Bratt Ref's Cup Clash

Steve Bratt from the West Midlands will officiate the clash between Exeter City and Queens Park Rangers in the Carling Cup.

After beginning his path to the Football League at the age of 14 to earn some extra pocket money, Mr Bratt joined the National List in 2006.

The 30-year-old now enters his third season on the list, making his debut at Plainmoor in 2006 as Torquay United surrendered a one goal lead against Lincoln Town, scoring two goals in the final minute.

He dipped his toes into the Championship in only his fourth game, as the FA seemed desperate to fast-track a young referee. He sent off Coventry City`s David McNamee as Crystal Palace secured a 1-0 win over the Sky Blues, one of five red cards he gave in his first season.

Refereeing Rangers

On Boxing Day 2007 he 'thoroughly offended' Luigi De Canio in QPR`s 2-1 defeat against Plymouth Argyle, believing he was totally to blame for the defeat.

'His performance offended me and every sportsman. He was bad throughout the whole match.

'When we lost at Stoke it was because of our own mistakes, but here the referee was mainly responsible for our defeat.' said the R`s boss.

A penalty and a last minute goal by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake helped cancel out an opener by Rowan Vine, and in the aftermath Mikele Leigertwood was sent off for his behaviour after the final whistle and Bob Malcolm was found asleep in his car in the middle lane of the M1.

Malcolm had been drinking and laid the problem squarely at Mr Bratt`s door, claiming that his performance drove him to drink. The referee can be blamed for many things, but Malcolm`s laughable episode compounded a poor Christmas period for Rangers.

The game against Exeter City will be Bratt`s first test this season.

Mr Bratt & Queens Park Rangers

Plymouth Argyle 2-1 QPR - 26-12-2007
Goals: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 50pen, 90; Rowan Vine 20.
Booked: Jermaine Easter, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Lillian Nalis; Gareth Ainsworth, Adam Bolder, Akos Buzsaky, Marc Nygaard, Martin Rowlands, Simon Walton.
Sent Off: Mikele Leigertwood

Mr Bratt & Exeter City

Exeter City 1-2 Shrewsbury Town - 02-09-2008
Goals: Ryan Harley 22; Kevin McIntyre 9, Ben Davies 90
Booked: Dean Moxey




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