LAST week's Wiltshire Junior League game between Dunbar Westside Reserves and Ferndale Rodbourne had to be called off after the match official failed to turn up.

Brian Busson, the referees' appointment secretary for the Wiltshire League, said: "The referee was taken ill on the morning of the game but unfortunately I did not get the message until it was too late."

He continued: "It is becoming a problem to recruit referees. We are nearly always 10 officials short at the weekend and have to move assistant referees from the premier division to referee games.

"I understand the situation also affects the Swindon & District League, and they struggle to get enough officials.

"The Wilts FA are introducing a recruitment stand in Salisbury, and we in Swindon would also like to hear from people interested in refereeing.

"Anyone aged between 14 and 50 can contact me on 01793 480887, and we can arrange to get them on a course.

"It only takes two hours per week for around seven weeks and it would give ex-players and officials a chance to put something back into the game."