Chris in the Middle

CHRIS Kavanagh will be the referee for Argyle’s Sky Bet League 2 fixture this weekend when the Pilgrims travel to Hartlepool United.

Having spent three years officiating at Premier Reserve League and Conference National level since 2011, Manchester-born Kavanagh was finally promoted to the Football League refereeing list at the start of the 2014-15 season.

Since making his debut, the Lancashire whistler has taken charge of the Pilgrims on just the one occasion – the 2-1 defeat away to Morecambe at the Globe Arena in September. Left-back Carl McHugh was shown his third yellow of the season, while substitute Nathan Thomas was cautioned in the final minutes.

In Kavanagh’s previous League 2 fixture, a 2-0 Luton win against visitors Southend United in October, a total of six players were booked.

Since making his senior bow in August, Chris has overseen a total of 18 games across Sky Bet Championship, League 1, League 2, the Johnstone Paint Trophy and the FA Cup. He has shown 52 yellow cards, 2 reds – both to Coventry City players in their League 1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers - and has awarded one penalty.