The key man who'll be in the middle for Portsmouth's play-off clash with Oxford

Gavin Ward will be in charge of Pompey’s League One play-off semi-final against Oxford later today.

By Will Rooney

Published 3rd Jul 2020, 14:48 BST

Updated 3rd Jul 2020, 14:49 BST

Referee Gavin Ward. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty Images)

The Surrey-based referee has been given the nod to be in the middle for the crunch first leg at Fratton Park (5.30pm).

Ward’s mainly refereed Championship games this season, dishing out 95 yellow cards and five red cards in 27 games.

Last term, he was in charge of three Blues matches – with Kenny Jackett's men unbeaten in each of them.

The first was the League One curtain-raiser win over Luton, along with a Checkatrade Trophy victory at Crawley and a 1-1 FA Cup fourth-round draw against Championship QPR.

Ward’s assistants will be Nigel Lugg and Adrian Waters, while Charles Breakspear is fourth official.

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