Experience Counts

REFEREE Andre Marriner will be taking his third derby of the season when he officiates in the Pilgrims’ visit to Exeter on Saturday.

The 42-year-old, who took charge of last season’s FA Cup final, has already been the man in the middle for the East Lancs encounter between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield, and his last game was Fulham’s all-London affair at neighbours Chelsea.

Andre was promoted to the Select Group Referees list in 2005 and has been a FIFA official since 2009.

Argyle manager John Sheridan said: “I hope he understands that it is a derby and there will be one or two tackles and everyone will be overenthusiastic.

“Hopefully, he will take that into account and let the game flow.

“Derby games are usually frantic and you see tackles, but it’s important the referee understands what’s going on around him and sometimes lets things go by, for both sides.”

Andre has taken charge of Argyle matches five times in the past, including three games against Queens Park Rangers between 2004-07.

His last Pilgrims’ game was the FA Cup fourth-round 2-1 defeat at then Premier League – and eventual competition winners – Portsmouth in January 2008