Referee: Dale Baines
Assistant Referee: Ravel Cheosiaua, Christopher Husband
Fourth Official: Scott Tallis
Once every so often we get a chance to see a new referee in action, and this weekend is extra special, because we get to see a ref who hasn’t officiated at this level before. He’s been a fourth official, recently in the controversial Bolton and Peterborough game, but not taken a game as yet.
It’s also special because he has a big claim to fame – he is the younger brother of former England man Leighton Baines.
The younger Baines emerged in the National League last season, and quickly ascended to crossover into League Two, taking his first EFL game in December between Notts County and Walsall. He took a handful more, sending off one player in his 20 matches, Ryan Innis of Forest Green Rovers.
⚽ | Yesterday’s referee Dale Baines is Leighton Baines’ brother!
We have had some famous stars at Nethermoor this season including Michael Dawson, Marcelo Bielsa, Leighton Baines, Glynn Snodin, Anthony Taylor and David Unsworth.
Who have you noticed over the years?#GAFC pic.twitter.com/19rTfTb2xy
— Guiseley AFC SC (@GAFCSupporters) September 12, 2021
He’s had five League Two matches this season and is often involved in big-scoring matches. He was controlling the 6-2 game between Walsall and Fleetwood, and the 7-1 Birmingham City win against Fulham Under 21s in the EFL Trophy.
He hasn’t dismissed a player yet this season, and has taken charge of League One teams, if not a League One game. As well as Birmingham City, he had Wrexham and Salford in the EFL Trophy. His most recent game was the FA Cup tie between Barrow and Doncaster.
Having searched his name, I see that there seems to be no real controversy around decisions, and it feels like we might be getting one of those fast-tracked officials stopping briefly in the EFL on their way up.