Closing up

Saturday April 24 saw me make the shortish trip to Tadcaster to watch Steve on my last Supply League assessment of the season.

The last time I met him was when he made a guest appearance in my old Supply League and sent a player off for a second caution (issued on my call about dissent). As usual, I found some development areas and strengths for him and sent the report off on Sunday evening.

On Sunday morning I attended the District FA's 1st Sunday cup semi final. The games have historically been played at a ground where a small river (or "beck") runs alongside one touchline (about 10 feet away to be accurate). I spent most of my time clambering up and down the banks of the beck retrieving lost balls.

Monday saw me attend our RA end of season meeting while Tuesday meant a trip to the local Sunday League meeting. Wednesday was supposed to be a rest day but I had agreed to watch a game refereed by one of my coachees. He had a decent game but failed to apply the law in full when he penalised a DOGSO. We had a chat afterwards and I sent him a report on his game which he seemed to appreciate.

I also sent a copy to Jamie and we swapped texts and e-mails in readiness for our planning meeting for our next Basic Course for new Referees. Thursday saw me make the trip to the District FA's U14 cup final where a last minute goal saw the pre-match favourites run out 3-2 winners.

Friday really was a rest night as I caught up with Doctor Who and Ashes to Ashes (both quality BBC productions) but Saturday turned into a bit of a car crash. I had spoken to Steve at WRCFA HQ and offered to help with the remaining fixtures. The home team finished their first team fixtures and decided to tear up their field. Without a new venue the game was called off and no replacement was available, so I had an afternoon watching Charlton Athletic vs Leeds United online.

The result of that game went the wrong way and it all falls on next Saturday's fixture against Bristol Rovers ... a win sees Leeds promoted to The Championship. Finally, this morning I attended the 2nd of the District FA's semi finals and the pre-match favourites won 2-0 setting up the prospect of a quality final on the 16th!