Crocked referee back for final

Last updated : 04 April 2009 By Matt Blanchard
The Kent referee will take charge at Wembley this weekend, nearly two years after he suffered nine broken ribs following a collision with Seth Johnson during a game.

Crossley told the Football League's website: "This is my last year as a referee, I was out for the whole of last season after a collision with a player and it would have been all too easy to call it a day then but I am really, really proud to have been given this opportunity. "

He officiated the 4-1 win at Brighton earlier in the season but most memorably took charge of a United game in 2003 against Torquay when Alex Calvo-Garcia hit one of the finest goals Glanford Park has ever seen just four minutes after Steve MacLean had equalised on the 86 minute mark.

United recorded a 2-1 victory despite Wayne Graves seeing red early in the second half.

Crossley added: "It is the icing on the cake for me after all the rehab work and I am looking forward to the day."