The situation was as normal at Grove Farm today - the lottery of which teams would turn up! Luc invited me to referee ChemEng and they eventually decided to play against TheoSoc, as neither team's opponents had turned up. It was very much a friendly, and played in the manner of such a game. The atmosphere was relaxed, and this made it very enjoyable for me.
ChemEng dominated the start of the game. In fact, the first half was incredibly one-sided. Before I had even given a free kick for a foul, they were 3-0 up (the third goal going in 24 minutes in)! There were early penalty appeals for ChemEng, as their forward got a shot away but was then clattered by the keeper. I didn't give it - you don't see such decisions normally given - the most recent example was in the Old Firm Derby a couple of weeks ago when Calum Murray did exactly what I did. There were a few murmurs, but no major arguments. Other than calling a foul throw against Will Booth for a pretty camp attempt at a throw-in, I had nothing to do. The first foul came in the 29th minute, and by half-time I had only given two more; the game was flowing nicely. ChemEng, meanwhile, were all over TheoSoc and could have had six or seven by half-time, with some poor finishing not matching some excellent approach play. The through ball was working really well for them. It had been a hugely enjoyable 45 minutes for me, anyway.
TheoSoc came out with renewed energy and drive in the second half, and the game became much more even. I continued to enjoy it immensely. I played several good advantages, blew for fouls where I had to, and tried to limit my interventions. The main controversies surrounded offsides as ever - I went with the assistants in most cases, although that may not always have been right. Moreover, I was communicating with the players regularly, something which I don't always do. I felt relaxed and in control.
10 minutes from the end, I had a rare moment - a yellow card! TheoSoc were running through ahead of the defence, and one of the ChemEng defenders (who judging by his linesmanship was more used to playing rugby!) attempted to bring the forward down (in the classic 'Pro Evo' style). I was able to play the advantage, and the ball was then passed across the box and the linesman gave offside (perhaps a bit dodgy) although they were prevented from scoring by a last-ditch tackle anyway. As play stopped, I showed the defender the yellow card for his cynicism - my first yellow card in some while!
I was surprised that there were not more goals in the second half, but in the end ChemEng were able to add two more to their tally right at the end - both in the 90th minute. The first was a spectacular volley from Aaron, the second rather more scrappy from a throw-in, after which I brought proceedings to an end. The throw in had come after a rather late (but not malicious) tackle near the halfway line for which I played advantage, and I could perhaps have shown another yellow card but the game was all but over. ChemEng finished winners by 5 goals to 0.
Overall, this was another hugely enjoyable match for me to referee. It was relaxed, and I can't have given more than 10 fouls all game (and probably kept play going by playing advantage on about as many others). The yellow card was certainly deserved, if not necessary for my control of the match, although I have decided that I need to be more pro-active at times in showing cards where they are deserved. It doesn't, however, ruin a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Luke was refereeing on a neighbouring pitch, and his match was abandoned after a Real Politik player went down and broke his leg early in the second half while they were drawing 2-2 with Physics. Apparently he was at least in good humour throughout the episode, but it really is a most unfortunate occurance - I recall the game in which I assisted Doug up at Hucknall Town where the player hit the perimeter wall and play had to be stopped. The match is never the same after such an injury, and obviously I hope the Politics player will get better and be back playing football as soon as possible!
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Match 6 - Cripps Freshers vs Cripps Old Boys
I was flying solo today at Grove Farm with Luke otherwise engaged, and as I arrived saw one of the Cripps players from last year who said that the freshers' match had been cancelled and so they were having an old boys game. When they met last term, we had a dramatic match with extra time, eight goals, a hatful of yellow cards and a sending off with a penalty shootout to decide it all. Today, the Old Boys had only just got a team together and played with 10 men for much of the match (and not because Doug was sending them off again!). They even borrowed freshers' players on a couple of occasions.
This game was rather more relaxed than the previous one, but didn't lack the drama. The Old Boys made a very lacklustre start and found themselves 2-0 down after two strikes in one minute. In both cases, the keeper didn't help their cause with his feeble attempts to stop the shots going in. However, they managed to pull one back in the 24th minute and were soon back to full strength, and the game became a much more even contest. The Old Boys thought they had levelled soon after but one of the freshers running the line (presumably injured and unable to play) put his flag up. Even though he wasn't in line with play, I thought it was probably right so gave the offside before the ball was put into the net. There was then controversy at the opposite end, with a fresher claiming he was fouled from behind as he entered the area. My view was obstructed, and in any case, the ball fell to another forward who toe-poked it towards goal, only for the keeper to deflect it agonisingly off the post and out for a corner. It may have been a foul, but I didn't have a clear view of it so couldn't give it. Shortly afterwards, it was half time.
The Old Boys started the half with a one-man disadvantage once again, and they only got back to full strength with about 20 minutes to go. The pace of the game was slow in the extreme at the start, but once it got going it actually became quite end-to-end. The Old Boys eventually got themselves an equaliser in the 59th minute after a nice exchange of passes. The freshers responded 10 minutes later to take a 3-2 lead. Totally unexpectedly, it was 3-3 a matter of seconds later with a looping shot from the Old Boys forward - some might say it was a fluke, I cannot comment! There were claims of a foul in the build-up, but I waved them away swiftly.
There were a couple of flashpoints, notably involving that same forward who thought he was fouled and kicked out in retaliation. I limited myself to having a word with him, but kept a close eye out for any confrontations in the minutes to come. I played some quite successful advantages through this phase of play, which the players gradually began to appreciate as the pace of the game picked up.
In the end, the Old Boys had the momentum, and took the lead with 9 minutes to go, making it 4-3. The freshers couldn't force their way back into it, and although there were claims of handball in the build up to their fifth I thought it had hit the shoulder at the very top of the arm so again let play continue. The Old Boys then had another attack as we entered stoppage time, but were fairly obviously offside so I called it despite not having a linesman. A couple of minutes later, their forward was through again but this time I waved play on and he beat the helpless goalkeeper to round off the win, and I immediately blew the final whistle.
This game wasn't quite as dramatic as the previous one, but did have more goals. Overall though, entertainment certainly wasn't lacking and I enjoyed refereeing it, a game in which there were few flashpoints or arguments of note. I tried to let the players play, and erred on the side of not giving fouls which means that, while I may have missed a few things here and there, the game flowed nicely. It was perhaps one of the more unusual games I have refereed - almost pedestrian at times yet end-to-end at others - but I enjoyed it all the same.
This game was rather more relaxed than the previous one, but didn't lack the drama. The Old Boys made a very lacklustre start and found themselves 2-0 down after two strikes in one minute. In both cases, the keeper didn't help their cause with his feeble attempts to stop the shots going in. However, they managed to pull one back in the 24th minute and were soon back to full strength, and the game became a much more even contest. The Old Boys thought they had levelled soon after but one of the freshers running the line (presumably injured and unable to play) put his flag up. Even though he wasn't in line with play, I thought it was probably right so gave the offside before the ball was put into the net. There was then controversy at the opposite end, with a fresher claiming he was fouled from behind as he entered the area. My view was obstructed, and in any case, the ball fell to another forward who toe-poked it towards goal, only for the keeper to deflect it agonisingly off the post and out for a corner. It may have been a foul, but I didn't have a clear view of it so couldn't give it. Shortly afterwards, it was half time.
The Old Boys started the half with a one-man disadvantage once again, and they only got back to full strength with about 20 minutes to go. The pace of the game was slow in the extreme at the start, but once it got going it actually became quite end-to-end. The Old Boys eventually got themselves an equaliser in the 59th minute after a nice exchange of passes. The freshers responded 10 minutes later to take a 3-2 lead. Totally unexpectedly, it was 3-3 a matter of seconds later with a looping shot from the Old Boys forward - some might say it was a fluke, I cannot comment! There were claims of a foul in the build-up, but I waved them away swiftly.
There were a couple of flashpoints, notably involving that same forward who thought he was fouled and kicked out in retaliation. I limited myself to having a word with him, but kept a close eye out for any confrontations in the minutes to come. I played some quite successful advantages through this phase of play, which the players gradually began to appreciate as the pace of the game picked up.
In the end, the Old Boys had the momentum, and took the lead with 9 minutes to go, making it 4-3. The freshers couldn't force their way back into it, and although there were claims of handball in the build up to their fifth I thought it had hit the shoulder at the very top of the arm so again let play continue. The Old Boys then had another attack as we entered stoppage time, but were fairly obviously offside so I called it despite not having a linesman. A couple of minutes later, their forward was through again but this time I waved play on and he beat the helpless goalkeeper to round off the win, and I immediately blew the final whistle.
This game wasn't quite as dramatic as the previous one, but did have more goals. Overall though, entertainment certainly wasn't lacking and I enjoyed refereeing it, a game in which there were few flashpoints or arguments of note. I tried to let the players play, and erred on the side of not giving fouls which means that, while I may have missed a few things here and there, the game flowed nicely. It was perhaps one of the more unusual games I have refereed - almost pedestrian at times yet end-to-end at others - but I enjoyed it all the same.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Match 5 - Cripps vs Willoughby
The weather hasn't been kind to us here in Nottingham in the past few weeks, and so we've had a succession of cancellations in the world of intra-mural football. Today, finally, football returned with the first round of halls matches this term being played.
Luke was with me today, and the Cripps players invited us to referee their game against Willoughby. With no other invitations to referee (some teams clearly hadn't turned up), we tossed a coin and I got the honour of refereeing, with Luke running one line and a Cripps sub running the other.
To say the pitch was muddy is perhaps an understatement. It was pretty wet underfoot, and so the players would probably be sliding about rather a lot. This doesn't make it any easier for the referee of course, but it rather depends on how the players behave.
There were a few minor squabbles (including a highly educative debate in which two players told each other to "shut up" in sequence!), but generally things started well. Having refereed Willoughby last term, I remembered their positive attitude to playing football and that returned today, as they tried to pass the ball on the very dodgy surface, and they had the better of the opening period. It was therefore a surprise when Cripps took a 15th minute lead after a defensive error. Willoughby's weak point is undoubtedly in defence, and set pieces caused them some trouble all match.
Willoughby kept plugging away, however, and got their reward with a 37th minute equaliser. It was shrouded in some controversy, however, as there were claims of offside. The ball was played forward, and the Cripps defenders pulled out, but too late to play the striker offside (in my view anyway). He couldn't put the ball in himself, but it fell to one of his teammates who eventually bundled it home. I wasn't sure whether the second player was offside - the linesman kept his flag down (sadly it wasn't Luke on that side!) - but I went over to check with him. He thought the first player might have been offside - but I was sure he wasn't - but confirmed that the second was onside, so on that basis I gave the goal. There wasn't any real complaint, so I think it was the right decision.
Cripps then went down to the other end and scored again just five minutes later. One defender did go down in the build-up but I thought he just slipped over (given the conditions - not a surprise!), a view confirmed by Luke when I blew for half-time a couple of minutes later. Once again, there was no complaint. I was satisfied with my contribution to the first half - I had generally dealt with everything well.
That theme continued into the second half, with Willoughby having the better of play (albeit marginally) - but struggling to find the back of the net. They did manage to equalise though in the 57th minute, again a rather scrappy goal, but they all count! The rest of the game was end-to-end, with both teams fighting for the winner through the last half-hour. Both teams had chances. My contribution was minimal - the players just got on with it. It was a real pleasure to referee. The question was - could anyone find a winner?
The goal - when it came - was unsurprisingly scrappy - in keeping with the previous goals. It was scored by Willoughby in the 90th minute after a free kick was floated in, and there was an almighty scramble. I was sure there were no fouls - and once again no Cripps players complained - they were just shattered and fell on the floor in disbelief. I played about three minutes of stoppage time, but Cripps couldn't force an equaliser - in fact they couldn't even create a clear chance on goal. I then brought to an end an entertaining encounter where the outcome was never certain - but I think the better team won in the end.
The most notable feature of the second half was that players kept going down with cramp. This was probably partly down to it being the first game back after Christmas, but mostly due to the boggy nature of the pitch - the centre circle was completely covered in mud. I'm delighted to say I never pulled up at all - which must say something for my fitness! Undoubtedly, I had a good game, and I don't think there was one player who didn't shake my hand at the end. Not every decision was right, but I kept my interventions to a minimum and let the players play. There was no real controversy - an ideal first game back after a couple of weeks break.
When I go to referee, that is the sort of game I want - where the players get on with the game and I can let them do so. There was virtually no dissent, unlike the previous night when I went to see a Nottingham Senior Cup match between Wollaton and Arnold Town. Wollaton finished with nine men after totally losing their discipline in the second half and picking up a string of yellow cards. I don't think the referee did hugely well, but he had no choice in dealing with their complaints with cards. Fortunately, in my match today, I didn't have to.
Luke was with me today, and the Cripps players invited us to referee their game against Willoughby. With no other invitations to referee (some teams clearly hadn't turned up), we tossed a coin and I got the honour of refereeing, with Luke running one line and a Cripps sub running the other.
To say the pitch was muddy is perhaps an understatement. It was pretty wet underfoot, and so the players would probably be sliding about rather a lot. This doesn't make it any easier for the referee of course, but it rather depends on how the players behave.
There were a few minor squabbles (including a highly educative debate in which two players told each other to "shut up" in sequence!), but generally things started well. Having refereed Willoughby last term, I remembered their positive attitude to playing football and that returned today, as they tried to pass the ball on the very dodgy surface, and they had the better of the opening period. It was therefore a surprise when Cripps took a 15th minute lead after a defensive error. Willoughby's weak point is undoubtedly in defence, and set pieces caused them some trouble all match.
Willoughby kept plugging away, however, and got their reward with a 37th minute equaliser. It was shrouded in some controversy, however, as there were claims of offside. The ball was played forward, and the Cripps defenders pulled out, but too late to play the striker offside (in my view anyway). He couldn't put the ball in himself, but it fell to one of his teammates who eventually bundled it home. I wasn't sure whether the second player was offside - the linesman kept his flag down (sadly it wasn't Luke on that side!) - but I went over to check with him. He thought the first player might have been offside - but I was sure he wasn't - but confirmed that the second was onside, so on that basis I gave the goal. There wasn't any real complaint, so I think it was the right decision.
Cripps then went down to the other end and scored again just five minutes later. One defender did go down in the build-up but I thought he just slipped over (given the conditions - not a surprise!), a view confirmed by Luke when I blew for half-time a couple of minutes later. Once again, there was no complaint. I was satisfied with my contribution to the first half - I had generally dealt with everything well.
That theme continued into the second half, with Willoughby having the better of play (albeit marginally) - but struggling to find the back of the net. They did manage to equalise though in the 57th minute, again a rather scrappy goal, but they all count! The rest of the game was end-to-end, with both teams fighting for the winner through the last half-hour. Both teams had chances. My contribution was minimal - the players just got on with it. It was a real pleasure to referee. The question was - could anyone find a winner?
The goal - when it came - was unsurprisingly scrappy - in keeping with the previous goals. It was scored by Willoughby in the 90th minute after a free kick was floated in, and there was an almighty scramble. I was sure there were no fouls - and once again no Cripps players complained - they were just shattered and fell on the floor in disbelief. I played about three minutes of stoppage time, but Cripps couldn't force an equaliser - in fact they couldn't even create a clear chance on goal. I then brought to an end an entertaining encounter where the outcome was never certain - but I think the better team won in the end.
The most notable feature of the second half was that players kept going down with cramp. This was probably partly down to it being the first game back after Christmas, but mostly due to the boggy nature of the pitch - the centre circle was completely covered in mud. I'm delighted to say I never pulled up at all - which must say something for my fitness! Undoubtedly, I had a good game, and I don't think there was one player who didn't shake my hand at the end. Not every decision was right, but I kept my interventions to a minimum and let the players play. There was no real controversy - an ideal first game back after a couple of weeks break.
When I go to referee, that is the sort of game I want - where the players get on with the game and I can let them do so. There was virtually no dissent, unlike the previous night when I went to see a Nottingham Senior Cup match between Wollaton and Arnold Town. Wollaton finished with nine men after totally losing their discipline in the second half and picking up a string of yellow cards. I don't think the referee did hugely well, but he had no choice in dealing with their complaints with cards. Fortunately, in my match today, I didn't have to.
Monday, 2 February 2009
The Life of Riley
It won't take a genius to work out that yesterday probably wasn't the greatest day two of our top referees have ever had. Both Howard Webb and Mike Riley hit the headlines for their involvement in the two televised games, and for the wrong reasons.
Webb gave Newcastle a penalty which definitely wasn't a penalty. I don't think its even soft, its worse than that, as Malbranque barely touched Steven Taylor (who is not immune to practicing his theatrics on the pitch!). Given that Webb made a great call in turning down an earlier appeal where Damien Duff dived and was then cautioned, it was a disappointment. Otherwise, he had a good game, but you make your reputation on these big incidents and Webb fell down yesterday. Joe Kinnear must have been about the only one who agreed with the decision - how he could keep a straight face as he said that Malbranque "took Taylor's legs away" I'll never know!
But most of the headlines revolve around another Yorkshireman's involvement in the top of the table clash at Anfield between Liverpool and Chelsea. Mike Riley managed to eclipse Webb by making several notable errors. The sending off of Frank Lampard for being fouled by Alonso was a poor decision, although it is a little more understandable when you see the angle from which Riley was looking at the incident. However, it doesn't make the decision any better. Having sent off Lampard for being fouled, Riley's next contribution (along with assistant Mo Matadar) is to give Bosingwa a free kick for an assault (no other word describes it) on Benayoun. A kung-fu kick to the lower back surely consitutes serious foul play and deserves a red card. At least Chelsea manager Scolari was more honest than Kinnear about the decisions - saying that he disagreed with the Lampard decision but would have had no complaints about a red card for Bosingwa. Lets hope the FA do justice and rescind Lampard's card while giving Bosingwa the suspension he deserves.
Riley didn't have a good afternoon. I'm not a fan of his, mostly because his games tend to turn into stop-start affairs where there is little flow and too many unnecessary cards. Coupled with getting the big decisions wrong, yesterday will be an afternoon he will want to forget but we all have bad games, and it is how you bounce back in the next game that is crucial. Meanwhile, its time for someone other than Webb or Riley to be given a shot at one of the big games. Well, I live in hope...
Webb gave Newcastle a penalty which definitely wasn't a penalty. I don't think its even soft, its worse than that, as Malbranque barely touched Steven Taylor (who is not immune to practicing his theatrics on the pitch!). Given that Webb made a great call in turning down an earlier appeal where Damien Duff dived and was then cautioned, it was a disappointment. Otherwise, he had a good game, but you make your reputation on these big incidents and Webb fell down yesterday. Joe Kinnear must have been about the only one who agreed with the decision - how he could keep a straight face as he said that Malbranque "took Taylor's legs away" I'll never know!
But most of the headlines revolve around another Yorkshireman's involvement in the top of the table clash at Anfield between Liverpool and Chelsea. Mike Riley managed to eclipse Webb by making several notable errors. The sending off of Frank Lampard for being fouled by Alonso was a poor decision, although it is a little more understandable when you see the angle from which Riley was looking at the incident. However, it doesn't make the decision any better. Having sent off Lampard for being fouled, Riley's next contribution (along with assistant Mo Matadar) is to give Bosingwa a free kick for an assault (no other word describes it) on Benayoun. A kung-fu kick to the lower back surely consitutes serious foul play and deserves a red card. At least Chelsea manager Scolari was more honest than Kinnear about the decisions - saying that he disagreed with the Lampard decision but would have had no complaints about a red card for Bosingwa. Lets hope the FA do justice and rescind Lampard's card while giving Bosingwa the suspension he deserves.
Riley didn't have a good afternoon. I'm not a fan of his, mostly because his games tend to turn into stop-start affairs where there is little flow and too many unnecessary cards. Coupled with getting the big decisions wrong, yesterday will be an afternoon he will want to forget but we all have bad games, and it is how you bounce back in the next game that is crucial. Meanwhile, its time for someone other than Webb or Riley to be given a shot at one of the big games. Well, I live in hope...
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