BOLTON referee Lee Mason has been confirmed as the match official for next month's Carabao Cup final.

Manchester City will be going for a third straight win in the competition when they face Aston Villa at Wembley on March 1. And in the middle will be Mason, the brother of former Wanderers forward Andy Mason and one of English football's Select Group Referees.

Mason first officiated in the Premier League in 2006, four years after he was promoted to the Football League.

Villa are unbeaten in each of the four games in which he has officiated this term as they bid for a sixth League Cup, while holders City have won all of the four matches with Mason on the whistle.

Mason, aged 48, will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Harry Lennard. The fourth official is David Coote.