A Cumbrian referee has been appointed for one of the season’s top finals at Wembley this weekend.
Anthony Backhouse, of Heads Nook, near Brampton, will referee the FA Vase final on Sunday between Ascot United and Newport Pagnell Town.
The game under the Wembley arch kicks off at 12.30pm and will be screened live on Sky Sports.
Scott Taylor, Cumberland FA referee development officer, said: “This FA appointment to referee the FA Vase Final at Wembley is great news for the county FA and reflects the hard work and commitment shown by our top referee over the season.
“I am extremely happy for him as it comes 12 months after he was appointed fourth official on last season’s FA Trophy Final also at Wembley.
“This game on Sunday is a fabulous appointment and comes only days after he took charge of the League 1 Play-Off Semi-Final between Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday, so he must be doing well.
“We all keep our fingers crossed for him as he has been performing superbly for a number seasons now in League 1 and League 2.”
Over the last 12 months Backhouse has refereed 37 games, comprising 17 League One games, 9 League Two, 1 Championship, 1 Women’s Super League, 3 FA Cup, 4 EFL Trophy and 2 EFL Cup. In addition he has been the Fourth Official 57 times.
During this period he has issued 22 yellow cards at a rate of 0.59 per game and zero red cards.
