A TEENAGE football official from Guilsfield stepped up to take part in his biggest game to date last weekend.

Leighton Blagg was one of the assistants as Wales met Australia at Aberystwyth Town Football Club's Park Avenue ground on Friday night.

The 17 year old more than held his own as part of Josh Roper's officiating team with Rhodri Morgan running the other line.

The teenager shared his delight in stepping up for his highest profile match to date and looked forward to a career in the game.

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He said: "I got a message from my referee development officer who asked me to be an assistant referee on the game."

The teenager is a well-known figure in local football circles since he began officiating in the Montgomeryshire League and has since progressed up the leagues.

He attributed his years refereeing local games as key to his development.

He said: "Starting off in lower leagues really helped open my eyes to how difficult it can be on your own and how you need to be very thick skinned.

"Without the lower league games I might not have developed the skills to get me this opportunity."

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Now he is looking to the future and as well as attending Welshpool High School the 17 year old is looking forward to continue to progress as a football official.

He said: "I know I’m only new to refereeing but at some point I would love to get on to the Welsh Premier League as a referee and eventually a FIFA referee but I know that would take a lot of hard work and dedication."

Meanwhile Powys was further represented with Arwyn Walby of Ysgol Calon Cymru in the Wales squad.