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| Pyramid Patrol 2017/18 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sunday, 30. July 2017, 14:26 (32,816 Views) | |
| paulfootballfan | Sunday, 30. July 2017, 14:26 Post #1 |
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I hope no one minds me starting this topic for this season as yesterday I went to Sat 29th July Redbridge 2 v 1 Tower Hamlets Essex Senior League Ref-Alphie Ibrahim Assistants-Eddie Andrews and Jamie Woods The first half was played with rain stopping and starting. Redbridge had more early possession but didn’t really have many shots on goal. There were a few two footed sliding tackles by Tower Hamlets early on where they may have won the ball but Mr Ibrahim gave Redbridge free kicks presumably for the sort of tackle they were. The Tower Hamlets player who committed the fouls were spoken to but no cards shown. The first bookings were when a Redbridge play slid in late on the Tower Hamlets goalie after he had procession of the ball. He was booked along with their number 6 for complaining about the Tower Hamlets players not being booked for the earlier challenges. Tower Hamlets took the lead after 34 minutes when a low cross from the left was finished by their number 11. Redbridge’s goalie then made a fantastic save onto the post from a header. As the players were leaving the pitch a Redbridge player was having a word with the officials. The second half was played in heavy persistent rain. Redbridge had 3 chances early in the second half whilst Tower Hamlets looked dangerous on the break with a shot saved and a header over. Redbridge had another player booked for a foul before Tower Hamlets number 8 was booked for a foul. Mr Ibrahim had a word with the Tower Hamlets management after some pushing after the ball had gone into their dugout and a Redbridge player went to get the ball. Mr Ibrahim also seemed to allow the match to restart after some treatment to a Redbridge player in their penalty area without blowing his whistle and half the Tower Hamlets team were still over by their dugout. Tower Hamlet number 17 was booked for kicking the ball away. In the last 10 minutes Redbridge’s number 10 hit the crossbar twice when perhaps it was easier to score. Redbridge did equalise after 88 minutes when their number 10 scored a similar goal to Tower Hamlets when a cross from the left side was finished. Tower Hamlets goalie was booked after not letting Redbridge have the ball to take back to the half way line and running towards the corner flag with the ball. Redbridge scored the winner in the 90th minute when a cross was headed in causing the Redbridge management and subs to run on the pitch to join the celebrations. The final whistle went not long after and thankfully the rain had stopped for the 5/10 minute walk to the station despite the station backing onto the ground. Couldn’t disagree with many of Mr Ibrahim’s foul decisions. Seemed close enough to play and movement seemed good with a decent change of pace. Maybe could have used his whistle a bit more to signal things and when he did use it, it didn’t seem the loudest whistle. Not many chances to play advantages but did when he could and left a lapse to see if advantages would happen before blowing. Both Mr Ibrahim and his assistants tried to make sure there was no encroachments at throw ins. Dealt with some slow play from Tower Hamlets in the second half by telling and signalling to them to get on with things. Not a loud voice but heard some vocal encouragement. Mr Ibrahim is youngish looking with muscular upper arms. Mr Andrews is a bit older looking with grey hair whilst Mr Wood is taller than the other 2 and young looking. Both assistants seemed to get their decisions correct though thought Mr Andrews was sometimes a bit behind play when it broke quickly. Edited by paulfootballfan, Sunday, 30. July 2017, 14:27.
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| paulfootballfan | Wednesday, 2. August 2017, 08:43 Post #2 |
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Tue 1st Aug Holland 2 v 3 Halstead Town Eastern Counties League Division 1 Ref-Ayrton Hursey Assistants-Ben Hughes-Day and Wayne Dearsley Visiting my parents in Clacton on Sea so took in this game with my Dad on a dry pleasant evening but with a bit of chill once it got dark. Pre match there was no handshakes between the 2 sides. Halstead had the first chance of the match that was blocked by the Holland goalkeeper. Apart from that neither goalkeeper was tested in the early stages with shots going over and passes which could have created chances being over hit. Holland’s number 7 was booked for a foul after Mr Hursey allowed an advantage and then came back to book him. Holland took the lead with a long range lob that the Halstead goalkeeper knocked onto the post but the ball just about went over the line before the goalie could clear with Mr Hughes-Day signalling for the goal. Halstead’s best chance of the half was a header wide from a corner. Just before half time a strong challenge on a Halstead player which looked like a foul was waved play on by Mr Hursey and then a Halstead player was flagged offside by Mr Dearsley in what looked like a very close decision. A Halstead player and member of coaching staff had a word with the officials as walking off for half time. Holland had a few early second half chances with a few shots being blocked in the penalty area whilst Halstead also had a shot blocked. Then there was a good 10 minute delay as they had run out of footballs that Mr Hursey was satisfied with and had to wait till some had been retrieved that had been kicked out of the ground. Once a ball was found Holland had a goal kick when it should have been a corner as a Holland player kicked the ball out of the ground before the delay. Holland had a shot go over before scoring their second when a shot looked like it had been well saved but the Holland goalie had not got enough on it and the ball finished in the net. From the restart Halstead won a penalty after a trip in the area with Mr Hursey’s signal not being clear to start with and looking like he had given a free kick just outside before Mr Hughes-Day informed him correctly the foul was inside the area. The Holland player was booked for the foul. The penalty was then saved and rebound cleared. Halstead’s number 11 was booked for a foul. Halstead got a goal back with a curling effort before Holland had another shot blocked on the line. Halstead equalised in the first minute of injury time with a good shot from 20 yards. Holland’s number 10 was booked after Mr Hursey had sought advice from Mr Dearsley for kicking out at a Halstead player. Holland had yet another shot cleared off the line. Holland thought they should have had a free kick/penalty given to them for an off the ball incident that I didn’t see and none of the officials saw and a corner rewarded instead. A Halstead player was injured in the incident and after receiving treatment left the pitch. The corner was taken and Mr Hursey signalled for the Halstead player to come back on as it was cleared and the ball finished with him on the touchline and his long ball was finished low into the net to que mad celebrations from Halstead for their winner 10 minutes into injury time. A number of hard challenges especially in first half and some that looked like fouls were not given but most foul decisions looked right. I thought what looked like a handball was missed too in the first half. Was close enough to play and had very good movement and a good change of pace. Always tried to play advantages and let the game flow as much as possible. Always tried to make sure no encroachments and was very exact over where throw ins should be taken. Dealt with slow play with encouraging words to get on with things. Did not stand over injured players when being treated. Not a loud voice but heard some vocal encouragement from all 3 officials. Mr Hursey is young looking with some facial hair. Mr Hughes-Day again looks young with some facial hair whilst Mr Dearsley has a what looks like a shaven head. Both assistants looked like they got their decisions right even if some of the offside decisions were very close. |
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| paulfootballfan | Saturday, 5. August 2017, 21:44 Post #3 |
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Sat 5th Aug Hamworthy United 4 v 1 Bemerton Heath Harlequins FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Ref-Jonathan Dolbear Assistants-Paul Hicks and Haydn Bull The first half started in sunshine but with rumbles of thunder in the air with the sun disappearing shortly after the start of the match and heavy rain starting that also included some hail which cleared late in the half which finished in sunshine. Hamworthy took an early lead with a header from a cross. Bemerton appealed for a penalty for handball but looked like the ball bounced and hit the outstretched arm of the Hamworthy player so probably correct not to give it. Hamworthy’s number 12 who started the match was spoken too after 2 quick fouls and given a last warning. Bemerton’s best chance of the half was a deflected shot that was saved. Bemerton’s number 11 was booked after his side had won a free kick and I am not sure why. Bemerton’s number 4 was spoken to after a foul and after committing another one a few minutes later was booked close to half time. Showery conditions during the second half. Hamworthy scored a second after a nice move before Bemerton got a goal back when the Hamworthy goalie saved a long range shot but Bemerton got to the spilled ball first and scored. Bemerton thought they should have had a few fouls given to them during the half but they did not look obvious to me. Hamworthy had a number of players booked during the half. The number 3 was booked for a foul, number 16 booked for a foul in what looked like a 50/50 challenge, number 12 for kicking the ball away after getting a warning in the first half and the number 8 for an off the ball incident that I didn’t see but Mr Hicks waved for and after speaking to him Mr Dolbear booked the Hamworthy player. Hamworthy scored a third after a header from a corner was saved and the rebound scored and a 4th goal right at the end when a cross was headed in. The second half finished dead on 4.45pm I thought Mr Dolbear gave a number of soft looking fouls throughout and missed what looked like a push on a player in the first half. Didn’t seem the most fluent runner or with his movement but had a change of pace and was close enough to play. When booking players, he liked to make sure they saw him show the yellow card even calling a few back to do this. Very mixed on playing advantages with allowing some but stopping play on other occasions when could have continued to have words with offending players. This proved very frustrating. Tried to stop encroachments. Wasn’t really much time wasting but looked like had a quick word with a Hamworthy player as he left the pitch to move on. Could be heard giving verbal encouragement throughout. When players were injured he was asking if they required treatment and could be seen explaining some decisions to players. Mr Dolbear did not wear a county badge but both assistants did. From where I was stood looked like both assistants got their decisions right though once in the second half Mr Hicks flagged one way for a throw and Mr Dolbear correctly gave it the other. Edited by paulfootballfan, Sunday, 6. August 2017, 04:46.
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Sunday, 6. August 2017, 07:49 Post #4 |
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Engineering work this weekend meant that there were no trains from Huddersfield or Brighouse, so the best bet was to head North to Bradford. Though not on a par with "The night we went to Bannockburn by way of Brighton Pier", it was a slightly roundabout (and more expensive!) route to Langley Mill en route for Saturday 5th August 2017 FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Kimberley Miners Welfare 2 v 4 Blaby and Whetstone Athletic Jack Forder (Lincoln); Craig Harper, Richard Mather. This was the first FA Cup tie in Kimberley's 91 year history - and sadly their long-serving chairman could not attend, having last September booked a holiday in Menorca, long before such a prospect appeared. The home number 5 was spoken to for a foul after three seconds as the visitors started briskly down the slope. On 4 minutes a long shot by Blaby (or was it Whetstone?) ricocheted as it passed a crowd of players, reaching two attackers a couple of yards beyond the defenders, who were able to beat the keeper with ease as Mr Mather kept his flag down. There was clearly likely to be some controversy, even if the decision was correct, so it would have been wise for Mr Forder to head right towards his assistant, rather than left towards the celebrating attackers. The offside claims were fortunately kept at a distance, with Mr Mather not reacting to questioning, but a loud word of congratulation ("Played by a defender - well done!" if that is what happened) would have done much to quell them. Play restarted, with Mr Mather subjected to an extended barrage of comment from a baseball-capped home member. The situation was not eased when Kimberley were twice caught offside, leading first the baseball cap, then the generously proportioned keeper to explain "That's how you do it, lino, you put your flag up." The abuse eased after about ten minutes and subsided more or less completely on 19 minutes when Kimberley equalised. This was followed by a good spell for the home side and the visiting keeper had to make a splendid save, but on 35 minutes an attacker from Whetstone (or was it Blaby?) arrived to meet a corner with a powerful header to restore his side's lead. As the officials left the pitch at the break, baseball cap arrived, accosting them with the evidence of his phone. Two minutes after the restart there was a difference of opinion over a throw in, Mr Mather eventually winning. There was a yellow card for the visiting number 4, for a little tug on 49 minutes. A Blaby corner was delayed for Mr Forder to speak to a pair doing the tango in the goal area, a process repeated as his words fell upon stony ground. At last the corner was taken and Blaby scrambled home their third. Two minutes later Kimberley were awarded a penalty, Mr Forder giving an arms over gesture - but the kick was saved. As the hour mark passed, a silly two-footed jump by the Kimberley number 5 calmly received the inevitable red card. The home keeper was by now much the busier, pushing a great shot round the post with an impressive save. A second penalty to Kimberley, for handball this time, saw no mistake to reduce the deficit, but Kimberley could not close the gap and a needless foul on 88 minutes gave Blaby and Whetstone a penalty of their own (and the defender a yellow) to make the final score 2-4. At the end various home officials were overheard agreeing that Mr Forder had been quite good and though his manner was a little understated and his time-lag perhaps a shade too long for this watcher, there was much to commend in his decision-making, so a job well done. Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Sunday, 6. August 2017, 08:03.
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Sunday, 6. August 2017, 21:40 Post #5 |
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Sunday 6th August 2017 FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Emley 0 v 3 Burscough Michael Brownsett (Bradford); Ian Thornton, Christine Forsythe. The buses running just every two hours on the Sabbath, JCFC had been long ensconced in the bar when the officials made their entrance. Mr Brownsett immediately entered into a lively conversation with the Burscough match secretary; Miss Forsythe, in a conspicuous example of stereotyping, busied herself with pouring the tea; Mr Thornton's role was to look glum - perhaps he had secretly harboured a desire to be mother this time. As the ritual handshakes drew to a close, the Burscough number 3 ducked out behind the officials. On her way to check the net, however, the admirable Miss Forsythe pursued him and obtained her due. Burscough went ahead after just 3 minutes and shortly afterwards their number 2 was spoken to when a handball claim was rightly denied. A Burscough free-kick on 18 minutes was played gently into the penalty area, where the Emley defence allowed a Burscough man to run onto the ball and finish all too easily. On quarter time the home number 3 received a correct yellow card for an attack-stopping clip. Emley quickly created a chance to get one back, but their number 11 sadly misjudged his attempted contact at the far post. On 33 minutes Mr Brownsett had an interesting choice: he had pushed Burscough throws back to the proper place and was heard to say "Back to halfway - I've warned you and I'll do it next time." Back went the thrower, but his run took him a yard past halfway before throwing. The choice: take action and risk looking petty over a yard or reverse the throw? Mr Brownsett to his credit did not back down and Emley got the throw. Problem solved for the rest of the game. The remainder of the half produced a dipping Emley effort just over the crossbar, a Burscough effort ruled out by Mr Thornton's offside flag and a lecture for the Burscough number 9 for a late challenge, The same player was spoken to again, with captain this time, early in the second half, with pointing to four separate areas and it was no surprise when a further offence saw him receive a yellow card on 71 minutes. He was followed a minute later by the Emley number 9, Mr Brownsett being very quick to move in and prevent any escalation. An ill-advised sliding challenge on 75 minutes led to a correct yellow card for the Emley number 3 - it being his second, the red quickly followed. Burscough had continued to produce the better openings, though their third goal, on 83 minutes, came from a double fumble of a low ball by the home keeper. The Burscough trainer was reluctant to come on for a case of cramp, but Mr Brownsett insisted. There was a final foolish yellow card for the Burscough number 10 for trying to delay the restart, a good Emley save and a last-second clearance off the line by a Burscough defender. The players did not on the whole create too many problems for Mr Brownsett - but he is due considerable credit for that. Some time ago, during his spell at Level 3, he handled a match well enough, but without any great impression of authority. On this occasion, however, there were no such reservations. His manner throughout was cheerful and confident, with lots of chat, frequently accompanied by smiles and laughter. The only minimal negatives were the layered effect of cycling shorts protruding from beneath shorts, and an apparent lack of a reverse gear. He showed excellent awareness of events and orchestrated proceedings skilfully. Promotion from Level 4 is never easy, but if Mr Brownsett maintains this level of performance, a return to Level 3 is certainly not out of the question. Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Sunday, 6. August 2017, 21:44.
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| paulfootballfan | Monday, 7. August 2017, 08:33 Post #6 |
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Sun 6th Aug Badshot Lea 1 v 1 Verwood Town FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Ref-Krasimir Petrov Assistants-Robert Linter and Kathryn Carver Having taken 2 wrong turns on the 45 walk from Farnborough station to Camberley Town’s ground where the game was played meant I got there just as the game was starting and programmes had sold out, no announcements or team sheets with the officials on I am taking the officials from those posted on the FA Cup topic so if incorrect sorry. Was a nice afternoon with sunny spells. The first half was pretty even with both sides having half chances. Verwood’s number 9 was booked after a late challenge seconds after he thought he should have won a free kick. Ms Carver started to put her flag up after the ball hit a Verwood players foot and bounced up and hit his hand but Mr Petrov let play continue till a Badshot Lea player looked like he tried to slap the Verwood player around the face. Mr Petrov had a chat with both the players but took no further action. Verwood had another player booked for a foul late in the half. Badshot Lea took the lead early in the second half when a cross was tapped in. Verwood equalised when a shot looked like it took a slight deflection and finished in the goal. Badshot Lea hit the post and crossbar whilst Verwood’s best chance in rest of the half was a header over. A Badshot Lea sub was spoken to along with his captain after committing 2 fouls in quick succession not long after coming on. Badshot Lea perhaps could have been given a free kick for some shirt pulling and also a free kick could have been given for a high boot. At the end of the match the players and officials had to wait for a few minutes for someone to appear with a key for the dressing rooms. Most of Mr Petrov’s foul decisions looked correct apart from those already mentioned and one in the first half were a free kick was awarded when it looked like the player won the ball but think it was given for the sort of tackle it was. Seemed to be a bit distant from play on occasions even though his view was unobstructed from the action. Seemed to take things at a leisurely pace with not much running back at re-starts of play but did notice a change of pace. Seemed okay at playing advantages but didn’t really signal for them so sometimes uncertain if was playing one. Tried to stop encroachments and dealt with some slow play by signalling for players to get on with thing. Could be heard giving some verbal encouragement and seen explain some decisions to players. Also checked if they needed treatment before asking physios to come on. All 3 officials wore county badges with Mr Petrov also have sweatbands on both wrists. Both assistants looked like they got decisions correct apart from one in the second half where from I was stood looked like a corner should have been given to Badshot Lea but a goal kick was given by Ms Carver but she was a lot closer than me. Mr Linter had to ask the Badshot Lea subs to move from warming up from behind him to the other side of the halfway line due to it being an FA Cup rule. |
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| nemesis | Monday, 7. August 2017, 22:16 Post #7 |
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..... if I were naming a football team, I wouldn't call it Badshot ! |
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Monday, 7. August 2017, 23:49 Post #8 |
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With each of the sides having taken three points from their opening match, the winners of tonight's match would be top of the table, for another 24 hours at least. Monday 7th August 2017 National League North Bradford Park Avenue 1 v 2 Southport Barry Lamb (Manchester); Martin Parker, Martin Ashworth. Mr Lamb looked as dapper as ever, in his slightly old-fashioned way, with just a hint of impending distinction. Some things get bigger with the passage of time: with JCFC, ear-lobes and stomach; for Mr Ashworth it is his forehead which has expanded markedly. Mr Parker is a mystery man: in 2011 he was seen refereeing Radcliffe Borough v Hebburn Town (with Jane Simms as AR1) but was subsequently missing from the appointments list for several years, hopefully in foreign parts rather than Wakefield jail. Avenue made a promising start and on 10 minutes a series of nifty little passes ended with a shot, initially blocked on the line, but then scrambled into the net. Could Avenue really be heading for the top of the table? Midway through the half Mr Lamb handled the game's first confrontation well, shepherding Avenue players away from the Southport offender, checking the player down, issuing a yellow card to the visiting number 11 for the foul and eventually having a word with the Avenue number 6, presumably to warn him not to get involved. Five minutes later a Southport corner was played onto the bar, but Avenue got it clear, with a number of visiting players less than convinced that this was done legally. Southport were by now looking the stronger side and on 29 minutes equalised with a powerful shot following a fumble by the Avenue keeper and a half-clearance. A Southport defender deflected a shot just wide, there was a near thing in the Avenue area, followed immediately by a quick break and a foul just outside the Southport box, Mr Ashworth flagging. Mr Lamb might have been tempted to issue a card at this point, but it was the defenders who protested - and for some time after the free-kick had ended with a super effort just past the post. Half time brought an extended announcement that the forthcoming Saturday's match was to be all-ticket, with details of segregation: they must be a rough lot in York! Southport approached the second half with the greater belief, chaos quickly ensuing in the Avenue goalmouth as the keeper went walkabout, but a succession of frantic defenders finally got the ball to safety. A Southport header was helped by the keeper onto the bar and over for a corner. On 62 minutes the Avenue number 2 slid with both feet into a challenge: a card was clearly coming, but of which colour? A case could be made either way, but Mr Lamb's choice of red was understandable and generally accepted as correct. Avenue's ambition now was simply to survive, and Mr Lamb's only task was to limit the timewasting, in which he was moderately successful. On 89 minutes an Avenue attempt to keep the ball in the Southport corner proved unsuccessful, Southport applied pressure at the other end and scored the winner they deserved. Avenue suddenly discovered several new gears for the remaining six minutes - at one point their keeper rushed to push over from behind a Southport attacker who was getting in the way of his attempt to get to the ball to take a free-kick - unseen, perhaps deliberately so, by the officials, who appeared to be well received at the end. Through the usual Horsfall gloom it was hard to tell whether Mr Lamb's frequent individual exchanges with players were always of an amicable nature, and it seemed roughly 50-50 as to whether player or referee was the instigator, but his manner was good, the soft answer turning away wrath. He has an unusual stance, with head down pointedly looking at the ball, but his movement was fine and all three officials can be happy with their work. This being the third such example in three days, is it really the case that the dispensation allowing a player injured in an incident resulting in a yellow card to resume without leaving the field does not apply in the case of a red card? In all three cases, the player was quickly waved back on without further treatment being required. There is presumably a good reason, but the logic escapes me. |
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| paulfootballfan | Saturday, 12. August 2017, 22:31 Post #9 |
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Sat 12th Aug Eastleigh 2 v 2 Dagenham & Redbridge National League Ref-David Rock Assistants-Lee Grimsey and Darren Knox 4th-Mark Shapland The start was delayed by 10 minutes as Mr Rock was not happy with one corner of the pitch and the way the ball was moving or bouncing on it so 3 men came out to fork that area before the teams appeared. It was a pleasant afternoon weather wise and both sides had chances early in the match. An Eastleigh player was booked for a trip from behind before Dagenham opened the scoring after 13 minutes. Both sides were forced to make subs in the first half due to injuries. Dagenham had a goal disallowed for offside which looked a good decision by Mr Knox. Eastleigh finished the half stronger and equalised after 44 minutes. They then won a penalty in first half injury time when a player was fouled off the ball at a corner which I did not spot from the other end of the ground and I was following the ball go over. The Dagenham player who committed the foul was booked and the penalty scored to give Eastleigh a half time lead. Dagenham dominated most of the second half looking for an equaliser but didn’t really create many clear cut chances. The best one didn’t come till the 72nd minute when a Dagenham shot was turned over the bar. Dagenham won a penalty after 75 minutes when a player looked like he was bought down as he ran across the edge of the box. Eastleigh had a player booked before the penalty was scored. Both teams had chances to win it with Eastleigh having the best in injury time at the end that was saved. Mr Rock looked like he got most foul decisions right including the penalties but he did let a few aerial challenges go that looked like fouls but awarded free kicks for other similar looking ones. Was close enough to play and positioning seemed good as did his movement and he had a good change of pace. Always tried to play advantages and left a bit of a delay after a foul to see if would be an advantage before coming back for the free kick. Maybe could have done more to stop encroachments on occasions whilst other times made sure throw ins were taken from the correct place. Was very active in stopping slow play with signals and words with players to get on with things and even jogging alongside an Eastleigh player as he was subbed to make sure he didn’t waste time. Could be seen talking to players throughout and also a smile and laugh on occasions. Could be heard giving some verbal encouragement. He booked players by just showing the card and not having a word with them. Both assistants both had a few offside decisions to make which they looked like they got correct along with their other decisions but thought Mr Knox could have done something to stop the encroachments from throw ins. Edited by paulfootballfan, Saturday, 12. August 2017, 23:01.
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Sunday, 13. August 2017, 12:47 Post #10 |
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A bright afternoon was further enhanced by the presence of the ever-welcome Mr Observer White at the newly renamed Yorkshire Payments Stadium for Saturday 12th August 2017 Evo-Stik North Division 1N Brighouse Town 1 v 0 Skelmersdale United Michael Ainsworth (Oswaldtwistle); John Dillnutt, Zac Bamber. Brighouse boast not only a new name for their ground, but a new management team and after multiple departures a whole raft of new players, with only two survivors from the previous season in action. The first half was a lively, entertaining affair, with some nice touches and chances galore. Brighouse created more of them, but if the shooting on the moors was as wayward as theirs, the majority of grouse should have come through the glorious twelfth unscathed - though one early effort did have to be tipped over by the Skem keeper. The visitors created fewer openings, but came closer to scoring: a diving save by the home keeper leading to a corner, eventually cleared by the defender on the post, and midway through the half a Skelmersdale shot bounced off the inside of the far post and was desperately clawed away by the keeper. On 37 minutes the Skem number 9 was through, his effort parried by the advancing keeper's knees with play switching within seconds to the other end, Brighouse forcing a corner. As the half drew to a close a late tackle by the visiting number 10 - so that's where Richard Brodie is now! - drew a yelp from his opponent, who in turn received a most unpleasant mouthful of obscenities as he lay on the ground. Mr Ainsworth settled for a word of warning, which seemed perhaps on the lenient side. Goalless the half may haver been, but it was never dull. The second period produced an early clearance off the line by Brighouse, but on 54 minutes it was the home side who went ahead with a decent finish after a couple of blocks. The departure of their number 4 led to a poor spell, but they managed to hold Skelmersdale at bay. On 70 minutes Skem won a corner and Mr Ainsworth summoned the home captain, presumably there had been some chirruping. It seemed unwise to prolong the lecture for as long as he did, with the pre-corner jostling already in full swing, but he doubtless felt he could rely on Mr Bamber to keep an eye on things. In the end Brighouse managed to come back into the game and just about deserved the win. As the officials lined up at a distance to await their handshakes, the players, with Mr Brodie to the fore, briefly seemed more intent on shaking each other by the throat, but Mr Ainsworth moved in to calm things. In 2013 the first sighting of Mr Ainsworth, then newly elevated to Level 3, drew euphemistic comment on his mature appearance. Time may be a great healer as they say, but it is no miracle-worker, and he does not look any younger. With no major controversies and no cards, the clubs will probably have been pleased and yet ... He generally did well in his assessment of 5v9 tussles, with the Skem number 9's habit of falling backwards into his marker going unrewarded, but he did miss one early blatant push by the Brighouse number 5 - largely because he remained central and gave himself no real angle to view such situations. He does deserve credit for moving deep into the corners as Brighouse looked, with minimal success, to keep the ball in there. On the first occasion he appeared on here, he was very prolific with his patter - on this occasion a little less so, but with a ready word when required, though one or two players might have been fortunate not to receive warnings at least as the grappling led to a little heat creeping into the game. His time-lag on the whistle is good in theory, but was maybe a little overdone and hand signals might have clarified things on occasions. An efficient enough piece of work, but his understated style was just a shade too understated for this spectator. Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Sunday, 13. August 2017, 12:49.
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| Ref Watcher | Monday, 14. August 2017, 12:36 Post #11 |
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Dare one suggest that the new name is an oxymoron. :innocent: |
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Monday, 14. August 2017, 13:08 Post #12 |
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You obviously did dare - and gave me a good chuckle. |
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| Whistleblower | Tuesday, 15. August 2017, 11:22 Post #13 |
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Do Yorkshiremen have the reputation of being fiscally prudent ? :innocent: From my acquaintance with gentlemen from the White Rose County I can confirm the truth of the adage " you can always tell a Yorkshireman...but you can't tell him much " |
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| Tim Wills | Tuesday, 15. August 2017, 23:33 Post #14 |
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York City FC 0 - 0 Darlington FC Referee: Simon Nather First match of the season and if tonight's refereeing performance is indication of the standard of refereeing down in Conference North (or whatever fancy game they've given it), then I am going to be quite vitriolic in the months to come. The major talking point of the match came very early and it was about as clear a DOGSO as you will ever get. York City's No.10 beat the offside and was just a few yards outside the penalty area when taken out cynically and deliberately by the last defender. There was no other defender within 20 yards yet Mr Nather bottled the decision and only gave a yellow. Quite frankly an absolutely staggering decision. In the second half, a Darlington player charged down a clearance with his arms similar to what you would see on a rugby pitch. It was so delibeantly blatant that some of the York City stopped expecting a whistle but it never came. Mind you his whole performance fell apart in the second half as what constituted a foul was as random as a Tombola at your local church fete. His only consistency came in his ridiculously fussy approach throw-ins where he made players take throw-ins from an exact blade of grass and quite often nowhere near where the ball had gone out. Verdict A very poor refereeing performance and thankfully York City didn't lose or might come off the fence and write what I really thought about him. Most York City fans will hoping it's Simon Nather-Again !!! |
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| watchingtoomuchtelly | Wednesday, 16. August 2017, 05:35 Post #15 |
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You've got the referees name wrong but hey, nobody's perfect. |
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Wednesday, 16. August 2017, 08:00 Post #16 |
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On leaving the train at Bede, it was surprising to find hordes of people scurrying, as in the Lowry painting, to Tuesday 15th August 2017 Evo-Stik N Division 1N South Shields 5 v 0 Brighouse Town Chris Ellis (somewhere in Co Durham); Matthew Gatiss, Lewis Reynolds. Who would have thought that Brighouse Town was such a draw? Alas, Mariner Park, though very trim, is not Burnden Park and is ill-equipped to accommodate the 1776 souls in attendance. Seats in the stand were few and adorned with the names of season ticket holders. Obliged, therefore, to stand, JCFC was left with a rather restricted view as the perimeter fence was fully occupied more than half an hour before kick-off. A blessing in disguise, perhaps, as his team was comprehensively dismantled by the strong local side. The first chance came on 3 minutes as Shields cut through a wayward defensive alignment. The keeper was able to save on that occasion, but on 14 minutes a header crept over his fingertips into the net. There followed a succession of chances for South Shields, including one lifted carefully over the keeper, but onto the base of the post. It was not until midway through the half that Brighouse posed any threat, a corner being headed over by a Shields defender. Normal service was soon resumed, a goal being ruled out for offside before they added a second on 36 minutes. Mr Reynolds had impressed by keeping his flag firmly down as Shields timed their runs to perfection and rightly did so again. Town players were less convinced and the captain was summoned to attend a lecture for their number 4. Such was the force of Mr Ellis's rhetoric that seconds later the captain was reduced to a heap on the ground and had to be replaced. There was an early - and merited - yellow card for a foul by a Brighouse player, soon followed by goal number 3. A yellow for a Shields player was waved at his back, Mr Ellis having delayed, seemingly looking for advice from Mr Gatiss. Two further goals followed, while Brighouse did manage one chance, blocked by the keeper's legs. Mr Ellis has his hair fashionably short, in a not entirely successful attempt to disguise its gradual disappearance, so may well be younger than he appeared. His movement was good and his decisions accurate. He employed a smile effectively, an occasional merry quip drawing a good response in a very decent evening's work. Not quite as impressive as the excellent Shields side, but far more so than the visitors. Hopefully tonight's match will offer more comfortable accommodation! Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Wednesday, 16. August 2017, 09:30.
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Wednesday, 16. August 2017, 09:37 Post #17 |
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Sonetines I have the sane problen. Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Wednesday, 16. August 2017, 09:37.
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Thursday, 17. August 2017, 00:13 Post #18 |
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Indeed it did, with a much smaller attendance at Wednesday 16th August 2017 Northern League Division 2 Heaton Stannington 2 v 2 Tow Law Town Evan Culling (Bedlington); Mark Katoroz, Connor Kitson. There was a minor crisis pre-match, Mr Kitson being packed off to the home dressing-room to borrow a pair of black shorts. He made a point of stressing that they were for his colleague rather than himself. Tow Law had a chance on 3 minutes, but the home keeper's foot beat the attacker to a through ball, the clearance leading to a near thing at the other end. The home fan behind me proposed an attractive game plan: bring the ball down, play it to feet and get it wide. Alas he was quietly spoken, so they settled for hoof and hope. Tow Law looked slightly better, without threatening at all. The players, particularly the home ones, began to feel that Mr Culling was not giving anything, but in all honesty there was little for him to give. One strong challenge resulted in Heaton Stannington claims that it was two footed, but in reality all four feet arrived simultaneously and the players involved bounced up and carried on. The home side finally went ahead on 38 minutes through a header. A header led to the equaliser too, just three minutes into the second half. A minute later a ball played into the home area- was it a cross or a shot? - bounced off the far post into the net. Just before the hour a header from a home free-kick was tipped over the bar by the keeper: Mr Culling gave a goal-kick and for the next few minutes found himself playing catch up. A foul by the home number 12 was followed by a little petulance among the players and a "no more" warning from Mr Culling.Two minutes passed before a Tow Law foul was initially played as advantage, another following to stop the attack. Mr Culling then brought play back for the first offence and had to back away from a posse of players from each side. There did not seem to be much in it, but Mr Katoroz was on the scene and after a consultation the visiting number 12 received a yellow - for the first tackle? Their number 4 was then called over, spoken to at some length with a little gesticulation and eventually shown the red card, offence unknown, but not contested. Things calmed down as Heaton Stannington searched for the equaliser. They thought they had it on 74 minutes, but the offside flag was raised. A man short, Tow Law resorted to hoof - without hope - but on 85 minutes they had a golden opportunity, the lone attacker eluding the defender inside the box, but being unwilling or unable to shoot with his left foot. It was in stoppage time that the equaliser came, the visiting keeper being wrong-footed by a deflected shot. At the end the officials received their full complement of handshakes. Mr Culling is quite sturdy and is not the most fluent of movers, though his reverse gear is good, particularly when scooting away from anything likely to lead to claims. He did a solid enough job, without however any great sprinkling of stardust. Beta plus rather than Alpha minus. Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Thursday, 17. August 2017, 16:15.
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| Whistleblower | Thursday, 17. August 2017, 07:20 Post #19 |
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Speaking as one of life's natural Beta pluses ( and that is probably a trifle on the self-generous side ) I already warm to Mr Culling without ever having met him. |
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Saturday, 19. August 2017, 10:38 Post #20 |
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Having been shamed by the gentle reproach of nemesis a fortnight ago, JCFC bit the bullet and made his way to Friday 18th August 2017 FA Cup Preliminary Round Potton United 2 v 0 Dunstable Dean Skipper (Romford); Paul Stratton, Andrew Simmonds. A challenge in the second minute led to a tangle of legs between the two number 9s, the home player freeing himself rather vigorously and receiving a barge in the back as play continued. It was soon apparent that there could only be one winner, Dunstable being much sharper than their Step 6 hosts. Potton conceded numerous free-kicks through clumsy attempts at tackles, on one occasion Mr Skipper playing an advantage over Mr Simmonds's flag. A crude challenge on 11 minutes rightly earned the home number 8 a yellow card. He received a further word of warning five minutes later, when his jump for the ball made contact instead with his opponent. Mr Skipper also called the Dunstable number 8 for a word, presumably for something said. Things turned around on 25 minutes, when a Potton player rode an iffy tackle, arriving slightly late for the next challenge as a result. Mr Skipper brought play back for the first offence as a little altercation ensued, with a suspicion of a stamp. The home boss raced from the dugout, to be restrained by Mr Stratton, whose flag remained raised as things sorted themselves out. After consultation, Mr Skipper called over the Dunstable number 9 and after a lengthy explanation, showed him a red card. The lack of protest from the visiting bench, and indeed from the offender, suggested that it was a fair cop. On the field however certain Dunstable players - notably 10 and 11 - tried to assume the refereeing duties. Duly encouraged, Potton were able to mount some more dangerous attacks, taking the lead on 34 minutes. A throw was reversed in favour of the visitors in the first minute of the second half. They continued to attack, but Potton looked dangerous on the break, a Dunstable player rightly being cautioned for a blatant attempt at a trip. The Potton number 4 soon followed for a holding offence. Twice in quick succession Potton broke clear, first lifting the ball over the keeper,but just over the bar, then seeing their shot bounce off the inside of the post.There was a further brief consultation with Mr Stratton on 75 minutes, the theory being that it was about an unspotted flag in earlier play, but play resumed with no further action. Dunstable tried to apply pressure, but their shooting was off target and the home keeper was barely tested. They were not happy about an offside decision on 80 minutes, but as their attacker influenced the defender's clearance attempt, JCFC is happy to endorse Mr Simmonds's decision. Potton's second on 81 minutes settled matters, with just a late yellow for the Potton number 12 for delaying the restart. Mr Skipper is taller than his two colleagues, with a reasonably imposing presence and a whistle with a disagreeably shrill tone. He had a testing first quarter, but rode it well, with the support of two able assistants. Mr Simmonds was hyperconscientious in his staccato movements to remain in position, while his curious habit of holding his right hand against his hip gave him a vaguely robotic appearance, without detracting from his performance. Two Essex badges began the evening, Mr Stratton being the defaulter, but Mr Skipper's did not make it to half time. Though they will never reach their recipients, it would be remiss to finish without expressing thanks. Firstly to the Potton official who was aghast to learn of JCFC's planned march back to Sandy station and arranged a lift. Secondly to the genial John and Alan, the top officials of the United Counties League, who so kindly provided it. Many, many thanks - it was a very dark road and JCFC was spared a soaking! Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Wednesday, 23. August 2017, 10:41.
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| paulfootballfan | Saturday, 19. August 2017, 21:25 Post #21 |
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Sat 19th Aug Eastleigh 2 v 0 Tranmere Rovers National League Ref-Carl Brook Assistants-Craig Scriven and James Vallance 4th-Martin Bloor A bright afternoon though there was a fair breeze blowing. In the first few minutes Tranmere had a shot deflected over and Eastleigh had a shot into the side netting. Eastleigh’s number 10 was spoken to after a fairly robust challenge and was perhaps lucky not to see a card. Eastleigh had a diving header just go wide. Eastleigh’s number 11 was shown a yellow card after committing 2 fouls a few minutes apart. Tranmere hit the post from a header. Tranmere’s number 9 was booked for a late tackle. Just before half time Eastleigh’s number 11 wrestled a Tranmere player to the ground as the ball was going out of play and Mr Brook had a word with him. Tranmere’s number 10 had a word with the officials as they left the pitch for half time. At half time Eastleigh’s number 11 was subbed. Maybe a case of saving him before he got sent off. Eastleigh had a shot go wide 15 seconds into the second half before their number 15 was booked for a strong challenge even though it looked like he won the ball. Eastleigh appealed for a penalty when a Tranmere player raised his hands to block the ball but Mr Brook waved play on. Tranmere had a shot wide before Eastleigh took the lead when their number 25 fired into the top corner from an angle with some Tranmere defenders appealing for offside but it looked a correct decision by Mr Vallance to keep his flag down. Tranmere had a low shot blocked brilliantly by an Eastleigh defender. Eastleigh had another penalty appeal turned down when it looked like a player was pushed in the area and Tranmere had a player booked for an attack stopping handball. Eastleigh scored their second when a cross was headed in off the crossbar. Tranmere had a few chances in the last 10 minutes but where wide or straight at the goalie. Mr Brook got most decisions right but thought Eastleigh had 2 strong appeals for penalties that were not given. Seemed a bit lenient with not booking some players for some fouls. He liked to make sure players saw him show the cards. Was close enough to the play but did sometimes seem to get in the way of things. Had a decent change of pace. A bit mixed playing advantages and in the second half stopped play for a free kick when an Eastleigh player was offside even though Tranmere had the ball attacking and then made them re take the free kick 2 times due to a moving ball. Was on the whole good at stopping encroachments though one Tranmere free kick in the second half seemed to be taken well in advance of where the offence happened. Dealt with time wasting by just signalling to get on with things. Didn’t hear much verbal encouragement but could be seen speaking to players and the odd smile. Both assistants seemed to get their decisions correct. |
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Saturday, 19. August 2017, 22:28 Post #22 |
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A clement afternoon was spent at Saturday 19th August 2017 FA Cup Preliminary Round Cockfosters 3 v 0 Holmer Green Mark Pond (Ilford); Alan Steward, Michael Iddenden-Smith. On entering the bar, JCFC quickly spotted two august gentlemen of mature years in animated conversation. The taller had largely outgrown his hair, but this was as nothing compared to his colleague whose pate could have featured in advertisements for Mr Sheen. Hovering in the background was a younger man of nondescript appearance with an apology of a beard. Hopes of an UACSOTF quickly evaporated. It turned out that the younger man, perhaps mid to late twenties, was to be the referee as three Essex badges took to the field, with all three lasting the distance on this occasion. Cockfosters had a great chance on 7 minutes, an attacker outpacing the defence only to shoot tamely at the keeper. On the quarter hour the home keeper caught the ball and as he ran towards the edge of the area he appeared to nudge the player chasing him with his elbow, then aim an unsuccessful little kick in his direction. Sensibly, perhaps, Mr Pond took no action, though it might have been tempting to find a subsequent opportunity to have a discreet word in his ear.A minute later the keeper was in action again, making a decent save. Play continued to ebb and flow for the next twenty-four minutes, with not a lot to cause palpitations. On 40 minutes, however, the home number 9 was played through, his first touch was not good enough, giving the advancing keeper a chance which he in turn fluffed. Number 9 regathered, turned and passed inside to a colleague, who fired a shot goalwards. With his keeper stranded the Green left back stuck up his hand on the line to save. Mr Pond had to wave the offender to his feet to show him the red card ... before the penalty kick was taken somewhat weakly and saved. A yellow was not long in arriving, correctly, as the Green number 5 hooked down an opponent who had beaten him. On 45 minutes a fast flowing move ended with Fosters taking the lead. Just seconds into the second half the home keeper caught a boot as he dived at an attacker's feet. The treatment took the best part of five minutes, one spectator reporting that he had been stitched. He soon had to make another save, Holmer Green's follow-up effort going wide.Gradually Cockfosters began to make the extra man count, nifty footwork on the right setting up a comfortable second just after the hour. They spurned a further chance before adding their third in the first minute of seven added. It did not take long for Mr Pond to change JCFC's initial impression. He had a pleasantly confident relaxed manner, and moved rapidly in all gears. The one occasion when he was struck by the ball was down to the ineptitude of the player's option. His decisions were accurate and crisply given and he had a strong voice when required to orchestrate things. If he did not quite create the frisson of the first sight of Darren England, Ben Toner and Tom Nield, this was perhaps the result of the largely benign nature of the match, but he created a very favourable impression indeed. One swallow does not make a Summer (or even a booze-up) but Mr Pond's is a name that JCFC will be looking for in future promotion lists. Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Saturday, 19. August 2017, 22:54.
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Sunday, 20. August 2017, 19:54 Post #23 |
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Something tells me that auto-correct - a misnomer if ever there was one - is going to have fun with the assistants at Sunday 20th August 2017 FA Cup Preliminary Round Baldock Town 3 v 1 North Greenford United Luke Scott (Northampton); Brian Ebulubu, Jakub Gierczyk. If ever a football club is spotted in the street selling the Big Issue, it will surely be Baldock Town. On a previous visit they played at Stotfold's Roker Park, but are now kipping on the plusher sofas of Arlesey. This did allow JCFC to examine the Lighthouse in the bar before the match. Mr Scott is young, fair-haired and the owner of another apologetic beard, which given its colour is only visible at close quarters. Sadly his running style is that of a man twice his age or more, and on 7 minutes while strolling ahead of the man in possession, he received a firm blow in the back from the ball, leading to a none too cordial-looking exchange with the kicker. An eexcellent advantage on 11 minutes came to nothing as Baldock shot high and wide. Instead the visitors took the lead five minutes later. On 21 minutes the home keeper had to race out to clear, the ball rebounding off the attacker into the penalty area. Mr Scott did better than JCFC, whose eyes followed the ball, and he spotted some offence for which the keeper saw yellow. The game lacked excitement, but in the final minute of the half a splendid diving header by the North Greenford number 11 produced an equally brilliant save. Things turned around in the first five minutes of the second half, Baldock equalising with a header and then going ahead when the keeper failed to stop what looked a comfortable shot. There was a yellow for the home number 10 on 54 minutes and on 65 minutes another powerful header from a Baldock corner gave them their third. On 81 minutes Mr Scott again wandered in front of the ball, the difference being that this time the ball whacked him on the chest. Lady Bracknell might have had an opinion on things! There was nearly a late fourth for Baldock, when a defender failed to take responsibility, but his keeper spared his blushes. It was pleasing to see another full turnout of Northamptonshire badges. There was one, possibly two, early difference(s) between Mr Scott and Mr Gierczyk, which enhanced Mr Scott's standing with North Greenford, but appeared to have a temporary effect on the assistant's confidence. There was little to complain about in Mr Scott's triage, with some good advantages played as well. Occasionally players did question decisions, but Mr Scott was liberal in the use of informal one to one chats and good control was maintained, with all three officials being well-received at the end. It is more of a pity, therefore, that his movement is so lacking in urgency. In particular, the occasions when he strolled 40 yards to see whether a player on the ground required treatment, were very irritating. In the end, the difference between yesterday's referee and today's was that one led the game superbly, the other followed it effectively. The latter is young, so has time to develop further. Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Sunday, 20. August 2017, 20:07.
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| paulfootballfan | Monday, 21. August 2017, 21:29 Post #24 |
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Sun 20th August Cray Wanderers 2 v 3 Sevenoaks Town FA Cup Preliminary Round Ref-Shaun Farrer Assistants-Luke Chapman and Oliver Westgate A bright afternoon for this match with Sevenoaks being one level below Cray. Both sides had chances early on with Sevenoaks have a chance headed off the line and then the Sevenoaks keeper made a good save from a header. Sevenoaks took the lead after 8 minutes but my eyes were looking skywards at the time as 5 of the Red Arrows flew over and I completely missed the goal. Both sides had opportunities with Sevenoaks having a shot just go wide and defending well at the other end blocking Cray shots. A good passing move resulted in Sevenoaks second goal after 35 minutes. Cray had further chances saved before half time. Cray got a goal back in the 48th minutes when a low cross was finished and then dominated the next 10/15 minutes. Sevenoaks number 2 was booked for a late challenge Sevenoaks first chance of the second half came when they broke forward and rounded the keeper but stumbled on the ball and committed a foul on a Cray player. Sevenoaks scored their 3rd halfway through the half when again they broke and Mr Westgate correctly kept his flag down and the number 11 lobbed the goalkeeper. Sevenoaks number 8 was booked for not giving the ball back so Cray could take a free kick. With 10 minutes left Cray scored when a header went in off the post. Cray dominated the last 10 minutes and had a shot go just wide and in injury time had a chance cleared off the line. Sevenoaks goalie was booked for taking too long to take a goal kick after being told to get on with things at pervious goal kicks. Sevenoaks held on to complete a cup upset Most decisions looked correct and Mr Farrer seemed to let some holding go but was fairly consistent about this throughout apart from one occasion when Sevenoaks 10 moaned about not being a free kick for it was awarded one at the next opportunity. Also what looked like 2 pushes late on were not given but the ball had gone out of play when the pushes occurred. Close enough to play and a good change of pace. Preferred moving forwards when he could and sometimes seemed to be looking over his shoulders at play. Took a leisurely walk back at goal kicks often positioning himself in the centre of the field. Played advantages most of the time though on 2 occasions thought he could have carried on as teams still had the ball attacking instead of blowing for free kicks. Good at stopping encroachments. Could be heard telling players to get on with things late in the game when he thought they were being too slow and also had a word with a slow moving Sevenoaks player as he was subbed. Could hear lots of verbal encouragement. All 3 wore county badges. Mr Chapman could be heard stopping encroachments at throw ins and also helped Mr Farrer with a few decisions that were closer to him whilst Mr Westgate looked like he made a few good decisions to keep his flag down during the second half as Sevenoaks broke. Edited by paulfootballfan, Monday, 21. August 2017, 21:35.
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| Jim Carr Fan Club | Friday, 25. August 2017, 20:37 Post #25 |
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The plan had been to head for the FA Cup replay at Kidsgrove, but late notice of a funeral in Grindleton the following day meant a change of plan and a trip instead to Wednesday 23rd August 2017 NCEFL Premier Penistone Church 3 v 4 Staveley Miners Welfare Johnathon Bickerdike (Leeds); Waqar Ahmad, Liam Thornton. The thought had been that this might be a reasonable appointment for one of the newly promoted Level 3s, but instead it was the familiar figure of Mr Bickerdike. For the third match in a row, the referee sported a sketchy beard, though in this case artistic rather than apologetic. Nothing sketchy about Mr Ahmad's compensatory growth, his upside down look currently featuring on the NCEFL website home and match officials pages. Mr Thornton wisely shunned such fripperies. JCFC had to spend time before kick-off with an over-lively blonde from Bradfield. Staveley made much the better start and after hitting the post on 3 minutes and shooting just over on 6, they took the lead on 12 minutes. Mr Bickerdike played advantage as Mr Ahmad flagged for a spot of holding as Penistone attacked, speaking with the offender when the attack fizzled out. Penistone equalised just after the half hour, a spot of passing to and fro near the right hand corner culminating in a shot (cross?) into the far top corner. They were level for just two minutes, a long shot restoring Staveley's lead. Back came Church, one effort being thwarted by a foul on the keeper, before they drew level again on 42 minutes when a super cross was met by an excellent header. The second half was played out to a running conversation (well, monologue) which featured the unlikely-sounding combination of various Fairport members and Petula Clark. Staveley went ahead again six minutes into the second half, a couple of deflections leaving the keeper helpless. There was almost an equaliser within seconds of the restart, but Staveley managed to block the shot. To date Mr Bickerdike had contented himself with warnings, but a reckless tackle in the corner produced a flag from Mr Ahmad and a correct yellow from Mr Bickerdike, who in turn was on the receiving end from a group of Church fans who expressed their disapproval in distinctly unecclesiastical terms. On 59 minutes Staveley went further ahead, bringing down a free-kick and shooting on the turn. Play continued to fluctuate, Penistone putting a chance wide and then surviving a ridiculous back-pass. Mr Bickerdike's long legs were proving very effective in getting him quickly from end to end. A second yellow went to a Penistone player on 72 minutes, whether for a foul, an accumulation of offences or for dissent was not clear. A clearance by the Staveley keeper was blocked, but went out wide and two minutes later he was involved again, tipping an effort onto the bar and out for a corner, though a subsequent corner on 84 minutes led to Penistone's third. There was a hectic finish as Church looked in vain for the equaliser. A Staveley player was booked for a foul on halfway; a Staveley player walking very slowly when substituted was half pushed, half dragged by the Penistone number 6 until Mr Bickerdike intervened; the Staveley number 10 was through, but denied by the keeper's foot; Penistone had a chance off target. Finally there was a yellow card for the home number 11 as Mr Ahmad flagged again. This one did perhaps look a little harsh unless previous offences had been noted, perhaps the fact that the observer had moved round to be nearby had an influence. It had been an entertaining game and the officials did a good job, Mr Bickerdike looking more assured than he has sometimes done in the past. |
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8:03 AM Jul 13