That's it for another season

The ground was rock hard but I was wearing studs and it was hot. The pitch is known for being one of the worst in the Maidstone league and it lived down to expectations. The ref's changing room was a broom cupbroad full of bits of timber and plaster. Although one of the teams was chasing promotion, the end of season blues seemed to affect them.
The away team only had 10 players but dominated, only losing by the odd goal five minutes from time. There were few incidents of note and I wasn't very pleased with my performance. I found it hard to concentrate and 10 minutes from time I had to give myself a mental kicking when I found my thoughts wandering. A goal at one end here could ruin a team's promotion chances, I told myself.
There was one interesting moment. With the score on 1-1, the ball was bouncing into the home team's penalty area (the ones seeking promotion). From about 20 yards away, I was sure I saw a defender jump and deliberately handle the ball in the penalty area. I blew and ran towards the incident, wanting to make a final check the incident happened inside the area.
As I did so, I replayed the incident in my head and doubt set in. At the same time, I noticed the players from both teams moving back into position for a free kick for the defence. No-one claimed a handball, even though the one I thought I had seen was obvious. I made a quick judgement. I must have made a mistake. No-one complained that I had given a free kick and I can only think I must have been tricked by an angle.
I'm pretty sure the Gods were smiling me as I gave the right decision - but by complete accident.
So on that less than glorious note I sign off for the season. When play resumes, I'll be chasing promotion to Level 5 and possibly officiating in the Kent County League's lower divisions, presenting me with some new challanges.