Top ref for pupils’ final

Recently retired Football League referee Mr Phil Joslin was back in the middle for the final of the Newark and District Primary School Cup.

The man in black kept his cards in his pocket as the Bishop Alexander Primary School won the seven-a-side competition after a penalty shoot-out.

It was the first time Bishop Alexander had won the competition since it began in 1962.

They beat Hawtonville Junior School 2-0 on penalties in the final played at Bowbridge Primary School. The match score was 3-3 after normal time and 4-4 after extra-time.

Mr Joslin, of Carnell Lane, Fernwood, officiated in his last Football League game on May 4, after a career spanning more than 30 years.

His final game saw Southampton avoid relegation from The Championship with a 3-2 win over Sheffield United.

Mr Ian Lamb, the media manager at Bowbridge Primary School, said Mr Joslin’s presence helped to make the final a special occasion for the pupils.

The pitch was roped off for the the match. There was a full complement of officials and the players’ names were announced over a PA system.

Mr Joslin helped the players during the game by explaining his decisions.

He is not hanging up his whistle entirely — he plans to return to officiate at Newark Alliance matches on Sunday mornings.