them a free goal because this was my team. A second corner followed as we entered injury time and this time it was headed over the line, only just as the keeper got across to scoop it out from the goal but this time the goal was awarded and almost from the kick off I blew for full time.

Their was disgust and disappointment throughout, both from Linney for not having held out for their first win, instead this was their first draw, but Hucknall were fuming they had dropped points against such mediocre opposition. I bore the brunt of their anger, with me clearly being made the scapegoat for the result. The management couldn't even look at me after the game, which was gutting as these were 2 lads I had been very close to for the past couple of years. I could feel my time being part of this club wearing thin, I even began doubting my own performance.

After the game I took a lot of time reflecting on it as I didn't want it to be something that held me back in the future. I didn't want it to stop me refereeing in the future as at this point I had started thinking of taking it as far as I could but the only mistakes I felt I made were not pulling back the foul throws at the start of the game. In the end, I didn't let it affect my mind and when I look back at this game I'll use it as evidence that in this game you certainly can't please anyone, not even those closest to you. I won't set out to do so in the future, not that I had in this and I'll never hold myself responsible for the result of any game. The players and the managers need to look a lot closer at themselves before wagging fingers my way again.

Fair play

With no game on the Sunday for Hucknall as they were away, I was asked to take the Headstocks in their away game against La Torque, as their opponents were struggling to find a ref of their own.

My experience of both sides had me down for a clear away win as Headstocks were capable of scoring for fun whilst La Torque had struggled against my old side AFC Hucknall Reserves, who putting it bluntly were a very poor side.

Headstocks came out the blocks quickest, taking the lead just 7 minutes in and 30 minutes into the half doubled their lead. They were threatening to run riot but were hit by a couple of injuries at the back leading to changes involving players having to fill in in unfamiliar positions. This gave the home side a little hope and they hit back straight away with a goal and so the half time score was 2-1 to Headstocks with it all to play for.

The opening 45 minutes had gone well with little to dispute and I had hoped that the second half could go just as well. The only moment of interest was very early on when a Headstocks player leaped high to win the ball in the air but I had felt that he'd gained an advantage by jumping onto and above an opponent so blew for the foul which was met by disappoinment and it felt clear that I had made the wrong call and in fact the player had actually done very well to get up so high to win the ball and he hadn't prevented the La Torque player battling for it himself, he'd just chose not to. Often, especially in the heat of the moment I guess it is down to the opinion of each official as to what is declared a foul. I think some would have given the same decision as me whilst others would have acknowledged it to be a great leap. I suppose that will only come from experience. The jumping player then had a bit of a shout my way and I reached into my pocket for my book but even the La Torque players fought his corner saying it wasn't worthy of a card as it was so early in the game, was his first offense and that he was only expressing his disappointment at the decision. I replied by saying I wasn;t going to book him but was reaching into my pocket to warn that I wasn't there to be shouted at - of course I had intended to caution him but felt this explanation told the tale better!

The second half started well too, Headstocks regaining their 2 goal cushion on the hour before they showed clear signs of fatigue, so when La Torque pulled one back 5 minutes later and then equalised a further 5 minutes after, it looked as though the game was anybody's. The contest was now a battle of wills, there were few chances and plenty of individual errors with neither side taking the game by the scruff of it's neck. With just 5 minutes to go, La Torque forced a chance in the box and put themselves ahead for the first time in the game. A couple of minutes later and a long ball sent them away again and as I made every effort to catch up with play, I heard the whack of boots as a Headstocks defender ran across the back of the breaking player and he went crashing to the ground. I thought it was the clearest penalty decision I've had to give for some time but when I pointed to the spot the Headstocks defender was furious at the decision, much to my confusion. The La Torque striker then got up and insisted their was no infringement, he'd simply caught his own boots. It was an act of very good sportsmanship but it didn;t stop me getting a bit of greif for calling for the foul in the first place, I just wished those giving me some stick could have seen the incident from my viewpoint! In the end, I knocked the ball back to the keeper and told him to restart with a goalkick. The game was brought to a close a few minutes later and La Torque had earned a 4-3 win, which at the start of the game would've surprised me but they probably did edge it over the 90 minutes.

Away Hammering

I took my 3rd Hucknall Rangers official match of the season but this time it was away to Clifton, played near Boots' HQ in Beeston, filling in as Clifton couldn't get another referee. I spoke to their manager when I arrived who thanked me for being able to ref the game and was happy that I was a registered Hucknall player.

It was an easier game to referee than it was to watch as Clifton ran out 7-1 winners. They played great football and the Hucknall side had many lads in who had not played much together and so found it hard to gel or get any sort of rhythm together.

No complaints from either side over my performance so that can only be a positive thing and helps me further my progression and experience.

Captain Gobby!

My second game in charge officially of a Hucknall Rangers match was against recognised opponents in New Venture. This was a team that we had played a fair few times over the past couple of seasons and every game was a close affair. They'd got the better of us once last season, whilst we'd had experience of victory against them, so it was assumed this tie would be just as difficult and could go either way.

Venture turned up late to the point where it looked as though they wouldn't make it for the allowed time, which is 45 minutes after the arranged kick off time and with Leon, the Hucknall manager not able to get hold of the opposition, the points let set to go to the home side. However, just a few minutes before the deadline, they rolled into the car park apologetically as there had been issues with the team meaning a bare 11 had been able to turn up and without a manager.

I spoke to the captain who had asked for some time to warm up and then we were good to go. He sounded a decent chap, someone I could get on with and wouldn' get much aggro from in the game but how wrong can I be?! Hucknall had taken an early lead and this had gotten his back up and shortly after he was fending off the pressure in his own box from Jimmy, Hucknall's winger who is one of the smallest senior players you're likely to come up against. I'd seen Jimmy put his hand in the lower back of the Venture captain but there was no pressure applied so there was nothing to call and so I was surprised to see him fall to the floor whilst appealing for a push. I'd waved him up and said there was nothing in it but he protested. I foolishly commented that Jimmy was only 'this big' (whilst indicating the height with my hand of someone about 3 foot nothing) which really got his back up. I didn't think he'd take it to heart and so for the entire game he used my comments against every decision I made. He was constantly on at me and I had tried to apologise but he was having none of it. There was nothing else I could do so I left him to his whineing.

His verbal torrents continued and began quickly to take the focus of the match away from his teammates who on numerous occasions asked him to shut up and get on with the game, which he took no notice of. Hucknall used this to their advantage and raced into a 4-1 half time lead. Whilst I was being accused of being totally against New Venture, their goal incedently came from a penalty which I had awarded for handball against a Hucknall defender.

He continued his protests during half time so I took him to one side to try to apologise for my comment again but he continued moaning so I simply said that I was't prepared to just take his mouth for the next 45 minutes so if he couldn't speak to me properly I would have no hesitation but to caution him. The Hucknall management had told me to get him in the book if he persists and not to take it but I simply said it was in their favour and I was happy to have him chewing my ear off if it made him feel better, I didn't mind.

The second half started as the first had ended, Hucknall dominant and Venture's captain moaning. Hucknall made it 5-1 and soon after I called the captain over and enough was enough, he was in the book. This kept him quite quiet for the rest of the game, he picked up again in the last 5 minutes but I wasn't going to send him off. I did feel for his side having no real leadership as their manager had let them down and they had no subs etc but this was no excuse for his behaviour. They pulled one back late on for 5-2 before Hucknall went 6-2 up. The way the game had gone was obviously haveing an effect on the other Venture players and soon after the 6th Hucknall goal, I did have to send one packing after he violently kicked out at a Hucknall player after losing the ball. It was vicious and I had no hesitation showing him the red but I was surprised to see his shock at the colour of the card.

Near the end of the game, I noticed the Venture captain on the floor holding his jaw and he made out that a Hucknall defender had struck him. In any other circumstance I would have believed him and tried to find anyone else to back his story up before dealing with the defender but on this occasion I knew he was pulling a fast one. I spoke to the linesman on the near side who said he hadn't been struck, but this was a Hucknall representative so I expected no less. I thought I would get more from Leon, the Hucknall manager but in an Arsene Wenger approach, he didn't see it! I could only then speak to the player in question who said he hadn't punched him but that the captain had been making reference to the fact that he was Polish and so he'd simply pushed him away. I gave him a caution for admitting a push but as I hadn;t seen it, this was purely for the Venture captains benefit and I didn't submit the caution after the game.

The game ended 6-3 as an admittedly soft penalty was awarded to New Venture with time almost out and the game finally ended. The captain then surprised all by turning into Mr Nice Guy and apologising for his behaviour and then tried to get out of his caution. He asked whether I would send it in, which I said of course. This annoyed him and he tried to plead with me insisting that I send the red in for violent conduct but not his. I wasn't going to back down and simply said it was going in to which he replied he was going to complain about my performance to which I was happy with and even offered him the email address of who it would need to go to. Needless to say, he didn't take it!