RateTheRef

East Hull v Harrogate Railway
NCEL
Referee: Dominic Hawkins (formerly of Belper)
(left after 86 min)

Though I'm sure that those of East Hull do their best, the grass could have done with a haircut, though that it hadn't ensured arguably a better game, for the ball hardly ever went out of play!

A fast paced game, and a seemingly althetic referee, but there's a little of Roger Fitzpatrick in Dominic, and I hasten to say not the build, but the appearance of running like the clappers, but getting nowhere fast.

Consequently his ability to make decisions around 9/5 was lacking, running too narrow too often, he rarely giving himself an angle to do so. Was much missed? No, not really, but guesswork will come unstuck somewhere. Perhaps not today, but another day. That Mr Hawkins can talk for England will get him out of bother? Perhaps he banks on it?

Advantages played were obvious, but correct, though the one armed "advantage" signal is a habit he may struggle to shake. Perhaps it's all the rage nowadays?

Cautions issued were warranted, and a good rapport with players was evident. I don't hold the same opinion as the East Hull management member about a lack of consistency, nor the Harrogate one about a second half yellow being a red (yellow lenient, red harsh), for there are trips and TRIPS ( I digress, but if ever you've heard "Day Trip to Blackpool" by the Macc Lads, you'll get what I mean!) The referee's tolerance seemed about right to me.

Both benches need to grow up, but I suspect neither see much wrong with dishing mouthfuls at one another. Doesn't do the NCEL any favours though. Mr Hawkins did visit the East Hull bench about certain "observations", and I must say bossed it very well.

Overall, with reservations on positioning, this was a performance to be pleased with. Well done!