The Referee

In the last 13 years Ive probably sent off two players prior to March for Denying an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity.   In the last two games Ive had to do this twice.  Last week with the keeper tripping the player and this Saturday the Birstall defender took the attacker down after just 13 minutes.This was great timing as 5 minutes before I had awarded a penalty against Birstall for a defender pulling the attacker down as the cross came into the box.  I was really getting a feeling that today wasn’t going to be my day. I had this feeling when at 2pm I had three assistant referee’s.  I had been told during the week that one had been replaced and knew no more than that.  It turns out the league had replaced him after he had failed to accept fixtures.  He didnt cause me a problem but really I should have had a feeling it was going to get no better.So 13 minutes in to the game I’m getting a considerable amount of dissent.  I try to manage this without being so over officious and make a point of talking to the players and working through the frustration.   I end up cautioning another Birstall player for a strong challenge in the first half.  With the score at 2-0 at half time to Ibstock, its clear that im the brunt of frustration.During the 2nd half after giving a free kick to Ibstock out wide by the assistant I end up cautioning two Birstall players for dissent.   I was disappointed with this as I had said to the two captains before the game that if you work with me ill work with you.  However I felt that all game it was one way.   The game was really end to end, and Birstall pulled the score back to 2-2.  When this happen I found that their approach towards me changed and if tried to play and advantage for example, they were more receptive.  Something that occured during the 2nd half that really annoyed me, was I spotted a Spectator with a  pitbull dog.   The dog had a muzzle and he sat in the away team dugout.   The ball bounced near the dog and the owner had to pull it back.  I asked the individual to move and I was told do F**K off.   He moved and I said to club, i take it he is a club official.  I was told not I said in that case i strongly suggest you keep him out of your technical area for the rest of the game.   Why though was he allowed in the ground with this dog.  Its not parks football.The game ended up 3-3 and the ankle held up better than the week before, however the last 20 minutes I was blowing a bit to be honest and its amazing how quick you lose the fitness that it takes a while for you to build up.Next game is this Good Friday (never had a game on a Good Friday before) at Ilkeston in their local Derby vs Eastwood.