That was fun

CE asked me to be 4th official at one of his pre-season games and this took place tonight between Farsley Celtic (recently relegated from, but favourites to return to, the Blue Sq Premier) and Grimsby Town (Football League Two).

I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed watching a game of football as much in a long, long time. The craic before the game between CE, Jimmy2bob, Macca and me was great. I did a full warm up with the three "active" officials and felt fully involved at all times.

Grimsby won the toss and chose to stay as they were, so Farsley kicked off. The game was played at a great pace and chances occurred at both ends of the field. Farsley conceded a kick from the penalty mark on the half hour mark but it was missed. At the start of second half both teams made a lot of changes and in the second half, Farsley pressed home their home advantage and scored three goals without reply from Grimsby.

Fat Lad had come along to watch and gave us his full and frank commentary in the bar afterwards. CE had done little wrong but I mentioned to him at half time that I had seen him looking down at the grass at inactive times during the first half and he was conscious of that in the second half. Macca got ripped for a close offside call but more so for saying he was going home only to return to the bar a few seconds later to collect his bag.

As for me, I was slack on a substitution which Jimmy2bob pulled me up on before CE could. Jimmy2bob got off lightly but I think he may have been a little guilty of watching the thunderstorm taking place a few miles away over the stand on the opposite touchline from his patrol path.

So we all had something to take away ... and I got to wear an AirAsia.com top. I feel very, very pleased with myself.

Tomorrow I'm calling in at West Riding County FA during a new referees training event. I expect to be blogging some comments (and photos of the training) at some point in the next few days.

P.S. Andy, thank you for a fantastic experience. That game probably involved a team at a level higher than I will ever reach (even after your wonderful training). So sincerely, please accept my thanks