Taking charge of this Wednesday’s live Sky encounter with Brentford at Griffin Park is match official Darren England.
Darren last refereed PNE in the 2-1 win at Wigan Athletic in February, having also officiated the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough back at the beginning of October; this is also his third Brentford game of the season, having refed their 1-1 home draw with Hull City and their 2-1 loss at Luton in February.
Last season, he officiated two North End games; our win over Queens Park Rangers at Deepdale in August 2018, when Alan Browne was the match winner on the opening day of the season and then the thrilling 3-3 draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park in what proved to be Steve Bruce’s last game in charge of our opponents.
In 2017/18, his first on the Select Group Two list, Darren took charge of three North End games, another draw at Middlesbrough in August, the 2-2 clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage and the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in February, so the QPR game was his first and only visit to Deepdale thus far.
In total so far this season, he officiated in 32 games, issuing 89 cautions and two red cards, his last game being the 3-1 away victory for Bristol City against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
This Saturday lunchtime he will be assisted by Sam Lewis and Nigel Lugg, whilst the fourth official will be experienced match official Keith Stroud.