Borough Park to Wembley

The County Durham official will be in charge of the Crystal Palace v. Manchester United encounter in the domestic season’s grand finale.

He has officiated in dozens of FA Cup ties during a distinguished career, but I wonder if he recalls one of his first appointments in the world’s greatest knockout competition.

Back in 1995, Mark was on duty at Borough Park for Reds’ Preliminary Round tie v. Hebburn as an assistant referee or, as they were still known then, a linesman.

He has come a long way since then, of course, and will referee in the European Championship in France this summer. Before then, he will be in charge of the Champions League Final next week in Milan.

His first Borough Park cup tie was memorable from Workington’s point of view – Reds emerged 8-1 winners to record their best win in the competition for thirty three years. George Corrie scored a hat-trick in the rout, on his FA Cup début.

Mark’s Cup Final ‘team’ will include Andy Halliday, Neil Swarbrick and Michael Salisbury, all of whom have refereed at Borough Park in the past.

Updated 17:26 - 3 Sep 2019 by Paul Armstrong