Former World Cup official Pat Partridge made an unexpected comeback to the world of refereeing yesterday.

Mr Partridge, 70, went to Bishop Auckland's UniBond League First Division match against Prescot Cables as a spectator, but ended up running the line as an assistant referee.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, with the Bishops leading 1-0, the referee was injured and had to be replac-ed by one of his assistants.

A volunteer was found to run the lines in the assistant's place, but the game faced being abandoned after officials from the visiting club said he was unsuitable and insisted on a replacement of UniBond League standard.

Mr Partridge, who refereed during the 1978 World Cup in Argentina and was regarded as one of England's finest officials, volunteered and, after a quick consultation between the club, was given a flag.

"It was a funny way to spend Sunday afternoon," said Mr Partridge. "But I couldn't watch the game abandoned, so I volunteered."

Mr Partridge did not have much to do and was not involved in any controversial decisions as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.