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Non-League Watch 2011-2012
Topic Started: August 14, 2011, 4:28 pm (30,693 Views)
Tim Wills
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It's back for another season, the best thread on the internet ever and then some !!

With promotions to level 1 and relegations to level 2B, there will be quite a few new referees at Bootham Crescrent for me to observe and offer pearls of wisdom such as retire, visit Specsavers or the telephone number for Weight Watchers in your local area. As usual, I can be bribed by Strongbow in the Social Club afterwards although if you were complete pants, I will have left the ground at the final whistle and be already penning my character assassination as you walk nervously into the bar wondering which freak of nature is my good self.



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Dommer OFK
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Once again, I look forward to reading your reports this season
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You may regret setting me off again TW, but here goes........

Saturday 6th August 2011
NWCFL Premier
Glossop NE 2 v 0 Squires Gate
Luke Watson (Cudworth); Paul Saunders, Ashley Guest

Recent posts having reminded me that the pies at Glossop are highly recommended and with a Summer-only direct bus, Glossop seemed a good first destination. A check on the appointments bulletin (how I am going to miss that!) sealed it as Luke Watson had handled my first game last season. On that occasion the local paper gave him unprecedented praise - despite a home defeat - and I was impressed with his fitness, but a little less so with his communication and facial expression.

Over the past twelve months he has filled out considerably and looks rather more than a year older. He appeared a little more economical in his running, but was still always well-placed. Before the match he radiated bonhomie and good humour and though still quite serious-looking during the match did smile on occasions and looked more relaxed. His verbal communication has improved greatly and he was always well on top of proceedings. One debatable challenge - not penalised - led to a quiet whinge from the visiting captain, who I remember watching regularly as a 14-year old (him, not me!), but otherwise Mr Watson had a very quiet afternoon. Two cautions came for time-wasting after frequent exhortations to get the ball in play, completing a good display.

Pie, peas with mint sauce and a tea came to £2.40 by the way.



Tuesday 9th August2011
NCEL Premier
Brighouse T 5 v 3 Arnold T
Tony Murphy (Tadcaster); Rob Sherwood, Paul Secker

Arriving early at the ground I enjoyed pre-match entertainment courtesy of Mr Murphy's partner's young son, who I hope enjoyed his Leeds trial.

In his first league match at this level, Mr Murphy was soon in action, with a clumsy foul within three seconds, and a couple more soon afterwards. He must have been gratified after 10 minutes when an advantage call led to the opening goal for Brighouse. The first caution came after 16 minutes for chirruping and Mr Murphy involved the captain. Brighouse doubled their lead on 23 mins, with defenders hopefully claiming handball, but Mr Sherwood clearly indicating chest. There were any number of scruffy challenges and decisions did not always meet with approval, notably from the Arnold keeper. On 39 mins the Brighouse 3 was cautioned for a body-check, whereupon Mr Murphy trotted to the other half and finally cautioned the aforementioned keeper as well. Arnold scored to make it 2-1 at half-time.

Mr Murphy emerged smiling for the second half and seemed to have developed a more relaxed approach - "Nothing in that, get on with it!" - and the sides proceded to trade goals (Brighouse's fourth coming after another good advantage.) On 86 minutes with the score at 4-3 a dodgy-looking tackle went unpunished, and as play continued two players indulged in a spot of chest-to-chest posturing. Eventually a push by the Brighouse player saw his opponent go down in a heap. After consultation with Mr Sherwood, the red card was shown to the home player. Brighouse had to hang on desperately for a further 8 minutes - but eventually scored a surprise fifth. History was made - at the ninth attempt I had witnessed a Brighouse win.

Mr Murphy will have easier matches to handle than this one and if at times he seemed a little inconsistent, it was understandable in the situation and he will, I hope, feel more at ease in his next game. I liked his regular appreciation of his assistants' contribution.


Wednesday 10th August 2011
NWCFL Premier
Silsden 0 v 4 Barnoldswick T
Ken Haycock (Bradford); Daniel Bennett, Michael Brownsett

Mr Haycock, on the other hand, is a more experienced official and had a relaxed approach to his evening. An offside flag was waved down in peremptory manner (a triple downward motion) - what's wrong with a simple acknowledgement? With Barlick taking an early 2-goal lead, extended to 3 before half-time, the game was not proving difficult to control and Mr Haycock spoke firmly to two players who had too much to say.

On 54 minutes the Barlick keeper having been challenged after rescuing a save took exception to the attacker and had to be restrained by his team-mates. Result - yellow card and penalty, which he redeemed himself by saving, shortly followed by another excellent save. A little niggle began to creep in and Mr Haycock was heard to say to a squabbling pair " Shut up both of you - it's like being out with my daughter." There were a number of lateish tackles, largely unpunished, and couple of cautions for fouls as Silsden proceeded to concede a fourth: they may be in for a hard season.


Saturday 13th August 2011
Evo-Stik 1N
Curzon Ashton 1 v 0 Radcliffe Borough
Joe Simpson (Marple Bridge); Sarah Hollins, Terence Ratcliffe

When I saw Mr Simpson on the line last year, he reminded me of a lively and enthusiastic puppy, so I was hoping for a good performance from him in the middle. He appeared more florid of countenance, but I trust this was a sign of a good holiday rather than imminent apoplexy. The game started oddly; after two minutes there was a problem with Mr R's flag and when remedial measures proved ineffective three minutes later, Ms H was sent in search of replacements.

Mr Simpson covers the ground well and looks for advantage, but is quick to come back when it does not materialise. Being new at this level, he was naturally keen to keep a tight rein on proceedings. He was very strict on aerial challenges - possibly too much so on occasions - at one point Curzon were protesting that there hadn't been a bad foul in the game. True, and 8 yellows might appear excessive, but they were mostly for cynical attack-stopping challenges or for persistent infringement, clearly indicated. On a couple of occasions he appeared to take his time before deciding on a caution rather than a lecture.

His overall control was very tight, though he relaxed a little in the second half, and he missed nothing throughout. He seems a personable young man and can feel pleased with his afternoon's work, which ultimately the players seemed to appreciate.
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joe_manchester_ref
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August 14, 2011, 6:16 pm
Saturday 13th August 2011
Evo-Stik 1N
Curzon Ashton 1 v 0 Radcliffe Borough
Joe Simpson (Marple Bridge); Sarah Hollins, Terence Ratcliffe

When I saw Mr Simpson on the line last year, he reminded me of a lively and enthusiastic puppy, so I was hoping for a good performance from him in the middle. He appeared more florid of countenance, but I trust this was a sign of a good holiday rather than imminent apoplexy. The game started oddly; after two minutes there was a problem with Mr R's flag and when remedial measures proved ineffective three minutes later, Ms H was sent in search of replacements.

Mr Simpson covers the ground well and looks for advantage, but is quick to come back when it does not materialise. Being new at this level, he was naturally keen to keep a tight rein on proceedings. He was very strict on aerial challenges - possibly too much so on occasions - at one point Curzon were protesting that there hadn't been a bad foul in the game. True, and 8 yellows might appear excessive, but they were mostly for cynical attack-stopping challenges or for persistent infringement, clearly indicated. On a couple of occasions he appeared to take his time before deciding on a caution rather than a lecture.

His overall control was very tight, though he relaxed a little in the second half, and he missed nothing throughout. He seems a personable young man and can feel pleased with his afternoon's work, which ultimately the players seemed to appreciate.
I also thought Mr Simpson had an excellent game, where he always looked in complete control which possibly belies the 7 or 8 cards he produced. I did think at some points he was very harsh with aerial challenges, often being the only person in the ground to see anything untoward but i'd rather he gave it that way as opposed to the polar opposite of giving naff-all. These decisions did occasionally lead to some questioning from the Curzon players, but after a quick word everyone left the conversation with a smile on their faces, which Joe admirably kept on for the whole 90 minutes. A more than comptetent performance from a young official just starting off at this level. The only poor decision of the match was when all 3 officials missed possibly the most blatent corner I have ever seen, when a Radcliffe defender made a good block to deflect a goal-bound shot, causing the keeper to rush to, unsuccesfully, keep the ball in play. When Ms Hollins placed her flag horizontal though, there were more than a few looks of bemusement!!

On an unrelated note is it Joe Simpson who featured in some old FA publications from a few years ago? I can't find the booklets to hand, but they were things I received when I first qualified such as 'guide to assisting' or 'advice for new officials' or the sort.
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August 15, 2011, 1:53 am
On an unrelated note is it Joe Simpson who featured in some old FA publications from a few years ago? I can't find the booklets to hand, but they were things I received when I first qualified such as 'guide to assisting' or 'advice for new officials' or the sort.
Yes.
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Hx Philip
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Tuesday 16th August
Blue Square Premier
Alfreton Town v Southport
Richard West

Unlike last year when I started off with a cracker, this was 0-0, and it was about fair as neither side excelled or did quite enough to win. Alfreton may take a while to adjust to a higher level - having been at the top of BSN for a couple of seasons now they are used to winning more than they lose and that may change this year.

I don't think I could rate Mr West as better than average in this game. His most frustrating habit was letting the defenders get away with all sorts of holding and shirt pulling, before then pulling up a forward for something which seemed trivial in comparison. Of the five yellows, I disagreed with a couple - one I thought was a good tackle, and another (which always annoys me) was given when a player kicked the ball at an opponent who was retreating from a free kick but was not the required distance. I understand why its given, but I don't like the principle of a deliberate act to get an opponent cautioned.

Southport claimed a penalty on a few occasions, but I didn't think any of them were particularly the noteworthy - the one which looked most plausible was a handball from a free kick but the Alfreton player had his arm by his side so it would have been harsh.

Overall, Mr West (like the match) didn't really excel but there were no major errors either. Incidentally, JCFC's friend Mr Watson was running one of the lines (neither AR was particularly noticeable tonight).
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Tuesday 16th August 2011
Evo-Stik 1N
Garforth Town 2 v 1 Durham City
Anthony Duffy (Acklam, Middlesbrough); John Freeland, Adam Welsh

Mr Duffy is another of this season's newcomers to this level. He is very young, enviably slim......and has the longest shorts I have seen since the fifties. He is also a fully paid-up member of the auburn tendency. Despite that (Sorry!), the first paragraph of the match programme welcomed the officials by name, adding "We can't do this without you guys."

Unlike last Tuesday, we had to wait 7 minutes for the first foul - by which time Durham had taken a very early lead. The only significant foul led to a caution for a Garforth player after 18 minutes. Garforth dominated the play, but it was not until the second half that they were able to level the scores, a first half penalty claim having been firmly rejected. They added the eventual winner on 80 minutes, the Durham keeper being cautioned for protesting. The final caution came in stoppage time as a home player tapped the ball away to delay a free-kick.

Mr Duffy maintained a strong grip on what turned out to be a straightforward evening. He made good use of advantage, speaking to offenders subsequently where appropriate, had a good variation of whistle and communicated well with his assistants. He was always decisive with his "no" signal and quick to nip any potential problems in the bud. Though he did not overdo the patter, he was prepared to make his views known when required and seemed to have a good relationship with the players and management.

He will certainly come across more demanding matches, but on this showing he will equally certainly handle them well.
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Keith H
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Excuse my ignorance but what does being a fully paid up member of the auburn tendency mean
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Whistleblower
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I took it to mean he was ginger haired
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Whistleblower
August 17, 2011, 6:35 pm
I took it to mean he was ginger haired
Correct!
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RUPERT
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Saw Karl Evans on Tuesday evening at Lincoln V Kidderminster - Had a decent game but should have red-carded a lincoln player at the end who barged a kidderminster player into the advertising hoardings and smashed his head against them. Not rated Evans previously but did a steady job in this game
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August 18, 2011, 7:24 pm
Saw Karl Evans on Tuesday evening at Lincoln V Kidderminster - Had a decent game but should have red-carded a lincoln player at the end who barged a kidderminster player into the advertising hoardings and smashed his head against them. Not rated Evans previously but did a steady job in this game
Didn't get anything major wrong then like. Sounds like a top performance to me!!! :argh:
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Friday 19th August 2011
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Lye Town 0 v 5 Coventry Sphinx
Neil Faunch (Lichfield?); Simon King, Simon Rodgers

In deference to slimref's wish for someone to report from South of Retford, JCFC headed for Birmingham for the start of the FA Cup competition.
The match programme giving no indication as to the identity of the officials, and the loudspeakers belting out music for the beer festival at the cricket pavilion on the far side of the ground, the details above come courtesy of the local press in Stourbridge and Coventry.

The officials had an odd start - in the first minute what looked to be a clear corner was given as a goal kick by the referee, to be followed in quick succession by a throw in on each side where he went against his assistant's flag. On 24 minutes a crossfield ball by a Coventry player fell to a Lye attacker, The assistant flagged for offside, but Mr Faunch was quick to overrule him and the attacker was allowed to shoot - unsuccessfully! Mr Faunch then went to have a word of explanation with the assistant and with the bench. The young AR good-humouredly acknowledged the slip-up. The remainder of the half saw a couple of cautions and a shirt-pull on a Coventry attacker in the box. He got his shot in and nothing was given.
Just before the hour, the other assistant, who may have been feeling lonely in the middle of the cricket field, flagged and called the referee over, resulting in a brief talking-to for a Lye player. Shortly afterwards Coventry took the lead and added a further four over the next 20 minutes as Lye's resistance crumbled. A couple of potential incidents were averted when Mr Faunch moved in extremely quickly and a free kick sufficed on each occasion. A solid enough display from Mr Faunch.



Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, August 22, 2011, 3:10 pm.
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Saturday 20th August 2011
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Boldmere St Michael's 5 v 2 Bartley Green
Phillip Reade (Wednesfield); Paul Norton, Stuart Winton

And so to the well-heeled outskirts of Sutton Coldfield and leafy Boldmere, with again a Staffordshire Level 4 (I believe) in charge. Boldmere took the lead on 4 minutes, and there followed a couple of instances where Mr Reade changed his decision - the first time over a throw-in, and the second when he at first insisted that the ball had gone for a throw-in, but was eventually persuaded by all concerned, including Mr Winton on the far side of the field to give a corner. After an otherwise uneventful half hour there was a goal for each side before half time.
The second half started even more quietly but in the final quarter Boldmere extended their lead to 5-1 and the visiting captain was cautioned for persistent infringement. It should have been 6-1, but with the ball heading gently into the goal and the potential scorer following up to make sure, one of his colleagues decided to grab the glory and dived to head the ball into the net. Mr Winton correctly flagged for offside - and Bartley Green went down the other end and scored.
There was still time for a mass grapple, in fairness mostly involving players trying to separate others. Mr Reade whistled long and hard and repeatedly. When order was restored, he had a lengthy discussion with Mr Winton and cautioned a player from each side and blew for time as soon as the ball was back in play.
Mr Reade could not be described as young, but seemed an amiable sort, and very polite with his pleases and thank yous. He tended to operate fairly centrally and at times was a little way removed from play, but the visiting captain's comment to all and sundry as they came off for half-time - to the effect that the copulating referee had onanistic tendencies - was unwarranted.
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If you so wish - there's an FA Cup Tie between Malvern Town and Causeway United on tomorrow at 3pm in Malvern. Referee is Chris Smith from Leominster in Herefordshire
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That's the plan - thanks for the information.
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Sunday 21st August 2011
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Malvern Town 0 v 0 Causeway United
Chris Smith (Leominster); Michael Jones, Tom Hunt.

Birmingham Moor Street Station was a delight in contrast to the anonymity of Snow Hill and the hell-hole of New Street (perhaps a non-footy thread: is there a worse major station in Europe?) And so to sunny Malvern Town, with its dummy entrance, straw-coloured pitch and Herefordshire's finest (possibly) in charge.

Mr Smith seemed to know a fair number of people in the crowd and was involved in great mirth in the tunnel before the start. His positioning and movement were impressive - he has a particularly good reverse gear, a feature that had been missing in the previous matches. He was incisive with his decisions, especially with his non-decisions when his hands immediately went behind his back. This caused one or two instances of players used to a more pernickety approach looking to extract vengeance for a perceived wrong with tackles that rightly earned a rebuke from Mr Smith.
On 36 minutes the Causeway number 11 went for a challenge with his foot raised. Though he did not follow through with it, Mr Smith decided with some justification that a yellow card was called for. The player must have had other views as a further display of pique, after the card, led to his being called back by Mr Smith who could (should?) have reached for his red, but settled for a word, which the player appeared to accept amicably in the end. His bench, though, gave him the hook a minute later. A happy bunny he was not - shirt off, much chuntering and a resounding slam from the bowels of the stand. A home player was also cautioned before half-time, after Mr Smith had allowed an advantage.
The second half produced little of note other than an exchange of guffaws between Mr Smith and the visiting captain, and a curious moment when the award of a throw to Malvern prompted a lecture for two Malvern players in the presence of their captain. Malvern had looked second best throughout, but actually had a couple of good scoring chances towards the end.
Mr Smith looked the part (I liked the socks!) and did a good job, but I suspect that in a league match with the pressure of the man in the stand, he might have had to adopt a slightly different approach.
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Good to hear - Mr Jones ran a line to me the previous day at Tenbury vs. Malvern Reserves - had a very good game that day as well - and I've worked with Mr Smith before (he's just come back into the game after a couple of years break - he used to officiate on the Southern League back in the day).
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New Street Station was indeed designated the worst station in the UK by the government! Think it's getting re-done isn't it?
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Monday 22nd August 2011
Evo-Stik Northern Premier
Bradford Park Avenue 1 v 0 Worksop Town
Chris Woodall (Malton); Keith Butler, Christopher Simpson

Mr Woodall is a regular performer on the Northern circuit and had the support of two mature-looking assistants (a North Riding speciality, it seems) who flagged vigorously and appropriately. Three Worksop players were penalised in the first quarter for clumsy tackles from behind. In each case they seemed to feel that the fact that they had managed to make contact with the ball made this all right, or perhaps they thought that an instant protest might avert a booking. If so, they were correct - though the one who repeated his offence minutes later was not so lucky. This was, however, to be the only caution of a match which could well have justified many more. I have no reason to believe that Mr Woodall is a saint, but he displayed the patience of one as the number of players spoken to in passing or summoned for a lecture grew and grew.
Though I would have preferred stronger action, it must be said that Mr Woodall and his assistants were virtually faultless in picking up foul play and the match did not degenerate.
One of what I take to have been an official Worksop contingent (blazers and orange-striped ties) was on his mobile at the end complaining about the referee. He had not worked very far through his dictionary so settled for " appalling, awful, absolutely abysmal." He could at the very least have added "acceptable" and definitely "accurate."
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August 14, 2011, 6:16 pm
Saturday 13th August 2011
Evo-Stik 1N
Curzon Ashton 1 v 0 Radcliffe Borough
Joe Simpson (Marple Bridge); Sarah Hollins, Terence Ratcliffe

When I saw Mr Simpson on the line last year, he reminded me of a lively and enthusiastic puppy, so I was hoping for a good performance from him in the middle. He appeared more florid of countenance, but I trust this was a sign of a good holiday rather than imminent apoplexy. The game started oddly; after two minutes there was a problem with Mr R's flag and when remedial measures proved ineffective three minutes later, Ms H was sent in search of replacements.

Mr Simpson covers the ground well and looks for advantage, but is quick to come back when it does not materialise. Being new at this level, he was naturally keen to keep a tight rein on proceedings. He was very strict on aerial challenges - possibly too much so on occasions - at one point Curzon were protesting that there hadn't been a bad foul in the game. True, and 8 yellows might appear excessive, but they were mostly for cynical attack-stopping challenges or for persistent infringement, clearly indicated. On a couple of occasions he appeared to take his time before deciding on a caution rather than a lecture.

His overall control was very tight, though he relaxed a little in the second half, and he missed nothing throughout. He seems a personable young man and can feel pleased with his afternoon's work, which ultimately the players seemed to appreciate.
Joe Simpson? Didn't he AR on the Skelmersdale - AFC Fylde play-off game last season? Simon Bennett refereed that IIRC.
"I swear you'll never see anything like this ever again. So watch it. Drink it in.

They've just heard the news at the Stadium of Light..."

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...and he also lined on:

Tuesday 23rd August
Blue Square North
Eastwood Town vs Gloucester City
Chris Kavanagh

After a dour start to my non-league exploits last week, this game was much better. Goals are always a good start, but it was also rather more lively (after a slow start) and had some controversial moments too.

Most of the action was saved for the second half, and the first 30 minutes were a little on the slow side. Eastwood took the lead at this point, which livened things up a bit, with Gloucester levelling some six or seven minutes later (a rebound from a superb strike which came down off the crossbar). No cards and no controversy, although I felt Mr Kavanagh could have let a bit more go - a few too many picky fouls for my liking.

Into the second half, and things began to get interesting. About 10 minutes in, seemingly from nowhere, after a Gloucester set-piece had been cleared there was a scuffle in the goalmouth between two opposing players. I definitely saw a raised arm from one strike the other in the face, and clearly Mr Kavanagh did too because he rushed straight in brandishing a red card to the now prone Gloucester player. After seeking advice from his assistant, the Eastwood player (once treated for a facial wound) received a yellow card and play began with an Eastwood free kick. It all happened rather quickly from my distant view, but I think Mr Kavanagh got the red card right (which was confirmed when I heard a Gloucester fan at the final whistle on his mobile phone describing an 'elbow'). His colleagues behind the goal wanted the numbers evened up - on that part of the incident I couldn't comment with any certainty.

This incident raised the temperature a little, and after a caution to an Eastwood player for dissent, an Eastwood forward who thought he had been fouled tried to kick out at his opponent but missed. This caused a bit of a commotion, and again the Gloucester contingent wanted sterner action than the yellow card given by Mr Kavanagh. However, from their perspective, the worst was yet to come.

Play was in the Eastwood half on the near touchline, and Mr Kavanagh was in close proximity at a Gloucester free kick. The ball came off an Eastwood player and would have gone out for a Gloucester throw, but for the presence of Mr Kavanagh on the touchline who played a neat one-two with the same Eastwood player who then started a counter-attack. I'm sure I don't need to tell you what happened next. It proved to be the winning goal for Eastwood, and the Gloucester players and manager were more than a little annoyed. To be fair to Mr Kavanagh, when play was stopped a short while afterwards he apologised to the Gloucester manager (I was standing right by the away dugout) - I'm sure many of the referees on here have been in the same situation at some time or other and you must feel awful about it. The manager and indeed several of the Eastwood fans nearby were suggesting that he should have stopped the play, but I think we all know what the assessor would have said had he done so. Could there be a way of reaching a common sense solution here? Of course, Mr Kavanagh is not solely to blame for the goal and he played but a small part in it, but that small part enabled Eastwood to swiftly turn defence into attack and from a Gloucester perspective he was the main culprit. I did think that, following the incident, rather more of the decisions did seem to go Gloucester's way, but perhaps that was just me.

Anyway, as I said, Gloucester couldn't find a leveller in the time that remained. We had a further three yellow cards, a couple to Eastwood players for timewasting and one to a Gloucester player for a foul. I have to say that I didn't notice that Gloucester only had ten men in that second half - they probably deserved something from the game.

As for Mr Kavanagh, I thought he got the red card right, but there were times when I questioned his consistency of what was and wasn't a foul, which seemed to vary rather during the game. I can't really blame him for his intervention in the winning goal, but overall I guess this game isn't one he'll remember too fondly, purely because of that one incident, and for that he certainly has my sympathy.
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August 23, 2011, 11:23 pm
...and he also lined on:

Tuesday 23rd August
Blue Square North
Eastwood Town vs Gloucester City
Chris Kavanagh

After a dour start to my non-league exploits last week, this game was much better. Goals are always a good start, but it was also rather more lively (after a slow start) and had some controversial moments too.

Most of the action was saved for the second half, and the first 30 minutes were a little on the slow side. Eastwood took the lead at this point, which livened things up a bit, with Gloucester levelling some six or seven minutes later (a rebound from a superb strike which came down off the crossbar). No cards and no controversy, although I felt Mr Kavanagh could have let a bit more go - a few too many picky fouls for my liking.

Into the second half, and things began to get interesting. About 10 minutes in, seemingly from nowhere, after a Gloucester set-piece had been cleared there was a scuffle in the goalmouth between two opposing players. I definitely saw a raised arm from one strike the other in the face, and clearly Mr Kavanagh did too because he rushed straight in brandishing a red card to the now prone Gloucester player. After seeking advice from his assistant, the Eastwood player (once treated for a facial wound) received a yellow card and play began with an Eastwood free kick. It all happened rather quickly from my distant view, but I think Mr Kavanagh got the red card right (which was confirmed when I heard a Gloucester fan at the final whistle on his mobile phone describing an 'elbow'). His colleagues behind the goal wanted the numbers evened up - on that part of the incident I couldn't comment with any certainty.

This incident raised the temperature a little, and after a caution to an Eastwood player for dissent, an Eastwood forward who thought he had been fouled tried to kick out at his opponent but missed. This caused a bit of a commotion, and again the Gloucester contingent wanted sterner action than the yellow card given by Mr Kavanagh. However, from their perspective, the worst was yet to come.

Play was in the Eastwood half on the near touchline, and Mr Kavanagh was in close proximity at a Gloucester free kick. The ball came off an Eastwood player and would have gone out for a Gloucester throw, but for the presence of Mr Kavanagh on the touchline who played a neat one-two with the same Eastwood player who then started a counter-attack. I'm sure I don't need to tell you what happened next. It proved to be the winning goal for Eastwood, and the Gloucester players and manager were more than a little annoyed. To be fair to Mr Kavanagh, when play was stopped a short while afterwards he apologised to the Gloucester manager (I was standing right by the away dugout) - I'm sure many of the referees on here have been in the same situation at some time or other and you must feel awful about it. The manager and indeed several of the Eastwood fans nearby were suggesting that he should have stopped the play, but I think we all know what the assessor would have said had he done so. Could there be a way of reaching a common sense solution here? Of course, Mr Kavanagh is not solely to blame for the goal and he played but a small part in it, but that small part enabled Eastwood to swiftly turn defence into attack and from a Gloucester perspective he was the main culprit. I did think that, following the incident, rather more of the decisions did seem to go Gloucester's way, but perhaps that was just me.

Anyway, as I said, Gloucester couldn't find a leveller in the time that remained. We had a further three yellow cards, a couple to Eastwood players for timewasting and one to a Gloucester player for a foul. I have to say that I didn't notice that Gloucester only had ten men in that second half - they probably deserved something from the game.

As for Mr Kavanagh, I thought he got the red card right, but there were times when I questioned his consistency of what was and wasn't a foul, which seemed to vary rather during the game. I can't really blame him for his intervention in the winning goal, but overall I guess this game isn't one he'll remember too fondly, purely because of that one incident, and for that he certainly has my sympathy.
Completely devastating that for a referee and not much you can do. I guess depending on how close to the touchline you were, you could say the ball had already gone out and given the thrown in haha, although that's hardly a great idea!!!
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What a splendid post from Hx Philip! Meanwhile after the Lord Mayor's Show...........

Tuesday 23rd August 2011
NCEL Premier
Brighouse Town 2 v 1 Scarborough Athletic
Joe Hull (Bramhall); Dean Watson, Abid Hussain

Watching Mr Hull from the back of the stand on a freezing evening in Garforth last season I was reminded of the House of Peers in Iolanthe as, or so I thought, he "did nothing in particular and did it very well." From pitch level, however, it is evident that, like the duck, he is working hard below the surface.

He established an atmosphere of mutual respect, with a steady stream of congratulations and approval as well as the usual instructions and words of warning. I liked his comment to one player who had slightly mistimed his jump; "keep challenging, just be careful." In all of this he was, it must be said, helped by the two teams, who responded well to his approach. He is prompt and assured in his decisions and they were barely queried at all - the one moment when a player protested was greeted with a sharp whistle and a rapid word without holding up play. Equally there were very few fouls of note.

Brighouse took an early lead, doubling it just before the interval. With their keeper making a succession of good saves they held on to this until the ninetieth minute when an attempt at keeping possession via back-passes went horribly awry and gave Scarboprough an easy goal. Stoppage time saw a caution for each side in quick succession - a shame really, but with a brace of assessors on his case he had no real alternative - to conclude an excellent evening's work.

The one person who really did deserve a sanction was the Brighouse physio, who, when their keeper went down in the 55th minute (!), took an age to appear in response to the referee's signal, then strolled slowly across the field distributing a water-bottle along the way, arriving as the keeper recovered so that the only treatment required was a swig of water. When a Brighouse player went down near the touchline shorly afterwards, Mr Hull very properly made sure that he went off the field.
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, August 24, 2011, 10:34 am.
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nemesis
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DodgyRef
August 24, 2011, 12:15 am
Completely devastating that for a referee and not much you can do. I guess depending on how close to the touchline you were, you could say the ball had already gone out and given the thrown in haha, although that's hardly a great idea!!!
I'm sure Mark Halsey could have thought of something !
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