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Author Topic: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21  (Read 9238 times)

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mutn3

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #30 on: Wed 30 Sep 2020 13:34 »
Matlock Town 2 Basford Utd 2
Referee: Jamie O'Connor
Att: 443
Covid adherence of Club 5/5
Covid adherence of spectators 4/5

Playing cricket, in a fashion, on the same ground, I had cause to arrive before 6.00pm to catch up on some tidying up inside the cricket Pavilion. Within seconds of parking in the more remote car park, I was " track and traced". I've no problem with this alert response at all from MTFC, and the club should be congratulated for it.

Being less confident than some, when I ventured to pitch side, I stayed out of the way, so a raised position from near a corner flag isn't great to watch football, or comment upon a referee's performance. Nor is leaving after an hour, but there you go!

I have to say that Jamie isn't a bad referee at all nowadays. The three cautions I saw were all warranted, and his decision making was generally safe, rather than court difficulty. He is fit, without doubt, and his proximity helped sell.

A couple of things to bring to attention. On all three cautions the players moved away before being brought back to administer yellow. I know it is in most players wont to scarper given half a chance, but Jamie might think about issuing that card a little sooner, as he compares stamp collections? For all three to be brought back suggests there's something afoot with procedure?

Secondly, a ball gets clomped out behind the goal. Miles out, not marginally out, not quite Peter Kaye, but not far off it. But is it a goal kick , or is it a corner? A well positioned referee indicates a corner clearly,  but why oh why is there need for a whistle, with the ball bouncing off cars, disgarded sightscreens and a mallard? Ok, I exaggerate, and it's a rhetorical question, so please don't ask if the mallard is ok.

And at 1:1 I left. I have to say I felt hesitant to become involved too much. Leaving with half an hour to go before the dash at the end is a bit extreme, and I suppose I will get used to it, but not yet.

In the hour I saw Jamie did fine. Both sets of spectators believed he was favouring the other team, so I'd take that as a back handed compliment.

Match 3/5
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JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #31 on: Wed 30 Sep 2020 14:46 »
With the NCEFL Premier Division no longer having Level 3 referees, their appointments list had a very unfamiliar air. The top division was handled by officials seen previously on the line at step 3/4/5 or in the middle at Step 6. The remaining division saw a raft of previously unseen names, with newly promoted Level 4s featuring prominently. One such was in charge of

Tuesday 29th September 2020
NCEFL Division 1
Emley   1   v   0   North Ferriby
Phillip Morton (Sheffield); Sam Bragg, Matthew Rose.

Mr Rose had a dark beard, which lent him a certain presence and he seemed to receive very little abuse from the wooden fence on the far side of the pitch. Young Mr Bragg proved to have a bit more about him than his slightly diffident appearance initially suggested. It was hard to guess Mr Morton's age - prematurely bald, with the remnants close-shaven, he was probably younger than suspected. He looked pretty wiry and in the opening stages made numerous rapid sprints and did much energetic side-skipping: the question on everyone's lips - or in this one person's mind, at least - was whether he would still be buzzing around like the fly with the colourful posterior midway through the second half. "Up to a point, Lord Copper," was the answer. It was probably a daunting debut at this level to have Messrs Richardson and Cox in attendance.

A debated throw-in decision saw Mr Bragg receive loud and offensive comments from Emley's numbers 3 and 5. It is doubtful, perhaps, whether any intervention from Mr Morton to speak to the offenders would have influenced subsequent behaviour, but none was forthcoming. There was regular "advice" too from the home dug-out: one strident appeal for a penalty - "that was an easy one" - would have produced apoplexy had such a penalty been awarded against his side - the gentle contact with the attacker's back would not have worried my granny. That apart, Ferriby were well on top, doing most of the attacking. Mr Morton was having little trouble until a foul on the visiting keeper on 25 minutes led to a general set-to, which repeated whistling took a while to calm. Not much in the way of violence, but a fair amount of vigorous pushing and shoving. Mr Morton called the Emley number 4 towards the corner for a protracted talk, a yellow card and a further long discussion. Whether that was the wisest way of doing it, with players regrouped by now on halfway is open to debate. Before play resumed, he also had to move to halfway, locate the Ferriby number 9 and repeat the process. It can be a good idea, perhaps, to give tempers time to subside, but over three minutes seemed excessive. Ferriby did find the net, but Mr Bragg's flag had been instantly raised. Emley did have one near thing when the visiting keeper came but dropped the ball, but the ball was put out for a corner. The Emley coach treated Mr Morton to a lengthy harangue at the interval - for no obvious reason.

Things were completely different in a second half that became a very stop-start affair, with Emley now having the better of things. A Ferriby defender was injured, no foul given, but Emley players were lectured, with a similar scenario in reverse some minutes later. There was unjustified derision from the crowd when after this, Mr Morton had to run back to the keeper, who had been in possession, take the ball from him and then drop it at his feet. On the hour an Emley header came back off the bar. Talking points continued. An Emley pass struck the referee's foot and rebounded to the passer, who was able to effect a better pass under less pressure. Should play be stopped as a possible advantage had been gained? JCFC is inclined to go with Mr Morton's decision to play on, but could see the opposite point of view. An attack-stopping trip saw a yellow card for the Ferriby number 6. On 74 minutes a Ferriby player sustained a head injury as he charged an opponent from behind, Emley sent the ball forward but it was hoofed clear by Ferriby. Play was stopped for treatment, and restarted - correctly in JCFC'S now limited understanding - with the ball being dropped for Ferriby back on the edge of their penalty area, though Mr Morton had a degree of difficulty in persuading Emley players that this was the right course, and the ball was dropped with an attacker in very close attendance. As little feuds developed, tempers rose once more. A foul by the Emley number 2 led to another flare-up, with Mr Bragg doing very well to get in and isolate the offender until he could be shown his yellow card. JCFC had by now made his way to the corner, to avoid being caught the wrong side of the tunnel. A silly barge on the keeper saw another, lesser, airing of differences and a yellow for the Ferriby number 5. Another Ferriby player received a yellow on 90 minutes. By now it was 21.36 and, with the bus at 21.38, JCFC had to leave, but was only a few yards across the car park when a cheer announced that Emley had scored a winner. No further disciplinary action seems to have been required in the remaining four minutes. And JCFC caught the bus.

It was not the pleasantest of matches for Mr Morton and despite some good spots he did not entirely come to terms with proceedings. There was rather too much chat - in both directions - and ultimately not enough football as players began to milk the referee for free-kicks. Still, making a silk purse out of a sow's ear is a lot to ask of any official, let alone one new to this level. With luck, he will find two more amenable teams next time out.
« Last Edit: Thu 01 Oct 2020 19:10 by JCFC »
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JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #32 on: Wed 30 Sep 2020 15:39 »
With the Northern League Division 1 and the NWCFL Premier Division also now taken by Level 4 referees, how are the thirty Level 3 officials each week who last year would have been appointed to these matches now being deployed?

Travelling must be more of a burden for most referees in the North-East and for the clubs further South that will have to pay expenses for more long-distance travel.
A Level 3 referee from, say, Cullercoats, will have Morpeth, South Shields, Dunston and Marske from within Northern League territory. Pickering, Whitby, Scarborough, Kendal and Lancaster would be reasonable on Saturdays, but quite awkward journeys for evening matches. Thereafter the next nearest would be Tadcaster, Pontefract, Ossett, Bamber Bridge, Colne, Clitheroe and Brighouse - all long treks. I hope club treasurers are well prepared.

Microscopist

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #33 on: Wed 30 Sep 2020 15:49 »
Quote
From his days attending Sunday School, JCFC was reminded of a hymn tune "Walkden Moor" which accompanied the words "We are starting on a journey"
Strangely not a hymn, nor a tune, that was found attractive to the compilers of CH4 and not familiar to the Alloway congregation - the the number in the United Methodist School Hymnal sounds like a football formation Stuart Pearce might have tried had his wife not pointed out that he needed to have a goalkeeper.
As it happens I have well worn hard backed copy of The Methodist School Hymnbook (Note not the more American based "United" version).  This was not from my schooldays but probably from a Blytheswood shop. The attached video clip gives the melody as JCFC might have sung it in Sunday School, (or even going uphill had he been breathing Helium?)


I passed on JCFC'sr congratulations to our soon to be Ordained Local Minister when he will add another Rev Dr to the CoS ranks - he was very appreciative of  your comments.
« Last Edit: Wed 30 Sep 2020 22:20 by Microscopist »

Carter

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #34 on: Wed 30 Sep 2020 16:46 »
With the Northern League Division 1 and the NWCFL Premier Division also now taken by Level 4 referees, how are the thirty Level 3 officials each week who last year would have been appointed to these matches now being deployed?

Travelling must be more of a burden for most referees in the North-East and for the clubs further South that will have to pay expenses for more long-distance travel.
A Level 3 referee from, say, Cullercoats, will have Morpeth, South Shields, Dunston and Marske from within Northern League territory. Pickering, Whitby, Scarborough, Kendal and Lancaster would be reasonable on Saturdays, but quite awkward journeys for evening matches. Thereafter the next nearest would be Tadcaster, Pontefract, Ossett, Bamber Bridge, Colne, Clitheroe and Brighouse - all long treks. I hope club treasurers are well prepared.

The Northern League Div 1 is still being refereed by level 3's for this season.
Due to the termination of last season the new step 4 league in the north didnt get setup, so its as was for this season.
But your point is still valid, with 3 clubs from the N.L. being proted to the new league and chances that South Shields will move up there wont be many games to go around.
Thise clubs in Yorkshire better get used to paying more expenses

ajb95

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #35 on: Wed 30 Sep 2020 22:27 »
With the Northern League Division 1 and the NWCFL Premier Division also now taken by Level 4 referees, how are the thirty Level 3 officials each week who last year would have been appointed to these matches now being deployed?

Travelling must be more of a burden for most referees in the North-East and for the clubs further South that will have to pay expenses for more long-distance travel.
A Level 3 referee from, say, Cullercoats, will have Morpeth, South Shields, Dunston and Marske from within Northern League territory. Pickering, Whitby, Scarborough, Kendal and Lancaster would be reasonable on Saturdays, but quite awkward journeys for evening matches. Thereafter the next nearest would be Tadcaster, Pontefract, Ossett, Bamber Bridge, Colne, Clitheroe and Brighouse - all long treks. I hope club treasurers are well prepared.

I am told JCFC that there is one big national pool for all referees at this level so realistically any referee could be appointed anywhere.
In these uncertain times of COVID the finances of these clubs will be stretching thinly

Maltese Falcon

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #36 on: Thu 01 Oct 2020 08:15 »
I am told JCFC that there is one big national pool for all referees at this level so realistically any referee could be appointed anywhere.
In these uncertain times of COVID the finances of these clubs will be stretching thinly
[/quote]

That's not strictly accurate.  Whilst ALL referees at Level 4 and above are "FA" officials and therefore able to take charge of games across the whole country, realistically, L3 and L4 appointments are typically made within around an hour's drive time.  In fact, with separate travel for officials because of COVID protocol, appointments this year are likely to be even more local than this.  That said, for those wishing to officiate further afield, there is always the option of giving a temporary address for a day, weekend or even longer

Ref Watcher

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #37 on: Thu 01 Oct 2020 09:51 »
That's not strictly accurate.  Whilst ALL referees at Level 4 and above are "FA" officials and therefore able to take charge of games across the whole country, realistically, L3 and L4 appointments are typically made within around an hour's drive time.  In fact, with separate travel for officials because of COVID protocol, appointments this year are likely to be even more local than this.
As a level four my experiences suggest this is the case.  In past seasons I have found that my average travel time to games is about 50 minutes with about a quarter of games going over the hour mark.  This season, on an admittedly small sample, the average has dropped to about half an hour with 50 minutes being the longest so far.
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JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #38 on: Sun 04 Oct 2020 14:05 »
With five FA Cup ties within a five-mile radius of Stalybridge station, (though not all allowed to admit spectators) JCFC was spoilt for choice. The initial selection was Staly Celtic against Longridge, but the home side was dilatory in posting details of arrangements and Longridge announced that there would be no tickets available on the day. Celtic eventually posted that it would be possible to pay at the gate, but by then alternative arrangements had been made. After plentiful rain during the night JCFC left Brighouse in the lightest of drizzles. You can say what you like about those strange folk on the other side of the Pennines, but you have to hand it to them: they do know how to do rain properly. The usual walk up the hill was therefore abandoned in favour of a couple of buses, changing at Ashton's glossy new bus station - or Interchange as it is now known - arriving very early for

Saturday 3rd October 2020
FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round
Ashton United   0   v   4   South Shields
Liam Corrigan (Liverpool); Keith Martin, Darren Whitfield.

Clean-shaven Mr Corrigan looked (and probably was) considerably younger than his two bearded assistants. All three braved the elements in short sleeves, but with the added protection of their County badge - though Mr Corrigan's went AWOL after the interval. A 7th minute foul and protest earned the Ashton number 7 a warning, with his second offence on 13 minutes drawing a yellow card - deemed harsh by the Ashton faithful, but if the warning is not heeded... In between, Ashton claimed a handball penalty, correctly denied, and at the subsequent break Mr Corrigan impressed by running to the chief claimant to demonstrate that arms were firmly by the side. Shields gained the upper hand, creating two good chances and on 25 minutes a long crossfield ball to where one might expect the right back to have been, found a Shields attacker unmarked and he was able to run on unchallenged and beat the keeper to give his side the lead. Before restarting, Mr Corrigan had to have words with the Ashton bosses: the half-time story was that the attacker had been offside, though JCFC's instant verdict, albeit not from dead in line, was that he was onside. Shields extended their lead on 32 minutes, the Ashton number 7, mindful of his card, had to wave the runner past and another pass to the left set up a shooting chance, impressively accepted. Within a minute the Shields number 4 was running clear and went down when hampered, but Mr Corrigan decided that it was merely a coming together and waved (limited) appeals away. The Shields number 11 escaped sanction when he prevented a free-kick from being taken a minute later. With a little heat just starting to creep into the game - there was much onfield discussion over a drop-ball restart after play had been stopped for an injury - and Mr Corrigan was wise to show a yellow to the Shields number 3 for coming through the back of an opponent. Ashton finally forced the keeper into a save - which was effected without difficulty.

A minute after the restart the Ashton number 10 was heading goalwards when he went down and was shown a yellow for simulation. There was some logic in home fans' question as to why he would, but there was no apparent contact. Perhaps it was merely a slip on the wet surface - it would not have been the only one - or perhaps Mr Corrigan was actually correct, as there was little real argument. Shields continued to look dangerous, but spooned a glorious opportunity out of the ground and when the Shields number 9 outpaced the Ashton number 5 the keeper managed to block the shot. A defensive slip allowed Ashton a chance, the ball going out off the top of the bar - Ashton thought with the help of the keeper, though the officials did not. That apart, the nearest an Ashton player came to getting his name on the scoresheet came just after the hour when a defender headed only just over his own bar. Shields soon added their third, an angled shot going in off the keeper and their number 6 received a yellow card. The Shields sub raced 40 yards on before Mr Martin arrived to do the formalities and had to be sent back. A challenge on the far side of the field led Mr Corrigan to produce an instant red card for an Ashton player, who trooped off with no observable indication of dudgeon. Shields completed the scoring with a header from a corner on 86 minutes. As in the first half, the added time was 0 minutes, which, given the score-line, was probably sensible.

Mr Corrigan's slight tendency to stoop sometimes gave his movement a tentative air - steady, not spectacular - but in his handling of the match he was confident. He had plenty to say, but then it would be a rare Liverpudlian who didn't possess the gift of the gab. It clearly served him well, as the fist touches at the final whistle seemed genuine and Mr Corrigan received a friendly pat on the shoulder from a Shields player as they eventually left the field. It had been a good afternoon's work and JCFC would certainly be happy to see him again, though perhaps not quite putting him in the "would travel to watch him" category.

Unfortunately all five of the Tameside clubs went out of the Competition at this stage. It looks likely that there will be no further chances to take in FA Cup ties this season, the next round coming once more  in midweek and with increasing numbers of matches behind closed doors. Still, next weekend brings the Vase.


There was, however, an upside to the afternoon (apart from a seamless journey home) as Brighouse Town climbed off the foot of the table, above Ossett United and City of Liverpool, without having a match themselves as a result of Droylden's withdrawal from the League. They obviously fare better when they don't play - what a pity that they will be in action tomorrow night!
« Last Edit: Sun 04 Oct 2020 14:14 by JCFC »
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Microscopist

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #39 on: Sun 04 Oct 2020 15:07 »
Quote
and was shown a yellow for simulation.
Wow! is that still in the laws?  I thought that, like obstruction, it had been done away with and was now considered a necessary skill in a player's toolkit.  ::)
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JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #40 on: Tue 06 Oct 2020 14:17 »
So for the first time this season, it was off to St Giles Road for

Monday 5th October 2020
NPL Division 1 NW
Brighouse Town   3   v   3   Runcorn Linnets
Lewis Dawson (Halifax); Kieran Dawson, Tony Murphy.

The programme revealed that the referee is the grandson of Trevor Simpson, which may possibly explain why he has been viewed as a good prospect from an early age - though in reality that may owe more to the fact that he does appear to possess genuine talent. Anyway, it was good to have the chance to see him control a whole match - on the only occasion JCFC had seen him, he had had to retire and hand over to Jamie Waters.

Things got off to the dullest of dull starts: after fifteen minutes or so, JCFC consulted his watch to find that only six minutes had in fact passed. At this point the home number 9 worked a good opening for himself, but lifted his shot way over the bar. Linnets retaliated shortly afterwards with a shot closer to the bar, though still comfortably over, but Brighouse were doing the bulk of the attacking. The Runcorn number 9 was spoken to for disputing a corner decision. While Brighouse were preparing to take an attacking free-kick in the 33rd minute, Mr Dawson (the K variety) raised his flag. Model L went to consult, correctly waving players away, returning to show a red card to the Brighouse number 7. One can only assume that there had been some skulduggery as the players were waiting for the kick. Two minutes later Brighouse took what by now was a slightly surprising lead. On 39 minutes the Linnets keeper made a clearance and from near halfway a Brighouse player volleyed it high and back over the keeper into the net, to give Town a 2-0 lead at the interval.

On 52 minutes came number three - a throw, two slick passes and a great shot from the far post. Then the rot set in: the home number 9 had been forced into a near wing-back position and when his opponent got the better of him, rather than let his defenders come to his rescue, he made an idiotic challenge and the penalty award was indisputable, Runcorn making it 3-1. With the extra man, Linnets were now very much on top.The home number 10 rightly saw yellow for a pull-back and number 9 soon followed him into the book. It looked like being a long last twenty minutes - little did we realise how long. At this point Mr Dawson (Mark L) went to talk to Mr Dawson (Mark K) and when they started rummaging in pockets, it became clear that once again there was to be a change of referee. A replacement was called for, but only a Brighouse official was forthcoming. There were mutterings from Runcorn players and Mr Dawson (now solely K, as L was heading indoors) had another word with the replacement. (In fairness, that gentleman did appear to know what he was doing, switching hands correctly and the game was to finish with him flagging an offside against Brighouse.) There was soon a series of blocks and a contribution from the crossbar in the home goalmouth. A flag for a foul from Mr Murphy, now transferred benchside, saw another Town player receive a yellow card. Runcorn were then foiled by the keeper's legs, somehow contriving to lift the rebound over the bar. Mr Dawson was called for a word by Mr Murphy, recalled and a red card was shown to a Linnets coach, who had to be chased and persuaded to move on as he stopped near the home dugout. Brighouse did make one sally, but Runcorn defenders made two blocks. On 95 minutes (nine minutes had been announced) the home number 5 joined the list of cautions, when his tackle was deemed reckless despite his pleas of innocence, and the free-kick was fired home to make it 3-2. On 98 minutes another challenge in the box saw Brighouse concede a second penalty, which Linnets equally comfortably converted.

One wonders what Mr Observer (Moore?) had to do with his report(s). The referee had looked very sharp indeed until his early departure, with accurate decision-making, sensibly restrained use of the whistle, good movement and plenty of vocal input. In best Lady Bracknell mode, however, JCFC might be inclined to say "To leave one game early, Mr Dawson ..."

His replacement (previously seen at a much lower level) was perhaps a little more tentative on being thrust into the middle, but did his job well and bravely enough.

Though a possible two points went a-begging, the one gained meant Town rose to the dizzy heights of thirteenth in the table - at least until this evening. JCFC has invested £3.25 in a ticket for a match tonight - provided the weather holds.
« Last Edit: Tue 06 Oct 2020 14:24 by JCFC »

lincs22

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #41 on: Tue 06 Oct 2020 16:05 »

One wonders what Mr Observer (Moore?) had to do with his report(s). The referee had looked very sharp indeed until his early departure, with accurate decision-making, sensibly restrained use of the whistle, good movement and plenty of vocal input. In best Lady Bracknell mode, however, JCFC might be inclined to say "To leave one game early, Mr Dawson ..."


As he had completed 45 minutes as referee, a normal report would be submitted to the FA. Unfortunately, Mr K does not get a referee report for his partial performance (nor a share of the referee's fee for the match  :o)
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ell

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #42 on: Tue 06 Oct 2020 16:20 »
having heard about this game from the reaplacement AR himself last night I was hoping you'd have been there JCFC to give your verdict on the match, which differs wildly from the Brighouse managers interview after the game!

JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #43 on: Tue 06 Oct 2020 16:24 »
Well, I can't get everything right. Sorry, that should read "anything."

I did get one thing right, though: the Observer was indeed Mr Moore.
« Last Edit: Tue 06 Oct 2020 16:36 by JCFC »

mutn3

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2020/21
« Reply #44 on: Wed 07 Oct 2020 00:04 »
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!


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