Corinthians and Park Sports Project shared the points in a 2–2 draw that had clear implications near the top of the GCFA Premier League table.

PSP led 2–0 at the break before Corinthians fought back in the second half, with a late chance nearly deciding it.

In the middle for one of the league’s biggest fixtures this season was referee Robert Strachan, who gave his thoughts post-match.

This was a major fixture involving two sides at the top end of the table — how would you sum up the game from your perspective?

After being informed of the teams’ positions in the table prior to kick-off, you could sense there was something in the air, and that certainly moved onto the field. Both teams gave their all for the full duration, and I thought the draw was a fair result.

PSP led 2–0 at half-time before Corinthians fought back. From your position in the middle, how did the tone and tempo shift between the two halves?

The old cliché — “game of two halves”! Chances were at a minimum as both teams’ defences cancelled each other out. The tone and tempo definitely shifted from PSP to Corinthians.

In games with momentum swings and late chances, how demanding is concentration in those final stages?

In the amateur game we don’t have the luxury of VAR, so you have to be switched on, as one lack of concentration can be pivotal. It can be mentally challenging at times to stay fully focused, but experience in previous tough fixtures got me through.

You mentioned sensing something before kick-off — what preparation goes into a fixture like this before you even step onto the pitch?

Knowing the context of the league table and the importance of the fixture helps you mentally prepare. You approach it positively and with a clear head, but understanding what is at stake ensures you are ready for the intensity from the first whistle.

IAfter a 2–2 draw in a fixture of this size, what would you hope people say about the officiating?

I hope the attention is on the players, as both teams gave 100%. It was a big fixture for both, and I went away happy that both big and small moments in the game were correct. (Positive feedback always welcome lol.)

Big fixtures are often judged by moments. For referees, they are judged by focus. On a day when momentum swung and pressure was high, Strachan’s aim was simple — keep the game flowing and keep the spotlight where it belongs.