TONY Leake will take charge of Monday's Division Three play-off final between Rushden and Diamonds and Cheltenham Town -- a game he admits is the highlight of his career, writes STEVE TINNISWOOD.

The Bank Holiday showdown at the Millennium Stadium will be the first major final for the Darwen official and his first visit to Cardiff since watching Blackburn Rovers beat Spurs in the Worthington Cup final.

Leake, 44, who has been a top class referee for nearly 20 years, has called on the help of Blackburn referee Eddie Wolstenholme for some advice for the big occasion.

He said: "Eddie is of course a lot more experienced than me and he has told me to just go out and enjoy myself and make the most of the occasion.

"I have been in charge of some big derby matches in the past.

"But this will be the biggest game of my career.

"I will not be treating it any different to a normal league match. You can't go out with a game plan for such an occasion.

"I was at the Millennium Stadium for the Worthington Cup final but it will be nice to be out there in the middle."

Leake was in the crowd to watch Wolstenholme referee the unforgettable 1998 Division One final between Sunderland and Charlton and again last year for the Division Three final between Reading and Walsall.

Now Wolstenholme will return the favour. He will be at the Millennium Stadium on Monday -- alongside Leake's family who are travelling down for the big game.

"We're big mates," added Leake. "So it is great that Eddie will be there watching the game."

Leake has already taken charge of two vital play-off semi-finals this season, officiating the Division Two clash between Stoke and Cardiff City on Sunday and Wednesday's Division One game between Wolves and Norwich City.

But he added: "I would like to think I have got the game not just for this season but as a reward for my work over the past 20 years."