To the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells on Saturday afternoon to run the line in a cup game between a premier league team and a south London team from the division below. The referee was being assessed for promotion and so our role as assistants is really important for the guy in the middle who is trying his hardest to avoid dreadful clangers.
In the end the game wasn't too challenging. I envied the ref, who at least got to run around for all the 90 minutes and keep warm. The wind was biting and I spent the game peering through watery eyes in the freezing weather. The referee did well and will hopefully soon be appointed as a Level 5 referee, wich will mean a step up to quite senior football.
The ref put a few players in the book but the game was not too difficult. I've had some pigs of games this season from teams in the same division. More about some of them at a later date when disciplinary proceedings are complete. Behaviour has been shocking and I've felt in imminent physical danger for the first time in 10 years of reffing.
So Saturday was a bit of relief from the pressure in the middle. In fact, if I'm honest, I miss the pressure of being in the middle. Back in the thick of it next Saturday.
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