2nd game of the season (& career!) – another friendly between mid-Somerset sides Westfield FC and Saltford FC (both 1st XIs).
Another baking hot day for a 2pm kick (not 2.30 as advertised.) Much more relaxed about the pre-match stuff than last week – now an experienced pro!
Game kicked off and instantly there was a bit more “chat” from the players – I think it was just trying it on, seeing what they would get from me (not a lot!), “In the back, ref” etc. I’ve surprised myself a bit in that I’m not much of a “chatty” ref, just waving appeals away and getting on with the game, rather than into a discussion or explanation. I think this is partly because often I genuinely have no idea what they are appealing for! I put this down to one of two possible reasons:
- I’m missing something, and don’t have a good enough understanding of the game or its laws, or
- There is nothing and they are just appealing out of habit/hope, to try and influence my decision.
I reckon its a lot like teaching: deal with it (by telling them nothing given) and move on and they soon realise that its not going to work, forget about it and stop doing it themselves.
Westfield (red & black) took the lead on 8 minutes, Saltford equalising on 18. Wesfield took the lead shortly before half time (43 Mins) to edge into half time with their noses in front, but on the whole a well balanced game.
Westfield started the second half briskly and four minutes after the restart netted another, their third and begun to show their dominance. In two minutes, around the twelve minute mark, the home team scored twice and the contest was effectively over. Better organised and more comfortable on the ball they ran the show, scoring again in the 27th, 30th & 42nd minutes to win the game 8-1.
As the game wore on, tiredness begaun to creep in, along with frustration for the Salford side and a little tetchiness started to creep in. On the whole, though, a good game played in a good spirit and I think I managed it well. Would still like a little feedback, particularly on those niggles, nudges and knicks – think I’m getting most of them right, be would welcome an external, unbiased observer’s opinion. Physically I found it much less demanding – partly because I managed my positioning better (in my opinion!) less worried about the patrol path and more concerned with being in the position I needed to be to see what I needed to see.
Enjoyed it!
Match Stats
Westfiled FC 1st XI 8 Saltford FC 1st XI 1
Open Age friendly, 90 minutes
0 Yellows 0 Reds
Match fee: £30