Claire Batty was the reluctant hero of Forres Mechanics’ draw with Fraserburgh at the weekend.
An injury to assistant referee Andy Stephenson five minutes before half-time left him unable to continue.
If no replacement had been found, the game could have been abandoned.
But Broch community coach Batty stepped into the breach to run the line and ensure the match was completed.
Batty completed the SFA’s refereeing course during lockdown, but wasn’t expecting this experience to be put to the test in the Highland League.
She said: “The linesman that was on got injured, they were looking for someone and I was laughing with the kids saying: ‘I’ll go on.’
“I was expecting someone else to do it and nobody else did.
“I didn’t want the game to not go ahead so I stepped in.
“I did the referees’ course in lockdown, but I’m a community coach and I prefer coaching the kids.
“I don’t have time to do both, I think in future I’ll stick to the coaching.”
Batty received an ovation from the crowd at Mosset Park when she took to the pitch and got through the game without having to make any controversial calls.
Reflecting on the experience she added: “It was different. I’m a Fraserburgh fan, so it was a bit weird.
“But the other officials (Kevin Buchanan and Will McKay) were very nice and very helpful.
“I was pleased to get through it and I was glad when the full-time whistle went.”
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