The Pitching In Isthmian Football League

Now vice-chairman takes the flag!

1 Feb 2017 By David Watters

After Ryman League chairman Nick Robinson took to the touchline last week as an emergency linesman, his number two Craig Johnson has been showing of his own skills as a match official!

The Ryman League's vice-chairman, who is also the secretary at Aveley and like Robinson a qualified referee, is pictured running the line at Imber Court on Tuesday night during the Metropolitan Police's 3-0 win over Enfield Town in the top flight.

Determined not to be outdone after Ryman chairman Robinson stepped in at Burroughs Park last week to run the line for 70 minutes in a 5-0 away win for Dereham Town over Great Wakering Rovers in Ryman North, Johnson came on at half-time with the score at 2-0 after one of the match officials pulled up during the interval.

Robinson and Johnson are used to swapping their suits at the last minute for emergency shifts on the touchline. In February 2016 Robinson stepped in to run the line at Hastings United's Pilot Field after referee John Pike collapsed during their 3-3 draw with Corinthian Casuals in Ryman South. The referee later made a full recovery.

Images courtesy of Debbie Bull

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Mead's real life maidens of mercy! Thamesmead Town's physio and keeper Tom Wellham's mum have been hailed for their quick-thinking and compassion after coming to the aid of a rival fan who was taken ill during their Ryman North clash at Aveley.