Dale will meet a new referee on Tuesday night when their game at Solihull Moors is officiated by MELISSA BURGIN.
This will be the second time we have had a female referee following Rebecca Welch overseeing the 1-1 home draw with Colchester in August 2021.
Melissa received a mid-season promotion to the National List and this will be her second match at this level after refereeing Tamworth v Braintree earlier this month.
However, the Hyde-based official has been extremely busy in other leagues, refereeing regularly in the Women’s Super League, as well as in European and international competitions following her promotion to the FIFA list of match officials in January.
Tuesday won’t be Melissa’s first Dale game, though, as she was the fourth official at our home fixtures against Aldershot Town and AFC Fylde last season.