Three female match officials take charge of Southern Counties East League game for the first time

Three female match officials took charge of a Southern Counties East League game for the first time on Wednesday night.

History was made when Sutton Athletic hosted Tower Hamlets in the Challenge Cup third round tie.

The all-female officiating team was referee Beth Archer with assistants Alison Wade and Esther Perry.

Beth said: "It was an honour to lead out the first all-female referees team in SCEFL history and I hope that it helps to inspire more women to take up the whistle."

League and Kent FA chair Denise Richmond, herself the only female chair at steps 1-6 in non-league football and the only lady chair of a county association in England, said: “Congratulations to Beth Archer, Alison Wade and Esther Perry for making history!

“At a time when county football associations are encouraging female participation across all aspects of the game, it’s very pleasing to be able to provide opportunities such as this.

“As a men’s Senior League competing in the National League System, we’re proud to play our part in supporting women in football in whatever capacity that might be.”

The tie went to extra-time with Division 1 Sutton Athletic defeating their Premier Division opponents 6-2, after the scores were level at 2-2 in 90 minutes.

The trio have received plenty of post-match praise on social media.

Sutton Athletic said: “An excellent job by three very capable officials. Pleased we could be part of that history.”

Tunbridge Wells Youth said: “Great work, this needs to happen more. The game is better for it.”