Corby versus Eastwood will be Massey's first match since the row

Corby Town boss Graham Drury says that referee Sian Massey deserves to return to Premier League level football.

The 25-year-old, who is at the centre of a sexism row, will referee the Blue Square Bet North game between the Steelmen and Eastwood on Saturday.

Drury told BBC Radio Northampton: "If they've dropped her to our level [because of the row], that's a shame.

"She stamps her authority on the game and she interacts with players well. We've got a top referee for this game."

Massey was the subject of sexist comments made by Sky TV football analyst Andy Gray and presenter Richard Keys at the weekend.

Gray was subsequently sacked by Sky while Keys, who said on Wednesday that his future at the broadcaster was uncertain, was suspended.

606: DEBATE Do you agree with Drury that she is a "top referee"?

Massey was scheduled to be an official at Crewe versus Bradford in League Two on Tuesday night, but was withdrawn by the authorities in order to ensure that the controversy surrounding her did not overshadow the game.

Drury says he does not pay attention to the gender of the match officials, just their ability to do the job.

"The sex of the person in the middle doesn't affect me," he added.

"They've got big decisions to make and everyone makes mistakes.

"I don't mind whether it's a man, woman, or even an elephant refereeing a game of mine - as long as they do it properly.

"We've had Sian before and she had a fantastic game."

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