OXFORD United boss Chris Wilder has played down concerns that a Yorkshire official has been appointed for the Blue Square Premier play-off final against York City.

Sheffield official Michael Naylor has been appointed to take charge of the Wembley showpiece match on Sunday, May 16, with promotion to the Football League at stake.

The appointment is seen as controversial by some Oxford fans because Naylor is a familiar face to Martin Foyle’s men.

He gave City two penalties, both converted by Richard Brodie, when the Minstermen beat AFC Wimbledon 5-0.

He was also in charge of York’s 1-1 draw with Stevenage and their 2-1 defeat by Barrow in the FA Trophy.

But he has also refereed two Oxford games this season. He was in charge when the U’s lost 3-1 at Kidderminster in November, sending off United left-back Steven Kinniburgh.

He was also the man in the middle for a league encounter between Rushden and Oxford.

Wilder said: “He’s a good referee. Refs have got to make sure they manage games properly, as the last one (Mark Brown – also from Yorkshire) did for the play-off second leg.

“It’s important there are no controversial decisions and I’ve heard supporters have been voicing a few concerns.

“We know Brodie has gained a lot of penalties this season. Brodie and (Michael) Rankine are good at that but I’m sure the referee will be strong. We’ve had him this season and he’s been good.”

The Football Conference said refereeing appointments were made by the FA. He said they go by County FAs, with Naylor from South Yorkshire, while York are in the North Riding area.