RateTheRef

Fortunately there is a direct bus route between Northampton and Bedford; unfortunately it doesn't operate on Sundays. The best option, therefore, seemed to be train to Milton Keynes and the X5 from there to Bedford. The train turned out to be a rail replacement bus, but it did the job. Before reaching Bedford the X5 passed a road sign pointing to the village of Turvey, with a prominent poster nearby publicising Turvey fireworks.There was no evidence in Bedford of the chanting of Gaelic psalms, but the Wee Frees seem to exert a strong influence there, as neither the bus service which stops outside the ground nor the second best option runs on the Sabbath. There is, though, an hourly number 9 bus, leaving a rather longer walk from the Turnpike stop than was apparent from Google Maps, and certainly more than my aged legs appreciated. Even so, an early arrival allowed me to purchase a programme, which was a very commendable effort, perused with interest while waiting for

Sunday 29th September 2024
FA Cup 3rd Round Qualifying
Biggleswade   1   v   0   Canvey Island
Liam Corbett (Dudley); Harry Price, Scott Hanna. 4thers: Andrew Wheaton.

Like Mr Hall the previous day, Mr Corbett and AR1 sported the currently fashionable short back and sides. AR2 called to mind Mrs Tiggywinkle's other half. Mr Corbett set his stall out early, with a yellow card for a visiting player after just 5 minutes. Biggleswade had their number 9 spoken to and on 18 minutes their number 11 received a yellow, correctly, though the fouled player made the most of his fall. He was in trouble again just before the half hour, Mr Corbett going for a straight red, rather than a second yellow. Despite being a man short, Biggleswade had a good opening on 35 minutes and scored with a header just three minutes later. As the players left the field at half-time the Biggleswade boss sought audience with Mr Corbett, who firmly gave him chapter and verse.

There was a great Biggleswade attack on 50 minutes, ending with a strong shot that was fractionally too high. An idiotic late barge earned their number 6 a yellow. Canvey Island had the bulk of the possession, but were lacking in creativity. They picked up another yellow, as did the Biggleswade number 2 for taking too long over a throw-in, with 20 minutes to go. Canvey Island did force a double clearance off the line and had a shot deflected for a corner. On 78 minutes a Biggleswade break was halted by a pull back; Mr Corbett gave it a second to see if there was an advantage, but quickly called it back and the visiting number 8 was cautioned. A minute later the Biggleswade number 6 had reason to regret his earlier stupidity, when he was shown his second yellow, reducing his side to nine men. The Biggleswade keeper made a good save, their number 9 saw yellow for pretending he did not know he was being subbed, as did their number 18 for delaying a throw, but they held out to go through to the next round.

Mr Corbett was very firm and consistent in his approach - JCFC was very impressed. It would be nice to see him let loose on some of the Premier League miscreants. As the officials made their way off the field, the announcer thanked them for their efforts and more surprisingly, the occupants of the stand gave them a round of applause - despite the two red cards for the home side. It would be nice to think that such a sporting attitude would have been shown, had the result gone the other way.

There was no chance of making it back to the bus stop for 17.08, but Google Maps offered the alternative of a number 3 at 17.45 from a nearby estate. JCFC found the stop at 17.35, but was confused that the posted timetable showed the last departure as 17.29. When 17.45 had been and gone, JCFC decided that Google was wrong and set off back to Harrowden Road, only to be passed within half a minute by the bus. Moral: trust Google maps. At least there was a seat at Harrowden Road to wait for the number 9, and again at Bedford bus station. This time Milton Keynes offered a rail replacement coach, but it had turned out to be a twelve hour day trip, leaving JCFC rather weary and ready for bed.

Can anybody tell me where I can found the referees for truro on Saturday in the fa cup

Going one step further Martinez got a yellow card in the first leg and then received another in normal play tonight, if the yellow card received in the penalty shoot out counts against him is he suspended for the first leg of the semi final under the 3 yellow card rule?

The journey North has been going well, with things going to time. This third train has, however, produced a couple of announcements that fall into the screamingly obvious category. The first explained that the train consisted of two separate units joined together with no through passage between - but rather needlessly we were reassured that both parts would be stopping at the same stations. A further announcement as we approached Stafford said that the next train is the one that's just gone, so you won't be able to catch that. Incidentally the train seemed to take a liking to Stafford station and had to be coaxed to leave, so we are now several minutes behind schedule.

Quote from: MCPridz on Fri 08 Dec 2023 14:49

Why was this game played randomly on Wednesday night and another europa league game randomly played at the weekend

As it involved a side from Israel, I suspect that they were previously postponed as a result of the war in the area.

Definitely not one of my favourite refs, but Attwell has to take credit for the part he played in an exciting encounter, arguably one of the matches of the season until possibly usurped by Man City vs Spurs.

Poor decision by the AR to flag for offside on Fulham's 2nd goal, but correctly overturned by VAR. Not sure why the AR needed to flag in that situation where VAR would be expected to correctly rule either way.

My only gripe is I think Decordova-Reid was potentially fouled when Tsimikas jumped into the back of him in the build up to Liverpool's 4th goal, yet it didn't even seem to get reviewed, or was dismissed quickly. At such a pivotal point of the match, I feel this needed closer scrutiny. How did everyone else see this 'foul'?