Match 7 - Theology Society vs Chemical Engineering

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!