Game 17

A localish derby between two teams whose first teams contest the same semi-pro division of the Unibond and a fine evening was in prospect.

This was the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup and with my two trusty Assistants Perry Mason and the Fireman we arrived early and had lots of time to prepare (and get bored). We had the pre-match chat with a coach and captain from either team. I noted that the manager for the home team was a reasonably well known ex-pro.

The game kicked off at a high tempo and the home team scored within the first two minutes. An equaliser followed from the away team and it was nip and tuck all the way through that half. I had one caution for a home player as he exacted his own revenge for a strong challenge on him. We lost one player to an ankle injury but his replacement did a good job of taking over. Half time, 900 calories burned hr max 99% with an average of 87% ... didn't feel that fast! Fat Lad was spectating and had a couple of pointers for me, particularly fewer public words and more quiet words.

The second half was very similar to the first in that the home team scored early in the half and the away team scored about 15 minutes later. I had a couple more cautions and two big talking points. The first was a kick from the penalty mark awarded to the home team for holding. The away club officials weren't very happy at all. They were even less happy when I ordered a re-take for encroachment when the first kick was saved and the second kick resulted in a goal.

The game continued to flow and ebb and then Perry Mason gave me a non-decision about offside. This resulted in a goal for the away team after 4 minutes of added time. As I'm setting up the kick off he calls me over. I thought there had been some conflict with the home club officials but he wanted to tell me he wasn't sure if the player who scored committed an offside offence. I quickly checked what he had seen and told him the goal stood. I got the game kicked off and immediately blew for full time.

I then had some misconduct to deal with but nothing I couldn't handle. It is being reported however. Second half I burned another 860 calories with a 97% max and an average of 81%. Just like a training session ... and Fat Lad said he had even less for me from the second half so I went home happy.