First English league female ref aiming for the top

After becoming the first woman to referee an English league match, Amy Fearn said Wednesday she hopes the feat will promote more female involvement in the game.
The 31-year-old Fearn was a touchline assistant before being required to replace injured referee Tony Bates in the 70th minute of Coventry's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the second-tier League Championship on Tuesday.
``Last night will, of course, raise the profile of women,'' Fearn said. ``It can only be a good thing for encouraging more women into the game.''
Fearn knew she would be replacing Bates when he strained his calf muscle, because the issue of a substitute is made before the game.
``It felt very surreal and then started sinking in,'' Fearn said. ``The game stepped up a level when I entered the pitch. Going from the line to the middle is very different.
``There is a great relationship between male and female officials - when the referee came off he told me to stay calm and do my best.''
Fearn, who has refereed in the non-league FC for almost seven years, has higher ambitions as a match official.
``It would be nice to referee in the Premier League one day, but obviously the competition is harder,'' Fearn said. ``My next promotion target is running the line in that division, but I started out as a ref and that is what I love doing. I want to continue being a referee.''