Never give up hope ...

A chasing phone call to the Appointments Secretary confirmed my worst fears ... I was going to have to spend Saturday afternoon shopping!

It seemed not too bad and I was actually beginning to look forward to the idea of browsing among the Christmas cards, buying a tree and decorating it when the phone rang again. It was the Appointments Secretary again advising that an Assistant Referee on another game had been taken ill and was receiving medical care. If I wanted rescuing from the shopping I could have his game.

It took me about three seconds to discard all plans for Christmas shopping, tree buying, decorating, etc. in favour of running the line to a referee I've not met before (but Fat Lad says he's a good 'un) on the widest field in the world somewhere in North Yorkshire. The change of kick off time (all brought forward for the months of December and January because of fading light) means an early start to meet the referee, but I'm looking forward to it.

The other Assistant is a decent lad, so we should have a good team out. I can always buy a tree next weekend ...