Referee for SAFC v Gillingham

The referee for tonight's match against Gillingham will be Mark Cowburn of Blackpool in Lancashire. The Assistant Refs are Scott Duncan of Tyne & Wear, and David Storrie of West Yorkshire.

Mr Cowburn has reffed 21 matches so far this season (3 Div 1, 9 Div 2, 6 Div 3, 1 LC, 2 LDV); he has handed out 64 yellow cards but only five red cards all season. The most yellow cards he's given out in one match this season so far was eight - when Brighton beat Notts County 2-1 at Meadow Lane in November.

He hasn't officiated at any games involving either Sunderland or Gillingham so far this season.