It’s a third game of the season for Tony Harrington taking charge of a North End game on Saturday, having officiated the 2-0 cup win at Leeds back in August and the home game against West Bromwich Albion.
Tony has been a familiar face over recent seasons. Last season he visited Deepdale twice, the Lilywhites’ opening day 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in Alex Neil’s first competitive game in charge of the club, and our Bank Holiday Monday clash with Derby County.
The previous season he also took charge of two North End games, the 1-1 draw away at Nottingham Forest and the thrilling 4-2 win over Brentford at Deepdale.
The match official, who is now in his eighth year on the EFL list, has also been to PR1 on a number of previous occasions in the past, including the 2014/15 penalty win against Oldham Athletic in the JPT and the club’s last two home league games against Notts County, including a 2-0 win over the Magpies at Deepdale in February 2014.
This will be the Cleveland referee’s 28th game of the season, having refereed opponents Reading’s 2-1 defeat at Birmingham in October and so far he had issued 101 cautions and three red cards; including to Ryan Ledson at Elland Road back in September.
He will be joined by assistants Geoffrey Russell and Daniel Leach, whilst Andy Davies will be the fourth official.