Trophy reunites Skem with final ref

Skelmersdale United’s secretary Bryn Jones is looking forward to being reunited with the referee who took charge of their 1971 FA Amateur Cup Final triumph when they travel to Boston in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Ray Tinkler, the referee from the Wembley win over Dagenham, is expected to be at the Evo-Stik NPL First Division North club’s First Round clash at York Street and Jones, pictured, is determined to meet up more than 40 years later.

The retired top flight referee who oversaw the historic day for Skem is often remembered for a controversial decision during the 1970-71 season when refereeing a game between Leeds and West Brom at Elland Road. Tinkler was accused by Leeds fans of denting their title hopes by allowing Jeff Astle’s goal to stand in a 2-0 win for West Brom. The decision led to a review of Law XI, the offside rule, which hadn’t been change since 1938.

Jones found out that Tinkler was a regular at York Street by accident during a conversation with his opposite number at Boston as the clubs organised the First Round tie.

Jones said: "I was in contact with Boston’s Secretary John Blackwell organising the pre-match arrangements and I mentioned that the referee who officiated in the 1971 Amateur Cup Final between Skem and Dagenham was a Ray Tinkler from Boston.

"John told me that Ray was now a member of the Lincolnshire FA and very often attended the games at Boston and no doubt he would be down to watch their game against Skem. It should be a very pleasant reunion for me!"

Tinkler's 15 year refereeing career ended with his retirement in 1976 and he later became Chairman of the Football Association Referees’ Committee and The Referees' Association. In 2005 he became chairman of Lincolnshire FA and retired in 2010.