Phil Dowd stars as Staffs win women's varsity football

Phil Dowd was at the annual varsity event

THE ANNUAL varsity event between Staffordshire and Keele University was gifted with the presence of Premiership referee Phil Dowd.

The Stoke-born referee, 48, was asked to participate by a member of the Staffs team.

Dowd, who refereed the 2010 League Cup Final between Aston Villa and Manchester United, was on a completely different stage at the Stoke campus.

Jamie Robertson, a Student Activities Officer at the Staffs Student Union, said: “It was brilliant to have that kind of calibre of official no matter what the sport is.

“It was a big moment for us; particularly because it was the women's football match. It's great to raise the profile for that.”

The atmosphere was buzzing as the ninety minutes came to an end and after being 3-0 down the Staffs team managed to make it 3-3. Extra-time beckoned and both teams delivered to make the final score 4-4.

The crowds passion played a key part in the penalties as every taker could feel the pressure from the daunting home support. It came down to Staffs player, Amber Hylton, to produce the winning penalty and she scored comfortably to help win the shoot-out 4-1.

She said: “It was very nerve-racking. All the pressure was on my shoulders.

“The worst bit was walking from the half-way line because you know you're on your own and I could hear everybody chanting my name. I'm so happy it's unbelievable.”

Amber added: “Having banter with Phil Dowd half-way through the match was absolutely brilliant. He has refereed so many Premiership matches and I felt like asking him; 'what's Fergie like?' but I wasn't going to be cheeky! I'm really happy that he agreed to do it for us.”

A spectator, Steve Sharman, said: “ It was strange the fact that he was that close to you when you normally see him on TV. He was a bit of a celebrity, which added to the game.”

On the behaviour of some Staffordshire supporters Jamie Robertson added: “I love a bit of banter, I love all the chants, and it's great to see people supporting, but our guys were a bit too rowdy and I think we will have conversations.”

Keele won the men's football to make them 9-8 overall winners. The annual event hosted a range of other sports including basketball, badminton, hockey and rugby.

Dowd declined to comment.