Game 10

A shortish trip up the M1 and across the M62 took me to today's game between the reserve sides of two FAPWL teams.

This was the first game I had looked after under the auspices of the Respect programme as a referee so I took my time to get as much right as possible pre-match and during the game I made use of the captains where I could. Holding court in my changing room with both captains and managers was a little strange but I managed to convey my message and everyone was happy.

I conducted a full footwear inspection in the tunnel and had to speak to 3-4 players who thought they could wear jewellery. Once those issues were resolved, it was game on. The game itself was a one sided affair until the home team scored their opening goal and the away team found some bite to their attack.

A spilled shot near the end of the first half gave the home side their second goal and the score a lopsided look which reflected overall play but not the last 1/3 of the half. With no substitutes used we got the second half underway and in the course of things I had to issue a caution, turn down one claim for a kick from the penalty mark and award another. The kick awarded was a surprise to some people but I clearly saw a shirt being pulled as the attacker tried to run away from the defender.

The half also saw a flurry of substitutions with both sides using their full complement, some of which were enforced by injury rather than tactical changes. The game finished 3-0 to the home side and neither side had much to say for themselves afterwards. I did a full warm down as my knee had been aching throughout the second half. Nevertheless I managed 1400 calories with a 76% average and a max of 87% but the whole pace seemed so much easier than last time I did a game at this level.

The knee was made worse by the drive home and down to Sheffield (and back) to see my dad, who is still fighting his way through each day despite being in the CCU. The outlook is still not good and the nursing staff don't seem hopeful. Until tomorrow ...