Aberdeen & District Referees Association

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Scottish Senior Football Referees Association is organising the 2nd Scottish Referees Gala Dinner.

The event will be held on Friday 18th May 2012, (the eve of the Scottish Cup Final) at the 4 star Crowne Plaza Hotel (next to the SECC, Glasgow).  Dress code is formal (collar and tie) and the all-inclusive ticket price is £60/ticket.

Our headline speaker is Graham Poll (Daily Mail columnist and former FIFA/Premiership referee.  Our second speaker will be confirmed soon.  Similarly, details of our own VIP on the night will not be confirmed until much nearer the time.  Once again, the Jack Mowat Trophy will be presented on the night to the Scottish Cup Final Referee.  The dinner provides all referees in Scotland with an opportunity to be present when this honour is bestowed.

We will also be raising money for Alzheimer Scotland’s Football Reminiscences project through a charity auction, raffle and Red/Yellow card game.  Every penny of profit from the event is donated to Alzheimer Scotland. There will be prizes of £500 for the raffle and Red/Yellow card game; some spot prizes of £100 will be thrown in for good measure too!

Our event is open to the whole refereeing community and their family and friends. We are keen to welcome along corporate guests and friends from the wider football community.

Bryan Braidwood, the Association’s local contact will be able to provide more details on request.

See you there!

A well contested and evenly fought first half saw the Referees take the lead in 16 minutes after a poor kick out by over 35s keeper fell to the feet of Wayne Cusitor who fired in a shot from 35 yards, which went straight into the top corner of the net. Both teams came close during the remainder of the half, but the Referees held on to their 1-0 lead going into the half-time break.

The second half kicked off with the over 35s in attack but the refs were well marshalled by Gary Duncan, who were holding the opposition at bay.  After a good bit of pressure, the over 35s finally drew level with less than 15 minutes to go – a cross from the left found Noble unmarked at the back post to head the ball home.  The pressure continued to mount on the Referees, but a breakaway by Bruce Davidson saw his shot beat the keeper, but narrowly passed the post. 

The game was finally decided in the closing minutes when a cross from the left found Mutch on his own in the Referees’ box and he calmly headed into the corner of the net to seal the game for the over 35s.

Overall, a very sporting close game, played in good spirit throughout.  Scott McKenzie of the Referees was the only player cautioned in the game after a rash challenge on the edge of the box!!  The first half was evenly contested, but the over 35’s had the better of the play in the second half sealing a victory in the dying minutes. Man of the match for the refs was Wayne Custer and for the over 35s was Invercairn manager Gilbert Patterson.

Both teams would like to thank Buchanhaven Hearts Junior Football Club for the use of their facilities.  A total of £400 was raised for the Maternity Ward at Peterhead Hospital.