FA Cup Third Round Blog Report (Giovanni)

Wycombe Wanderers v Aston Villa (12:45pm, Saturday 9 January)
Referee Michael Oliver
Assistant Referees Michael Salisbury & Steve Child
Fourth Official Stephen Martin

Blog Observer: Giovanni (ITA)

Remarks: The 30 years old international referee Michael Oliver has been selected for one of the most interesting matches of the third round and the atmosphere was of the best to assist to a great football afternoon.

Michael Oliver has come since 2015 very positive and the games umpired give him action so far and he is considered one of the best young referees both in national field and international.

The game played at the lunchtime has been very discontinuous. It passes from moments of tension to moments very bland where the tiredness has had the upper hand due to the heavy conditions of the pitch.

In the first 15 minutes of game it has been a game of study where the teams have never sunk a  hit on goal.

The first true provision that has had to take has been at 16' of the first half. He followed well the action and graces to his positioning he succeeded in seeing a push of #15 (WYC) on #5 (AST). 

In the central part of the first half, the game flows away smooth without problems and at 28' he made to feel his presence in the penalty area calling to the order the negligent players. 

At 35’ good call of the 1^st assistant that saw a correct offside. Flag on #9 (AST)

On the other side of the field his colleague did the same with a good call Flag on #19 (WYC)

The second half immediately began with the stroke. Perfect Positioning of the referee aimed the finger toward the middle area without any doubt. It was penalty! Foul by #15 (AST) on #10 (WYC). YC for the player who committed the foul.

At 51’ another good disciplinary management. Correct YC for #16 (WYC) who with a trip stopped a situation on the midfield.

On 71’ he managed very well a situation that would have been able to spring polemics. He interposed among the players and he stopped the squabble without the use of the cards (WYC’s player delayed the resumption of the play and AST’s player tried to tear the ball from the hands of the opponent).

On 79’ he showed a good interpretation of the advantage rule. #7 (WYC) on #5 (AST).

On 83’ flag on #7 (WYC). Great job by AR1.

On 90+1 correct YC for #19 (WYC) to have committed a tactical foul on #18 (AST).

Taking everything into account the match officials competition have completed their assignment without any mistake. The concentration and the simplicity have been the keys of their refereeing.

Great job of all the officials!

REF, Michael Oliver: 4.5

AR1, Michael Salisbury: 4.0

AR2, Steve Child: 4.0

4TH, Stephen Martin: 4.0