Chris takes charge of Premier League clash

Ashton referee Chris Kavanagh took charge of his first Premier League game of the season on Saturday.

The 34-year-old was tasked with officiating the game between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs, who were beaten by Liverpool in the Champions League final last season, were dealt a shock in the ninth minute when the visitors, promoted via the Championship playoff-final in May, took the lead through John McGinn.

The hosts responded brilliantly in the second half and drew matters level through a Tanguy Ndombele wonder strike in the 73rd minute, before sealing victory through a quick-fire Harry Kane Double in the final few minutes.

Kavanagh was forced to reach for his pocket just once in the fixture, issuing a yellow card to Eric Lamela.

Kavanagh made his top flight debut in April 2017 in a game between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at the Hawthorns. He was also the fourth official for the League One Play-off Final between Scunthorpe United and Millwall at Wembley at the end of the 2016/17 season. He has since taken charge of the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield.