Rebecca Welch is first woman referee to take charge of a men's FA Cup third-round tie

The first woman to take charge of a men's FA Cup third-round tie was Rebecca Welch, who took charge of the game between Plymouth and Birmingham.

Ryan Law's extra-time winner knocked out the Championship side. The game ended with 10 men after George Friend was sent off for picking up two yellow cards.

Last year she became the first female referee to be appointed to an English Football League match, and this year she was again.

The referee has worked men's and women's games in the National League and the FA Cup final.

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She was appointed to the men's professional game in the summer after taking charge of the 2-0 Sky Bet League Two defeat at home to Port Vale.

During the FA Cup tie, Welch spoke to the players.

In 2010 she became a qualified referee and continued to work as an administrator in the health service.

The official hails from Tyne and Wear and has overseen games in the Women's Super League.

She was added to the elite women's list of football officials in December 2020.

Amy Fearn was the first woman to referee a game in the main draw of the FA Cup when she oversaw the first round game between Dover and Corby.