IT was a day to remember for the Marsh family.

Claire, 18, and Chris, 16 made history on Sunday when they became the first brother and sister to officiate in the same match in Oxfordshire.

Clare was the referee and Chris on the line as Banbury United defeated Oxford City 3-1 in the Under 14 County Cup final at Witney United’s Polythene UK Stadium.

And dad Les, himself a referee, said he couldn’t have been more proud of his children.

“It was a big day,” he admitted.

“It is only the second time that a female referee in Oxfordshire had taken charge of a county cup final, but the first time a brother and sister have been appointed for the same match.

“They are both level six referees, and the match went very well – there was no major incidents which is always a bonus.”

Les said that he never felt that there would be any sibling rivalry between the pair – and wasn’t disappointed.

“To be honest with you, Chris would much prefer to be on the line than in the middle anyway,” he said.

“But he does want to go and referee at a higher level so this was good for him.

“They are both doing their coaching qualifications as well, so it should all hopefully stand them in good order for the future.”

The pair have progressed through the Oxfordshire FA Academy system, which is run in conjunction with Oxford United FC.

OFA referee development officer Nigel Saverton added: “We have seen a steady increase in the number of referees in Oxfordshire and it is quite possible that we will see more of these family occasions in the future.

“For those who fancy trying their hand at being the next cup final referee, courses are being held at Bicester Town FC starting on March 26, and at Oxford City FC from May 9.”