The opening weekend of the new EFL League Two season did not run entirely smoothly, as an injured assistant referee sparked a mad scramble for a replacement during Bromley’s goalless draw at Shrewsbury Town.
A surreal scene unfolded midway through the first half at the Croud Meadow, where play was halted in the 26th minute after linesman Scott Chaulkley was unable to continue.
With no spare officials available, the fourth official stepped in to run the line – leaving nobody to oversee substitutions or manage the technical areas. That prompted a remarkable moment, as the public address system issued an urgent call for help: was there a qualified referee in the crowd?
As players returned to the changing rooms and confusion reigned, Bromley’s social media team offered a blow-by-blow account of the chaos, posting: ‘The PA announcer is now asking for a qualified referee. Football is back, ladies and gentlemen.’
A follow-up update read: ‘Right, there is nothing to report. We are still waiting for a qualified official. In the meantime, how’s everyone doing this afternoon? Good?’
After a 17-minute delay, the solution finally arrived – in the form of Alan Cork, a Shrewsbury fan and Level 5-qualified referee, who stepped out of the stands to take over as fourth official.
Shrewsbury Town fan Alan Cork served as fourth official during Saturday’s game with Bromley
The 2025-26 EFL League Two season did not get off to a smooth start at the Croud Meadow
Due to the delay caused by an injured linesman, there were 17 minutes of first-half added time
Shrewsbury celebrated Cork’s intervention with a picture and message on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Shout-out to our new fourth official for the afternoon! Thanks for saving the day, Alan.’
Once play resumed, 17 additional minutes were added on to the end of the first half – but neither side could find a breakthrough.
John Marquis and George Nurse both went close for the hosts, while Marcus Dinanga saw two first-half efforts for Bromley either ruled out or sent wide.
Shrewsbury boss Michael Appleton handed out five debuts, including starts for Manchester United loanee Toby Savin in goal and forward Anthony Scully.
Attendance at the Croud Meadow was 5,809, including 280 away fans.
This wasn’t the only League Two fixture to suffer disruption on the opening day.
Newport County’s 1-1 draw with Notts County was delayed by an hour after a medical emergency in the stands. Two air ambulances landed on the pitch at Rodney Parade before the game eventually kicked off at 4pm.
Once it got going, the visitors started brightly but fell behind early in the second half when Gerard Garner nodded in from close range following a long throw.
Jodi Jones drew Notts level from the penalty spot just after the hour mark, after Matt Baker was penalised for dragging down Matthew Dennis in the box.
Both sides had chances to win it — Michael Reindorf struck the post for Newport — but had to settle for a point apiece.
