Next Ref: Clive Penton

Football League Referee Clive Penton will be in charge for Rangers fixture with Preston North End at Loftus Road.

The referee from Sussex will take charge of the R`s for the first time this campaign, after taking charge of nine Rangers games in his officiating career.

The first came in what was then the LDV Vans trophy, as the R`s crashed out at Hewish Park against then Conference outfit Yeovil. Rangers defender Aziz Ben Askar was given his marching orders down in the West Country as Rangers succumbed to the humiliating defeat in October 2001.

Into 2002, and Mr. Penton took charge of the R`s fixture against Peterborough United. A Kevin Gallen brace ensured the R`s took all three points that day against a side, which had Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard in their side.

Mr. Penton presided over the R`s fixture with Bristol City once again in the LDV Vans trophy, where he sent off Richard Langley for an elbow in extra time. A sending off that would ultimately rule him out of the playoff final. Reading`s Liam Roseinor scored the winner in the penalty shoot out and promptly celebrated infront of the Rangers fans.

In September 2003, Penton refereed the R`s crucial home fixture against Barnsley and Rangers promptly blew them away on a brisk Autumnal evening, 3 whirlwind minutes put the R`s 3 up through Gallen, Rowlands and Ainsworth, and Thorpe added to the tally a little later.

An American marching band, paraded round Loftus Road and gave a chorus of Pigbag during the second half, but it wasn`t enough for the R`s who went down to an incisive Crewe side in December 2003, whose two first goals were created by the guile and intelligence of Dean Ashton. Rangers got one back in the second half courtesy of a towering Danny Shittu header. Penton was essentially a spectator in a highly entertaining affair.

Penton took charge in a 0-0 draw at Home to Sheffield Wednesday. He gave full back John Hills his marching orders as the Owls clung onto a point in W12.

Last season he oversaw two Rangers games, at Home to Coventry and Luton as Rangers pressed for survival. His poor display against Coventry contributed to a disappointing home defeat, as Lee Cook was given a really hard time by the Coventry rearguard, and was ultimately given no protection by Penton.

The crucial game against Luton officially ensured Rangers survival, an enthralling 3-2 win, with Penton giving the R`s a penalty, which Dexter Blackstock promptly slotted home. Furlong headed the ball home deep into injury time to keep the R`s where they are today.

A mixed bag of performances from Mr. Penton, ensures a difficult game to predict against Preston this weekend. He has officiated 26 games this season handing out 80 yellow cards and 2 reds. He recently had the fairly easy task of sending off ex-Rangers midfielder Tommy Doherty in Wycombe`s 2-1 win over doomed relegation candidates Wrexham.

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