I've decided to start refereeing some Saturday games in the Intra-Mural leagues at Grove Farm, starting today. The game I got myself assigned to was the Politics society (inventively called Real Politik) against the old boys team from Florence Boot. FB were a little late arriving, and started with 10 men as we were already running late.
I thought Politics had the better of the opening 10 minutes. They seemed to be controlling play, although there wasn't a lot in it. FB were playing on the break up to their lone centre-forward, with reasonable effect. In fact it was from one such incident that the game turned in the 11th minute. The forward was running through and was unceremoniously fouled by the Politics goalkeeper. My immediate reaction was that it had taken place inside the area, and so I gave a penalty - I think it probably was, as the only complaints seemed to be some rather desperate ones from the Politics defenders, not borne out of any sense of real injustice. The penalty was scored.
FB then proceeded to control the rest of the first half. They added a second goal in the 35th minute, and there wasn't a lot for me to do - just the odd free kick here and there and I had to run the rule over throw ins (with there being no linesmen). Half-time came briefly, but no-one wanted to stand around in the freezing cold for too long!
With FB 2-0 up, the next goal was always going to be crucial. Unfortunately, I played a role in it too - one of the FB players played a cross-field pass which hit me as I was trying to dodge out of the way. I always try to predict where play will be going, but sometimes you are inevitably unsuccessful. Of course, having intercepted the ball, it fell to a Politics player and they went forward and scored! It happened to Howard Webb in an FA Cup game a few weeks ago, so it happens to the best of us!
The goal really came against the run of play. In the end it didn't prove crucial, as FB continued to control the game, adding a third in the 78th minute. Their fourth in the 87th minute completed their captain's hatrick - there was probably a push on a defender in the build-up, but I didn't see the contact and so played on, but by that stage it didn't matter. The heads of the Politics players had dropped, and FB added a fifth with the very last kick of the game to complete a 5-1 victory.
Overall, not on of my best games, but there you go - its often difficult returning after a long break. I'm convinced the penalty decision was right, and the best team won in the end - the Politics team had a lot of huff and puff but didn't really create any clearcut chances, while FB were well organised, led well by their captain and were dangerous in attack. I tried to let the players play and let the game flow, and was pretty successful in that respect.
So I'm back in the swing of things now then, and look forward to the next match on Wednesday!
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Webb's big match blues
Today we had another of the encounters between two of the so-called 'big four' clubs - Manchester United vs Chelsea. And, yet again, it was refereed by Howard Webb. This is the seventh such encounter so far this season, and the fifth which Webb has refereed. The two exceptions are the reverse of today's fixture, which was whistled to extinction by Mike Riley, and Chelsea vs Arsenal, which Mike Dean handled well. Now, Webb is definitely our best referee at the moment, but for him to have such a monopoly over the big games can't be good. It implies that no-one else is capable of doing them, and should Webb get injured or something similar, then the authorities would have a bit of a problem. Over-reliance on one referee to do the games can be dangerous. Furthermore, there must be other referees who deserve a shot at refereeing one of these games. What must others think they have to do to receive such an appointment?
More of that later, and to the match itself. The first half undoubtedly contained the most action, and several talking points. Webb set an early marker with a harsh yellow card to Frank Lampard for a tackle which was wildly overexaggerated by Cristiano Ronaldo. The game was quite tense, which probably necessitated frequent interruptions, although Webb could have let things flow a little more, and missed several advantage opportunities. However, Webb then had a couple of big calls to make, both of which would have sent out a message to the rest of the footballing world. And he didn't make them.
Rewind seven months. Austria vs Poland, Euro 2008. An English referee by the name of Webb gave a late penalty for the offence of holding by a defender at a set piece. Fast forward again. So why didn't the same referee give a penalty today, when Carvalho clearly impeded Ronaldo at a Manchester United free kick? I don't know. The offence committed by Carvalho far surpassed any committed by Ronaldo, who was penalised for something - I don't know what. Both then received rather unnecessary yellow cards for a minor altercation. I fail to see that Ronaldo did anything wrong (and I am not a fan of his at all!). Here was a chance to give a high-profile penalty award for such an offence, but Webb wasn't brave enough.
Worse was to follow. Bosingwa was doing a good job of shepherding the ball out of play near his own goalline, when Rooney came in and hacked at him. Foul, and Webb gave the free kick. Possibly a yellow card for the foul, but perhaps not. But Rooney then decided he didn't like the decision, and in one of the worst shows of dissent we have seen all season, berated Webb. Webb tried to pacify him, and eventually Rooney calmed down, but only at about the fourth attempt. Respect? There was none from Rooney. He is a great footballer, but his temper gets the better of him all too frequently. The only way he will learn is if he is disciplined for it, which means yellow and red cards. I know Webb was trying to manage him, but it was clearly failing, so he should just have given up and showed him yellow. Later in the same half, following an incident which I will discuss shortly, Rooney dissented in a similar way and received no sanction - he could have been receiving a second yellow at that point. If Rooney's dissent is seen to be acceptable, then players on parks all across the country will do the same in their next game, giving grief to all those referees at grass roots level. This was exactly what the Respect campaign was designed to sort out, but here Webb has missed a big opportunity to enforce it, in a game watched by millions across the world.
The later incident I referred to above is the rather bizarre one which occured just before half-time. Manchester United tried to play a clever trick from a corner, by letting Rooney take it short, and then waiting before Giggs took up the ball. It is best seen on video. The officials disallowed the goal which was then scored from Giggs' cross, as the corner was deemed not to have been taken properly. It had been, but I understand that Darren Cann, the assistant referee, thought it hadn't been. Had Rooney informed him that he was taking it early, then the problem would have been solved. I would probably have done the same as Cann in the situation, although what United did was legal. In the end, they scored from the retake anyway, so it matters little.
The second half was much less eventful, albeit littered with yellow cards. Apart from the Ronaldo penalty and the corner incident, I felt United got the rub of the green (as they often do at Old Trafford). I think some of the cards Webb gave were avoidable, and he missed some opportunities to let it flow. United deserved their win over a lacklustre Chelsea.
In one word, I'd describe Webb's performance as "safe". His attitude to the game, the early yellow card, and his unwillingness to make the bigger calls described above were all "safe". And by that I don't mean good. Our top referee should be making those calls. And herein lies the problem with the appointments situation. They say that familiarity breeds contempt, and I think Webb is too familiar with handling these big games in a safe way. He errs on the side of caution all the time - if he doesn't do them all, then he might be less afraid to make some of the bigger calls. He doesn't want to upset the clubs involved as he knows he'll meet them again soon. Its time for some fresh blood on these big games - a fresh approach, and someone who will make the big calls. Today, Webb didn't do that. He shouldn't be excluded from getting these games, but they should certainly be shared around a lot more.
More of that later, and to the match itself. The first half undoubtedly contained the most action, and several talking points. Webb set an early marker with a harsh yellow card to Frank Lampard for a tackle which was wildly overexaggerated by Cristiano Ronaldo. The game was quite tense, which probably necessitated frequent interruptions, although Webb could have let things flow a little more, and missed several advantage opportunities. However, Webb then had a couple of big calls to make, both of which would have sent out a message to the rest of the footballing world. And he didn't make them.
Rewind seven months. Austria vs Poland, Euro 2008. An English referee by the name of Webb gave a late penalty for the offence of holding by a defender at a set piece. Fast forward again. So why didn't the same referee give a penalty today, when Carvalho clearly impeded Ronaldo at a Manchester United free kick? I don't know. The offence committed by Carvalho far surpassed any committed by Ronaldo, who was penalised for something - I don't know what. Both then received rather unnecessary yellow cards for a minor altercation. I fail to see that Ronaldo did anything wrong (and I am not a fan of his at all!). Here was a chance to give a high-profile penalty award for such an offence, but Webb wasn't brave enough.
Worse was to follow. Bosingwa was doing a good job of shepherding the ball out of play near his own goalline, when Rooney came in and hacked at him. Foul, and Webb gave the free kick. Possibly a yellow card for the foul, but perhaps not. But Rooney then decided he didn't like the decision, and in one of the worst shows of dissent we have seen all season, berated Webb. Webb tried to pacify him, and eventually Rooney calmed down, but only at about the fourth attempt. Respect? There was none from Rooney. He is a great footballer, but his temper gets the better of him all too frequently. The only way he will learn is if he is disciplined for it, which means yellow and red cards. I know Webb was trying to manage him, but it was clearly failing, so he should just have given up and showed him yellow. Later in the same half, following an incident which I will discuss shortly, Rooney dissented in a similar way and received no sanction - he could have been receiving a second yellow at that point. If Rooney's dissent is seen to be acceptable, then players on parks all across the country will do the same in their next game, giving grief to all those referees at grass roots level. This was exactly what the Respect campaign was designed to sort out, but here Webb has missed a big opportunity to enforce it, in a game watched by millions across the world.
The later incident I referred to above is the rather bizarre one which occured just before half-time. Manchester United tried to play a clever trick from a corner, by letting Rooney take it short, and then waiting before Giggs took up the ball. It is best seen on video. The officials disallowed the goal which was then scored from Giggs' cross, as the corner was deemed not to have been taken properly. It had been, but I understand that Darren Cann, the assistant referee, thought it hadn't been. Had Rooney informed him that he was taking it early, then the problem would have been solved. I would probably have done the same as Cann in the situation, although what United did was legal. In the end, they scored from the retake anyway, so it matters little.
The second half was much less eventful, albeit littered with yellow cards. Apart from the Ronaldo penalty and the corner incident, I felt United got the rub of the green (as they often do at Old Trafford). I think some of the cards Webb gave were avoidable, and he missed some opportunities to let it flow. United deserved their win over a lacklustre Chelsea.
In one word, I'd describe Webb's performance as "safe". His attitude to the game, the early yellow card, and his unwillingness to make the bigger calls described above were all "safe". And by that I don't mean good. Our top referee should be making those calls. And herein lies the problem with the appointments situation. They say that familiarity breeds contempt, and I think Webb is too familiar with handling these big games in a safe way. He errs on the side of caution all the time - if he doesn't do them all, then he might be less afraid to make some of the bigger calls. He doesn't want to upset the clubs involved as he knows he'll meet them again soon. Its time for some fresh blood on these big games - a fresh approach, and someone who will make the big calls. Today, Webb didn't do that. He shouldn't be excluded from getting these games, but they should certainly be shared around a lot more.
Monday, 5 January 2009
The Magic of the FA Cup
Yes, its cliche time again! FA Cup third round weekend is one of the most anticipated in the football calendar, and with a good draw this weekend didn't disappoint.
Controversy was virtually non-existent on Saturday, with plenty of goals, excitement and surprises. On Sunday, however, the two games saw the officials thrust into the spotlight.
First off was League Two side Gillingham's encounter with Premier League Aston Villa. This was a terrific cup tie, with Gillingham equitting themselves very well, but eventually losing out to Villa. I thought Keith Stroud had a great game. There are theorists who suggest that the big sides get the rub of the green in these games, but I thought he refereed it fairly, used good man management, and kept control while not stifling the game.
The controversy has centred around the penalty which ultimately decided the game. I'm rather surprised at the amount of debate about it. Granted, Ashley Young was probably looking for it, but Adam Miller has made clear contact with him and bodychecked him, and Keith Stroud had a good view of this. I think anyone's instinctive reaction in his position would be to give a penalty, so I'm fully supporting his decision here. Stroud hasn't really had a good run in the Premier League yet but on this evidence I think he deserves a chance.
The second game of the day was Southampton against Manchester United. Mike Riley was in charge, and there were three incidents of note. The first two require little discussion. Danny Welbeck was offside for Manchester United's first goal - albeit pretty marginally; this isn't the worst decision ever but Simon Beck will be disappointed that he didn't flag. The red card to Patterson was correct for me - a tackle which endangered the safety of an opponent - even though he probably meant to play the ball. But a good decision from Mike Riley there.
Less good was the penalty he gave to Manchester United. While David McGoldrick jumps up as the free kick comes in, there is some doubt as to whether the ball hits his hand or the back of his head, never mind whether it was intentional. How sure was Mike Riley that it definitely hit his hand? I think he must have used some guesswork, and I don't like the idea of using guesswork on penalties, which are important decisions. If there are doubts, then its not a penalty. It was an honest decision I'm sure, but not a good one for me. At least Keith Stroud had a clear view of the contact for the penalty he gave in the early game.
Its a shame that the officials have taken centre-stage in Sunday's games, as it has slightly marred a great cup weekend. Nonetheless, controversy is part of football so I guess it all adds to the fun!
Controversy was virtually non-existent on Saturday, with plenty of goals, excitement and surprises. On Sunday, however, the two games saw the officials thrust into the spotlight.
First off was League Two side Gillingham's encounter with Premier League Aston Villa. This was a terrific cup tie, with Gillingham equitting themselves very well, but eventually losing out to Villa. I thought Keith Stroud had a great game. There are theorists who suggest that the big sides get the rub of the green in these games, but I thought he refereed it fairly, used good man management, and kept control while not stifling the game.
The controversy has centred around the penalty which ultimately decided the game. I'm rather surprised at the amount of debate about it. Granted, Ashley Young was probably looking for it, but Adam Miller has made clear contact with him and bodychecked him, and Keith Stroud had a good view of this. I think anyone's instinctive reaction in his position would be to give a penalty, so I'm fully supporting his decision here. Stroud hasn't really had a good run in the Premier League yet but on this evidence I think he deserves a chance.
The second game of the day was Southampton against Manchester United. Mike Riley was in charge, and there were three incidents of note. The first two require little discussion. Danny Welbeck was offside for Manchester United's first goal - albeit pretty marginally; this isn't the worst decision ever but Simon Beck will be disappointed that he didn't flag. The red card to Patterson was correct for me - a tackle which endangered the safety of an opponent - even though he probably meant to play the ball. But a good decision from Mike Riley there.
Less good was the penalty he gave to Manchester United. While David McGoldrick jumps up as the free kick comes in, there is some doubt as to whether the ball hits his hand or the back of his head, never mind whether it was intentional. How sure was Mike Riley that it definitely hit his hand? I think he must have used some guesswork, and I don't like the idea of using guesswork on penalties, which are important decisions. If there are doubts, then its not a penalty. It was an honest decision I'm sure, but not a good one for me. At least Keith Stroud had a clear view of the contact for the penalty he gave in the early game.
Its a shame that the officials have taken centre-stage in Sunday's games, as it has slightly marred a great cup weekend. Nonetheless, controversy is part of football so I guess it all adds to the fun!
Friday, 2 January 2009
New Year...but the same old favouritism?
I haven't written an article for a while; Christmas has seen the usual array of activities as well as plenty of football. There was a lot of discussion about the "penalty" which Steve Bennett rescinded on Tuesday in the Hull vs Aston Villa game, but the crucial thing here was that the correct decision was reached (in the end!). It may not have looked good, but the decision being correct is what is important.
The beginning of a new calendar year sees a selection of promotions among the international rankings of referees. Among them, Englishman Mike Dean has been elevated to UEFA's "Premier" category of referees. This is the second tier of European officials (behind the "Elite" list, which includes Howard Webb and Mike Riley). This should put him in line for some decent UEFA Cup games and some early stage Champions League encounters - just reward for the good season he is having domestically. Dean is undoubtedly one of our top three officials at the moment.
Webb, Riley and Dean are our top three European officials. Martin Atkinson is in the "Premier Development" category, so may well make the Elite list in the not too distant future. We have three other officials on the list - Rob Styles, Steve Tanner and Mark Clattenburg (whose future seems somewhat doubtful, given he hasn't refereed a game in some six months - clearly investigations are ongoing with regard to his personal situation).
That gives us seven continuing International officials, out of a potential ten, so January has seen two promotions onto the International list, bringing our total up to nine. First to go on has been Andre Marriner. I am delighted for Marriner. At 37, he was almost at the point where it wouldn't have been possible for him to make the International list. He has been a Premier League referee for almost four years now, but after injury problems at the start has settled down well. He will never be our 'top' referee (a Webb or a Poll) but in terms of doing a quiet, efficient job on some of the lower-profile games he is doing really well. The only moment of controversy for him so far this season was the second yellow card he gave to Wigan's Emerson Boyce at Newcastle back in November, a decision which he subsequently admitted was the wrong one. Back when he was refereeing in the Conference, he was always a safe pair of hands and did several of the higher profile games. Indeed, last Sunday he took charge of the West London derby at Craven Cottage, and again the game passed without incident. Based on performances, he deserves to be on.
The second promotion, however, is a more contentious one. When Stuart Attwell was appointed to the Premier League group of referees at the age of 25, there were murmurings. He has not had a good time since then, with the phantom goal at Watford and the chaotic end to the East Midands derby. He turned down an obvious penalty for Fulham in a Premier League game at Stoke a few weeks ago, and even in the lower leagues hasn't always made the big calls correctly. His confidence has been shot to pieces, and quite how the problem is to be solved I don't know.
Whether appointing him to the International list is a solution is doubtful. In fact, all it suggests is that the New Year signals only a continuation of the favouritism towards certain officials. Attwell is undoubtedly a good official, but whether he is one of our top 20, or now (as his International appointment suggests) one of our top 10, is very much open to question. All he will get internationally for the first year or two will be Intertoto Cup games and the like - he won't be shooting to Champions League fame - but the question is whether he deserves it. I think there are more deserving officials out there who might be doing better than he is, with the benefit of a little more experience. It is no reflection on him - more a reflection on the insistence of the powers that be to promote him quickly. His first match wearing the FIFA badge will be on Saturday, at Stamford Bridge, for his first visit as referee to Chelsea.
So, will the New Year be a new start for referees? I don't think a lot is going to change. Certainly those who are in charge have indicated that their relentless push of one poor young man from Nuneaton is unceasing - do they really believe that he is ready for what they are throwing at him, or is it now becoming blatant favouritsm? I'll let you be the judge of that.
The beginning of a new calendar year sees a selection of promotions among the international rankings of referees. Among them, Englishman Mike Dean has been elevated to UEFA's "Premier" category of referees. This is the second tier of European officials (behind the "Elite" list, which includes Howard Webb and Mike Riley). This should put him in line for some decent UEFA Cup games and some early stage Champions League encounters - just reward for the good season he is having domestically. Dean is undoubtedly one of our top three officials at the moment.
Webb, Riley and Dean are our top three European officials. Martin Atkinson is in the "Premier Development" category, so may well make the Elite list in the not too distant future. We have three other officials on the list - Rob Styles, Steve Tanner and Mark Clattenburg (whose future seems somewhat doubtful, given he hasn't refereed a game in some six months - clearly investigations are ongoing with regard to his personal situation).
That gives us seven continuing International officials, out of a potential ten, so January has seen two promotions onto the International list, bringing our total up to nine. First to go on has been Andre Marriner. I am delighted for Marriner. At 37, he was almost at the point where it wouldn't have been possible for him to make the International list. He has been a Premier League referee for almost four years now, but after injury problems at the start has settled down well. He will never be our 'top' referee (a Webb or a Poll) but in terms of doing a quiet, efficient job on some of the lower-profile games he is doing really well. The only moment of controversy for him so far this season was the second yellow card he gave to Wigan's Emerson Boyce at Newcastle back in November, a decision which he subsequently admitted was the wrong one. Back when he was refereeing in the Conference, he was always a safe pair of hands and did several of the higher profile games. Indeed, last Sunday he took charge of the West London derby at Craven Cottage, and again the game passed without incident. Based on performances, he deserves to be on.
The second promotion, however, is a more contentious one. When Stuart Attwell was appointed to the Premier League group of referees at the age of 25, there were murmurings. He has not had a good time since then, with the phantom goal at Watford and the chaotic end to the East Midands derby. He turned down an obvious penalty for Fulham in a Premier League game at Stoke a few weeks ago, and even in the lower leagues hasn't always made the big calls correctly. His confidence has been shot to pieces, and quite how the problem is to be solved I don't know.
Whether appointing him to the International list is a solution is doubtful. In fact, all it suggests is that the New Year signals only a continuation of the favouritism towards certain officials. Attwell is undoubtedly a good official, but whether he is one of our top 20, or now (as his International appointment suggests) one of our top 10, is very much open to question. All he will get internationally for the first year or two will be Intertoto Cup games and the like - he won't be shooting to Champions League fame - but the question is whether he deserves it. I think there are more deserving officials out there who might be doing better than he is, with the benefit of a little more experience. It is no reflection on him - more a reflection on the insistence of the powers that be to promote him quickly. His first match wearing the FIFA badge will be on Saturday, at Stamford Bridge, for his first visit as referee to Chelsea.
So, will the New Year be a new start for referees? I don't think a lot is going to change. Certainly those who are in charge have indicated that their relentless push of one poor young man from Nuneaton is unceasing - do they really believe that he is ready for what they are throwing at him, or is it now becoming blatant favouritsm? I'll let you be the judge of that.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Cup semi-final day
I have used a lot of common football cliches in these notes lately. "The game which had everything" and "a great cup tie" have both cropped up in the last few games in which I've been involved. For today's game I'm going to apply perhaps the most commonly used cliche of all - "the game of two halves".
More on that later. As Luke had assisted me last week, I agreed to run the line for him while he refereed this week. It would be the first time I had seen him referee, although he has seen me referee on several occasions. While I was busy putting in my contact lenses, he found us a game - and it was the Broadgate Park players from last week who recognised him and, being the home team, offered him the game which he duly accepted. When we got over to the pitch, the Hugh Stu manager seemed to want to referee half of the match, but was persuaded otherwise. In any case, Broadgate were the home team and Luke and I were both neutral. Broadgate's former sports sec was running the other line, and he has usually done a good job when he has done so in the past for me.
I said to Luke beforehand that cup semi-finals are often the most difficult games to referee. The final of the cup is within touching distance and to fall at the last hurdle is devastating. No-one remembers the semi-finalists, only the finalists.
Broadgate had had a good, hard fought win last week against Cripps. What kind of challenge would Hugh Stu present them? The Hugh Stu coaches were certainly psyching the players up for the game. I had never seen so much encouragement being offered, in terms of saying how much they should want to win and so on. It would be an interesting game.
It was apparent fairly early on that the two sides had completely contrasting styles of play. Broadgate were trying to pass the ball and release the two forwards who had done so well last week. Hugh Stu were a bigger, more physical side, with several taller players who would compete in the air, notably their captain. Rallied on by the large crowd on the touchline, they started much the better. In fact Broadgate seemed totally overwhelmed. It was a goalkeeping error which gave Hugh Stu their 9th minute lead - he let it go once but regained it before it was kicked in. Luke was well positioned and was sure that no foul had taken place - the keeper had not had two hands on the ball. Hugh Stu continued to dominate play.
It was midway through the first half that I felt Broadgate were starting to come back into the game. Even so, I couldn't really see Hugh Stu conceding, as they looked very firm defensively. Broadgate were creating a few openings, but without success until the 44th minute. It was a crucial goal at a crucial time, and a good finish meant they went in level rather than a goal down. They had perhaps not merited it, but it was a vital goal. Luke, for his part, had been trying to let the game flow, but the clash of contrasting styles was proving quite challenging. I thought he was doing a really good job, clamping down where necessary but trying to let the game flow. There had been no massively nasty tackles, Hugh Stu had had a penalty appeal but Luke turned it down. The Hugh Stu players and supporters were appealing for everything, even ridiculous decisions, but Luke was keeping his composure and doing well, even though he wasn't totally happy himself! I guess you get a different view from on the side to the one you get from in the middle.
The second half began quickly. Broadgate started much the better, and were rewarded almost immediately, taking the lead within three minutes of the restart. Indeed, they came out revitalised. This demonstrated the importance of that equalising goal before half time, which had changed the game. Hugh Stu were now falling apart defensively, and Broadgate's forwards were at last having some joy. The Hugh Stu defenders didn't know how to handle them, and this was demonstrated when the left back chopped one of them down cynically in the 54th minute. It was just in front of me, and I signalled the foul and tapped my chest to indicate that I thought a yellow card should follow, and it duly did (Luke had probably decided to book him anyway). It was a good clear yellow card at a good time, and probably helped calm things down somewhat. Things were looking good for Broadgate.
But one moment you're up, the next you're down in football. Just two minutes later, Luke was pointing to the penalty spot, and it was for a Hugh Stu penalty. Despite it being far away from me, I could see the clear foul, no question, although I wasn't aware it had been committed in the area. Luke was well positioned and the penalty was scored straight down the middle. 2-2, and game on.
Yet the penalty really didn't change things. It was still Broadgate who looked more lively, and within three minutes they were back in the lead. The goals Hugh Stu conceded were dreadful - typically mix-ups between the keeper and defence, and Broadgate were indeed having some one-on-ones which they couldn't convert, and the score could have increased still further. The game settled down for a little while, but you got the feeling Broadgate were going to score again. The trouble they caused the defence was demonstrated by the yellow card Luke gave to one of the centre-backs in the 73rd minute. The Broadgate forward had been hacked at twice already, with Luke playing the advantage, and by the time he was brought down by the third hack, he was on the edge of the Hugh Stu area. After checking with me on who the player was, Luke gave him a deserved yellow card. He was followed into the book by "Craig David" - the Broadgate number 2 who had been at the centre of things last week (but was noticeably quieter this week) for a late tackle, again correctly.
But Broadgate were not to be denied, and two quick goals followed in the 77th and 80th minutes, one of which involved their forward running through from his own half and taking the ball round the keeper to score. Sandwiched in between was the game's fourth yellow card, to a Broadgate midfielder for a late tackle. With the score now at 5-2 and only 10 minutes to go, it was now game over, and Hugh Stu were beaten and knew it. They could have conceded more in that last ten minutes.
In that time came one of the two amusing moments of the game. I had been running the line for the Hugh Stu defence all game, and had given only two offsides. Hugh Stu defenders were taking goal kicks (rather than the keeper), and weren't always clearing them well or moving back up the pitch quickly. From one such kick, Broadgate picked up the ball and passed it forward. The Hugh Stu central defender then appealed for offside against the forward running towards him! Astonishingly, so did some of his teammates! Simply bizarre! The other amusing moment had come in the first half, when one of the Hugh Stu coaches told his player to "stop flirting with the ref"!
Luke didn't bother to play any injury time, and with the score at 5-2 ended the classic "game of two halves". Hugh Stu's physical style had dominated the first half, but Broadgate's equaliser just before half time was crucial and they went on to have much the better of the second half in which Hugh Stu were nothing short of dreadful. I was pleased to see Broadgate win, because they were trying to play the better football, and when they did Hugh Stu either conceded a goal or just fouled them. A deserved win for me.
I thought Luke had a really good game. The clash of styles didn't make things easy, and nor did the constant shouts from the touchlines. He called things as he saw them, kept a lid on the game and tried to let it flow. He wasn't always successful, but that was down to the players and not to him. He got the big decisions right for me too. It wasn't an easy game, and the four yellow cards were probably needed to keep control. Overall, I thought this was a great performance.
The other pertinent question then - was he better than I had been the previous week?! Possibly (an economist never says yes or no to a question like that!). The games were different - this one was more challenging throughout the game whereas I had a couple of specific incidents to deal with towards the end. I think both of us can be happy with a job well done, handling the game we had in front of us as well as we could.
That is it then for IMS football until the New Year. I haven't been there as much as I intended to this term, but when I have I have enjoyed my refereeing once again. I think I'm approaching the more challenging moments with more confidence, and keeping control much better - I always used to be rather afraid of confrontation, whereas I felt happy with my handling of last week's incident. I am yet to show a yellow card this year, perhaps I should have done last week but I was happy with how I handled things. Altogether, it has been a welcome distraction from my studies and a really enjoyable way to spend my Wednesday afternoons. The League games will return in January following the exams. Bring on the next game!
More on that later. As Luke had assisted me last week, I agreed to run the line for him while he refereed this week. It would be the first time I had seen him referee, although he has seen me referee on several occasions. While I was busy putting in my contact lenses, he found us a game - and it was the Broadgate Park players from last week who recognised him and, being the home team, offered him the game which he duly accepted. When we got over to the pitch, the Hugh Stu manager seemed to want to referee half of the match, but was persuaded otherwise. In any case, Broadgate were the home team and Luke and I were both neutral. Broadgate's former sports sec was running the other line, and he has usually done a good job when he has done so in the past for me.
I said to Luke beforehand that cup semi-finals are often the most difficult games to referee. The final of the cup is within touching distance and to fall at the last hurdle is devastating. No-one remembers the semi-finalists, only the finalists.
Broadgate had had a good, hard fought win last week against Cripps. What kind of challenge would Hugh Stu present them? The Hugh Stu coaches were certainly psyching the players up for the game. I had never seen so much encouragement being offered, in terms of saying how much they should want to win and so on. It would be an interesting game.
It was apparent fairly early on that the two sides had completely contrasting styles of play. Broadgate were trying to pass the ball and release the two forwards who had done so well last week. Hugh Stu were a bigger, more physical side, with several taller players who would compete in the air, notably their captain. Rallied on by the large crowd on the touchline, they started much the better. In fact Broadgate seemed totally overwhelmed. It was a goalkeeping error which gave Hugh Stu their 9th minute lead - he let it go once but regained it before it was kicked in. Luke was well positioned and was sure that no foul had taken place - the keeper had not had two hands on the ball. Hugh Stu continued to dominate play.
It was midway through the first half that I felt Broadgate were starting to come back into the game. Even so, I couldn't really see Hugh Stu conceding, as they looked very firm defensively. Broadgate were creating a few openings, but without success until the 44th minute. It was a crucial goal at a crucial time, and a good finish meant they went in level rather than a goal down. They had perhaps not merited it, but it was a vital goal. Luke, for his part, had been trying to let the game flow, but the clash of contrasting styles was proving quite challenging. I thought he was doing a really good job, clamping down where necessary but trying to let the game flow. There had been no massively nasty tackles, Hugh Stu had had a penalty appeal but Luke turned it down. The Hugh Stu players and supporters were appealing for everything, even ridiculous decisions, but Luke was keeping his composure and doing well, even though he wasn't totally happy himself! I guess you get a different view from on the side to the one you get from in the middle.
The second half began quickly. Broadgate started much the better, and were rewarded almost immediately, taking the lead within three minutes of the restart. Indeed, they came out revitalised. This demonstrated the importance of that equalising goal before half time, which had changed the game. Hugh Stu were now falling apart defensively, and Broadgate's forwards were at last having some joy. The Hugh Stu defenders didn't know how to handle them, and this was demonstrated when the left back chopped one of them down cynically in the 54th minute. It was just in front of me, and I signalled the foul and tapped my chest to indicate that I thought a yellow card should follow, and it duly did (Luke had probably decided to book him anyway). It was a good clear yellow card at a good time, and probably helped calm things down somewhat. Things were looking good for Broadgate.
But one moment you're up, the next you're down in football. Just two minutes later, Luke was pointing to the penalty spot, and it was for a Hugh Stu penalty. Despite it being far away from me, I could see the clear foul, no question, although I wasn't aware it had been committed in the area. Luke was well positioned and the penalty was scored straight down the middle. 2-2, and game on.
Yet the penalty really didn't change things. It was still Broadgate who looked more lively, and within three minutes they were back in the lead. The goals Hugh Stu conceded were dreadful - typically mix-ups between the keeper and defence, and Broadgate were indeed having some one-on-ones which they couldn't convert, and the score could have increased still further. The game settled down for a little while, but you got the feeling Broadgate were going to score again. The trouble they caused the defence was demonstrated by the yellow card Luke gave to one of the centre-backs in the 73rd minute. The Broadgate forward had been hacked at twice already, with Luke playing the advantage, and by the time he was brought down by the third hack, he was on the edge of the Hugh Stu area. After checking with me on who the player was, Luke gave him a deserved yellow card. He was followed into the book by "Craig David" - the Broadgate number 2 who had been at the centre of things last week (but was noticeably quieter this week) for a late tackle, again correctly.
But Broadgate were not to be denied, and two quick goals followed in the 77th and 80th minutes, one of which involved their forward running through from his own half and taking the ball round the keeper to score. Sandwiched in between was the game's fourth yellow card, to a Broadgate midfielder for a late tackle. With the score now at 5-2 and only 10 minutes to go, it was now game over, and Hugh Stu were beaten and knew it. They could have conceded more in that last ten minutes.
In that time came one of the two amusing moments of the game. I had been running the line for the Hugh Stu defence all game, and had given only two offsides. Hugh Stu defenders were taking goal kicks (rather than the keeper), and weren't always clearing them well or moving back up the pitch quickly. From one such kick, Broadgate picked up the ball and passed it forward. The Hugh Stu central defender then appealed for offside against the forward running towards him! Astonishingly, so did some of his teammates! Simply bizarre! The other amusing moment had come in the first half, when one of the Hugh Stu coaches told his player to "stop flirting with the ref"!
Luke didn't bother to play any injury time, and with the score at 5-2 ended the classic "game of two halves". Hugh Stu's physical style had dominated the first half, but Broadgate's equaliser just before half time was crucial and they went on to have much the better of the second half in which Hugh Stu were nothing short of dreadful. I was pleased to see Broadgate win, because they were trying to play the better football, and when they did Hugh Stu either conceded a goal or just fouled them. A deserved win for me.
I thought Luke had a really good game. The clash of styles didn't make things easy, and nor did the constant shouts from the touchlines. He called things as he saw them, kept a lid on the game and tried to let it flow. He wasn't always successful, but that was down to the players and not to him. He got the big decisions right for me too. It wasn't an easy game, and the four yellow cards were probably needed to keep control. Overall, I thought this was a great performance.
The other pertinent question then - was he better than I had been the previous week?! Possibly (an economist never says yes or no to a question like that!). The games were different - this one was more challenging throughout the game whereas I had a couple of specific incidents to deal with towards the end. I think both of us can be happy with a job well done, handling the game we had in front of us as well as we could.
That is it then for IMS football until the New Year. I haven't been there as much as I intended to this term, but when I have I have enjoyed my refereeing once again. I think I'm approaching the more challenging moments with more confidence, and keeping control much better - I always used to be rather afraid of confrontation, whereas I felt happy with my handling of last week's incident. I am yet to show a yellow card this year, perhaps I should have done last week but I was happy with how I handled things. Altogether, it has been a welcome distraction from my studies and a really enjoyable way to spend my Wednesday afternoons. The League games will return in January following the exams. Bring on the next game!
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Match 3 - Broadgate Park vs Cripps
I finally returned to refereeing action today after over a month since I was last in the middle. Doug's visit two weeks ago had given me the enthusiasm once again, and to top it all it was Cup quarter-final day. I find that one-off cup games are usually among the most entertaining, and this was no exception.
Luke was very upset that he had been turned down by Hugh Stu for their match with Derby. So we turned to Cripps' game, and they all recognised us both because of Doug's cardfest two weeks ago(!). I refereed and Luke was invited to run the line, and he couldn't be bothered to find his own match to referee and so he stayed with me. With a Broadgate sub running the other line, the Cup tie was underway.
After some early Cripps pressure, it was Broadgate who took the initiative. They took a 12th minute lead with a headed goal; there were muted claims that the ball had gone out of play but Luke was up with it and happy. Early goals are usually helpful, and can help play to settle down.
Cripps' reply was an equaliser within seven minutes. Now, if you ask them they will probably say it was a deliberate shot from the right hand side. I'll say it was more likely a cross which floated over the goalkeeper and into the net! Either way, the scores were level.
It was Broadgate, shooting uphill, who were having the better of play. Controversial moments were relatively few, with the only issues being around two challenges by Broadgate forwards who led with their foot up. They caught the Cripps goalkeeper and then a defender in the process, but I was happy that they were going for the ball and took no further action against either of them. I did, however, make a big call on the half-hour mark when I awarded Broadgate a penalty. It is unusual to say that a penalty was "coming", but it was in this game. Broadgate had two excellent forwards whose pace, ball control and passing were excellent, and I could see the tackles coming in and there being every possibility of them having their heels clipped and going down. In the end, the challenge was more blatant than that, with the Cripps goalkeeper taking out one of the forwards pretty unceremoniously. The attacker wasn't even going anywhere, so I didn't yellow card the keeper, although Luke thought I perhaps could have done. My instant reaction was penalty, and the ball didn't change course confirming that the keeper had got nowhere near it. The penalty was converted, and Broadgate led 2-1, and that was still the score 15 minutes later when I blew for half-time.
Things were going well, and I felt on top of things. Luke warned me of an ongoing confrontation between the Broadgate No. 2 and the Cripps central defender. They had just generally been on at each other through the first half. I said I'd keep an eye on it, although in the end Cripps switched markers to leave a different player marking him in the second half. The No. 2 was a good player, the tallest in that area of the pitch and winning most of the balls in the air. He also liked to talk, although most of it was harmless. He would be at the centre of things later on.
The second half got underway. Surprisingly, Broadgate started much the better, despite Cripps being 2-1 down. Cripps only got going towards the last 15 minutes. I felt I was firmly in control of things. I found myself talking to the players a lot more than I usually do, and this helped things. A joke here and there, a word in someone's ear, it was all good and I felt things were going really well. Cripps finally got going towards the end and it was becoming a great end-to-end cup tie.
Three incidents of note lay ahead of me. The first involved one of the Broadgate forwards. Luke flagged offside, and I was a little late noticing it, so he carried on running. The Cripps central defender then performed what Luke termed a 'pro evo tackle' on him, completely chopping him down. Had the ball been live at that point, it would have been a certain red card, with the attacker through on goal. As it was, I didn't have to send him off, although I wonder if I should still have booked him for the challenge. Both players were happy and we carried on.
Broadgate were a constant threat up front. They left one attacker up to chase after the clearances hoofed out of defence, and this proved very effective, keeping Cripps on the backfoot. From one such attack, the ball was blasted across the box and one of the Cripps players on the goalline stuck out a hand to it. For the first time in IMS I awarded a second penalty in one game. I thought Luke had shaken his head and wondered if I had made an error, but there was no complaint whatsoever from the defenders - my eyes hadn't deceived me! I did wonder if he should have received a card, but I'm not convinced he prevented a goal and the penalty was punishment enough. That said, the spot kick was saved by the Cripps keeper (although it wasn't a good penalty).
Things certainly got very tense towards the end as the verbal slanging escalated a little. It all started at one standard free kick in the Broadgate defence. The No. 2 who I mentioned earlier shouted something to his goalkeeper, clearly naming him, before a Cripps player (No. 7 I think) said to him "shut up, Craig David". The No. 2 did bear a passing resemblance to Craig David, but not massively so. He didn't seem overly bothered, so I let it pass. I didn't think it was particularly racist - perhaps others might have. I should maybe have booked the No. 7, but I let it go. Perhaps this was a mistake, as things then kicked off at a Cripps corner some minutes later, just as we entered stoppage time. I don't know exactly what started it, but the pair decided to start hurling insults at each other again. I was right on the spot and thought I would be able to keep a lid on it until one Cripps player came running back to get involved. I just blew my whistle continually and waited for it all to calm down. No blows had been struck, it had been pushing and shouting only, and so I decided to let it all calm down, and talk to all the players involved. When we eventually restarted with the corner, the penalty area was loaded with players, including the Cripps goalkeeper. Nothing came of it all, but I was still wary about making sure nothing started off during the stoppage time which remained.
I had intended to play four of five minutes of added time before this incident started. I figured it had taken at least two minutes to sort out, so in the end I played over seven. There had been a fair few stoppages through the half, and I think what I did in the end was a fair reflection of that. Cripps didn't really create any more chances and Broadgate had another penalty appeal which I turned down, before I brought the match to a conclusion, with Broadgate advancing with a 2-1 win.
In the end, after a fairly slow first half, I thought the match turned into a great cup tie with two fully committed teams. Conditions weren't ideal, but I think I allowed for this. I certainly gave the match as much of a chance as possible, and this probably helped it become an entertaining game. I felt it was always under control, but bubbling nicely with neither team lacking commitment. I thought I managed the game as well as I had any in my two and a bit years in Nottingham. The incidents at the end were regrettable, but I think I dealt with them as well as I could. You may realise that I could have ended up with at least six yellow cards for various offences in this game, but that is not my style and in the end I was consistent and did enough to keep the game under control. Aim achieved for me.
Altogether, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. A great cup tie, and I thought I gave a performance as good as I have in my time so far at Nottingham. The game wasn't the easiest, but I got through everything well. Broadgate were the better team on the day and deserved their victory, and will go through to the Cup semi-final, where I think they will play Hugh Stu.
Before I finish, I must mention one dreadful incident which occured in an East Midlands Counties League Game on Saturday. Referee Andy Parker was assaulted five minutes from the end of the game between St Andrews and Gedling Miners Welfare. He was given a full on punch by one of the St Andrews players - the full story can be found here. Suffice to say it was a horrible incident, and as can be seen we may now lose another referee thanks to the incident. Referee recruitment is difficult as it is, so we don't need things like this happening. While I may have enjoyed my game today, Mr Parker may never referee again. Players need to think about their actions at times like these, because the game badly needs referees.
Luke was very upset that he had been turned down by Hugh Stu for their match with Derby. So we turned to Cripps' game, and they all recognised us both because of Doug's cardfest two weeks ago(!). I refereed and Luke was invited to run the line, and he couldn't be bothered to find his own match to referee and so he stayed with me. With a Broadgate sub running the other line, the Cup tie was underway.
After some early Cripps pressure, it was Broadgate who took the initiative. They took a 12th minute lead with a headed goal; there were muted claims that the ball had gone out of play but Luke was up with it and happy. Early goals are usually helpful, and can help play to settle down.
Cripps' reply was an equaliser within seven minutes. Now, if you ask them they will probably say it was a deliberate shot from the right hand side. I'll say it was more likely a cross which floated over the goalkeeper and into the net! Either way, the scores were level.
It was Broadgate, shooting uphill, who were having the better of play. Controversial moments were relatively few, with the only issues being around two challenges by Broadgate forwards who led with their foot up. They caught the Cripps goalkeeper and then a defender in the process, but I was happy that they were going for the ball and took no further action against either of them. I did, however, make a big call on the half-hour mark when I awarded Broadgate a penalty. It is unusual to say that a penalty was "coming", but it was in this game. Broadgate had two excellent forwards whose pace, ball control and passing were excellent, and I could see the tackles coming in and there being every possibility of them having their heels clipped and going down. In the end, the challenge was more blatant than that, with the Cripps goalkeeper taking out one of the forwards pretty unceremoniously. The attacker wasn't even going anywhere, so I didn't yellow card the keeper, although Luke thought I perhaps could have done. My instant reaction was penalty, and the ball didn't change course confirming that the keeper had got nowhere near it. The penalty was converted, and Broadgate led 2-1, and that was still the score 15 minutes later when I blew for half-time.
Things were going well, and I felt on top of things. Luke warned me of an ongoing confrontation between the Broadgate No. 2 and the Cripps central defender. They had just generally been on at each other through the first half. I said I'd keep an eye on it, although in the end Cripps switched markers to leave a different player marking him in the second half. The No. 2 was a good player, the tallest in that area of the pitch and winning most of the balls in the air. He also liked to talk, although most of it was harmless. He would be at the centre of things later on.
The second half got underway. Surprisingly, Broadgate started much the better, despite Cripps being 2-1 down. Cripps only got going towards the last 15 minutes. I felt I was firmly in control of things. I found myself talking to the players a lot more than I usually do, and this helped things. A joke here and there, a word in someone's ear, it was all good and I felt things were going really well. Cripps finally got going towards the end and it was becoming a great end-to-end cup tie.
Three incidents of note lay ahead of me. The first involved one of the Broadgate forwards. Luke flagged offside, and I was a little late noticing it, so he carried on running. The Cripps central defender then performed what Luke termed a 'pro evo tackle' on him, completely chopping him down. Had the ball been live at that point, it would have been a certain red card, with the attacker through on goal. As it was, I didn't have to send him off, although I wonder if I should still have booked him for the challenge. Both players were happy and we carried on.
Broadgate were a constant threat up front. They left one attacker up to chase after the clearances hoofed out of defence, and this proved very effective, keeping Cripps on the backfoot. From one such attack, the ball was blasted across the box and one of the Cripps players on the goalline stuck out a hand to it. For the first time in IMS I awarded a second penalty in one game. I thought Luke had shaken his head and wondered if I had made an error, but there was no complaint whatsoever from the defenders - my eyes hadn't deceived me! I did wonder if he should have received a card, but I'm not convinced he prevented a goal and the penalty was punishment enough. That said, the spot kick was saved by the Cripps keeper (although it wasn't a good penalty).
Things certainly got very tense towards the end as the verbal slanging escalated a little. It all started at one standard free kick in the Broadgate defence. The No. 2 who I mentioned earlier shouted something to his goalkeeper, clearly naming him, before a Cripps player (No. 7 I think) said to him "shut up, Craig David". The No. 2 did bear a passing resemblance to Craig David, but not massively so. He didn't seem overly bothered, so I let it pass. I didn't think it was particularly racist - perhaps others might have. I should maybe have booked the No. 7, but I let it go. Perhaps this was a mistake, as things then kicked off at a Cripps corner some minutes later, just as we entered stoppage time. I don't know exactly what started it, but the pair decided to start hurling insults at each other again. I was right on the spot and thought I would be able to keep a lid on it until one Cripps player came running back to get involved. I just blew my whistle continually and waited for it all to calm down. No blows had been struck, it had been pushing and shouting only, and so I decided to let it all calm down, and talk to all the players involved. When we eventually restarted with the corner, the penalty area was loaded with players, including the Cripps goalkeeper. Nothing came of it all, but I was still wary about making sure nothing started off during the stoppage time which remained.
I had intended to play four of five minutes of added time before this incident started. I figured it had taken at least two minutes to sort out, so in the end I played over seven. There had been a fair few stoppages through the half, and I think what I did in the end was a fair reflection of that. Cripps didn't really create any more chances and Broadgate had another penalty appeal which I turned down, before I brought the match to a conclusion, with Broadgate advancing with a 2-1 win.
In the end, after a fairly slow first half, I thought the match turned into a great cup tie with two fully committed teams. Conditions weren't ideal, but I think I allowed for this. I certainly gave the match as much of a chance as possible, and this probably helped it become an entertaining game. I felt it was always under control, but bubbling nicely with neither team lacking commitment. I thought I managed the game as well as I had any in my two and a bit years in Nottingham. The incidents at the end were regrettable, but I think I dealt with them as well as I could. You may realise that I could have ended up with at least six yellow cards for various offences in this game, but that is not my style and in the end I was consistent and did enough to keep the game under control. Aim achieved for me.
Altogether, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. A great cup tie, and I thought I gave a performance as good as I have in my time so far at Nottingham. The game wasn't the easiest, but I got through everything well. Broadgate were the better team on the day and deserved their victory, and will go through to the Cup semi-final, where I think they will play Hugh Stu.
Before I finish, I must mention one dreadful incident which occured in an East Midlands Counties League Game on Saturday. Referee Andy Parker was assaulted five minutes from the end of the game between St Andrews and Gedling Miners Welfare. He was given a full on punch by one of the St Andrews players - the full story can be found here. Suffice to say it was a horrible incident, and as can be seen we may now lose another referee thanks to the incident. Referee recruitment is difficult as it is, so we don't need things like this happening. While I may have enjoyed my game today, Mr Parker may never referee again. Players need to think about their actions at times like these, because the game badly needs referees.
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Back to grass roots
After reading this some of you will probably think I'm a bit of a sad case. Maybe I am. But I am simply a football fan and like to see football at all levels. To be a referee, I think you need to be a bit mad and a football fan really!
So, on Tuesday night, I drove across Nottingham city centre to Carlton Town FC. The game I went to see was between Arnold Town (currently unable to play at their own ground, hence the different location) and Hallam FC. The game was in the Kool Sports Northern Counties East Premier Division. To put that into context, it is the 9th tier of English football. Get to the Conference, go down through Conference North, the Unibond Northern Premier League, Division One, and you might find yourself in the Northern Counties East League. So this is football really back at its roots.
The contrast is stark. I was in a crowd of 88 at Carlton's rather odd ground, which has a stand behind one goal and very little other shelter (save for the clubhouse!). Yes, it was quiet. I could hear the players, I could hear the referee (who I thought communicated well and had a good match), I could hear what was shouted from the benches, and I could hear all the comments the fans made. It is a totally different experience to anything you'll find even as high as the Conference.
In terms of the match, it was nothing special. Arnold won 1-0 thanks to a 14th minute goal from their forward Chris Freestone who rounded the keeper and slotted it home. Hallam persevered, but couldn't find an equaliser, and Arnold could have added to their lead too. The win takes them up to fourth in the Premier division. But what matters is that I felt part of the action, and that is what made it all enjoyable. I wasn't some distant figure in a crowd, I was by the edge of the pitch following all the action.
Top level football is often thought expensive. Not so here. I paid £5 to get in, £1.50 for an informative matchday programme, and got myself a half-time tray of chips for £1. I could have had them with a pie and gravy for just £2.50. That's ridiculously cheap really! I would barely get a cup of tea for that price at the New Wembley.
In my opinion, you don't need to go to high level football to enjoy watching it. Going down the non-league pyramid may not be everyone's cup of tea, but its a welcome break for me from the hugely commercial world of top flight football. This is the players' hobby, which they put everything into, something which I am not convinced some of the overpaid prima donnas at the top do.
As far as I can see, every level of football has its advantages. For skill, excitement and quality you can't beat the Premier League. For professional football of a good standard and a good atmosphere you can't beat the Football League. But for value for money and being part of the action, you can't beat a trip down to one of those little local football clubs who survive on a shoestring. None of them should be dismissed as having nothing to offer.
I'm going to try to get round some more of the local clubs in Nottingham over the remainder of the academic year, as I believe this is where you can find the true spirit of football. I'd encourage you to do the same - don't be afraid to take a trip to your local non-league clubs. It won't cost you much, and it will give you a different perspective of what football is like.
So, am I a sad case? Possibly. Or maybe I'm just trying to get a different perspective on the world of football. I'll leave you to judge that one!
So, on Tuesday night, I drove across Nottingham city centre to Carlton Town FC. The game I went to see was between Arnold Town (currently unable to play at their own ground, hence the different location) and Hallam FC. The game was in the Kool Sports Northern Counties East Premier Division. To put that into context, it is the 9th tier of English football. Get to the Conference, go down through Conference North, the Unibond Northern Premier League, Division One, and you might find yourself in the Northern Counties East League. So this is football really back at its roots.
The contrast is stark. I was in a crowd of 88 at Carlton's rather odd ground, which has a stand behind one goal and very little other shelter (save for the clubhouse!). Yes, it was quiet. I could hear the players, I could hear the referee (who I thought communicated well and had a good match), I could hear what was shouted from the benches, and I could hear all the comments the fans made. It is a totally different experience to anything you'll find even as high as the Conference.
In terms of the match, it was nothing special. Arnold won 1-0 thanks to a 14th minute goal from their forward Chris Freestone who rounded the keeper and slotted it home. Hallam persevered, but couldn't find an equaliser, and Arnold could have added to their lead too. The win takes them up to fourth in the Premier division. But what matters is that I felt part of the action, and that is what made it all enjoyable. I wasn't some distant figure in a crowd, I was by the edge of the pitch following all the action.
Top level football is often thought expensive. Not so here. I paid £5 to get in, £1.50 for an informative matchday programme, and got myself a half-time tray of chips for £1. I could have had them with a pie and gravy for just £2.50. That's ridiculously cheap really! I would barely get a cup of tea for that price at the New Wembley.
In my opinion, you don't need to go to high level football to enjoy watching it. Going down the non-league pyramid may not be everyone's cup of tea, but its a welcome break for me from the hugely commercial world of top flight football. This is the players' hobby, which they put everything into, something which I am not convinced some of the overpaid prima donnas at the top do.
As far as I can see, every level of football has its advantages. For skill, excitement and quality you can't beat the Premier League. For professional football of a good standard and a good atmosphere you can't beat the Football League. But for value for money and being part of the action, you can't beat a trip down to one of those little local football clubs who survive on a shoestring. None of them should be dismissed as having nothing to offer.
I'm going to try to get round some more of the local clubs in Nottingham over the remainder of the academic year, as I believe this is where you can find the true spirit of football. I'd encourage you to do the same - don't be afraid to take a trip to your local non-league clubs. It won't cost you much, and it will give you a different perspective of what football is like.
So, am I a sad case? Possibly. Or maybe I'm just trying to get a different perspective on the world of football. I'll leave you to judge that one!
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