The Men in Black - QPR v Preston

Dave Phillips from Sussex will take charge of this weekend's clash as Queens Park Rangers host forlorn Preston North End.

The official joined the National List of Referees in 2008 after serving his apprenticeship in the Conference, and had his debut fixture in the Football League at Brentford.

The Bees 4-0 home win over Grimsby was his first taste of League action and he went on to dish out 65 cards in his 25 fixtures, including five reds - giving him a card average last season of 2.6 cards per game.

Last season he managed to dip his toes into the higher echelons of the Football League, including a League Cup tie at Crystal Palace and League fixtures at Watford and Peterborough.

This weekend he will be assisted by linesmen Mr Gary Jerden (Essex) and Mr Nick Kinseley, while the fourth official is Mr John Busby (Oxfordshire).

Thus far this season Mr Phillips has taken charge of 12 games, dishing out 38 yellow cards and three reds - giving him an average of 3.42 cards per game.

Refereeing Rangers

Mr Phillips has taken charge of only one QPR game to date and that was the rather bizarre home victory over Bristol City on Boxing Day last year.

QPR fans booed their side from the field after what was the most negative performance in recent memory, despite picking up what proved to be a valuable three points.

Paul Hart, presiding over his second home game, finished the fixture with six defenders on the pitch and a Nicky Maynard wonder-strike was the only genuine talking point in a dour spectacle.

Mr Phillips & Queens Park Rangers

QPR 2-1 Bristol City - 26/12/2009
Goals: Jay Simpson 31, Mikele Leigertwood 40; Nicky Maynard 57
Yellow Cards: Danny Haynes, Nicky Maynard, Evander Sno.




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