Evesham Journal sports editor Mervyn Collins swapped his notebook for the linesman’s flag when the referee was taken ill at a match he was reporting on.

The 49-year-old Worcester-based writer had been at Bishops Cleeve Football Club watching Evesham United’s Southern League Division One Midlands clash.

But the Level 5 official, who referees in a local Sunday league and in various junior leagues, offered his services when the match referee was taken ill just 15 minutes into the game.

Mervyn said: “There was a lot of activity in the tunnel but no announcement was made for someone to take over although there were lots of glances in my direction from people who know that I am a referee.

“Anyway I gave my notebook and laptop to a friend and offered my services that were gratefully accepted.”

It’s not the first time he has been called into action, having been asked to step out the press box and on to the pitch while watching the Robins on two other occasions.

He also found his services required when reporting at Stratford Town several years ago.

On the previous three occasions, the team that he was reporting on went on to win the game and an unusual fourth was on the cards as United led 1-0 in the second half.

But Bishops were awarded two second half penalties and went on to win the game and dent Evesham’s promotion chances.

Mervyn said: “I have had lots of nice things said about the way I went about the job – and that certainly makes a change.

“Even Paul West, United’s manager was impressed and one of the players said that I was the best of the three officials!”

Unfortunately, Mervyn’s unexpected task meant his regular live match updates were missing on the Journal website but he still managed to file a report for the next day’s Worcester News after a quick change out of his borrowed kit in the referee’s room.

Unless another official is unable to continue as Evesham wind down their campaign, Mervyn’s talents will next be ‘on the line’ on Sunday, May 6 when he has been appointed to act as an assistant referee at the Birmingham County FA’s Sunday Youth Cup Final.