The first-ever league fixture between Dale and Altrincham on Tuesday night will be refereed by GARRETH RHODES.

Based in Selby, this will be Mr Rhodes’ second Dale game of the season as he was also in the middle for our opening day encounter against Ebbsfleet.

An Operations Manager for a construction company, as a youngster, Garreth had trials with professional clubs and represented West Riding County FA at U18 level.

He didn’t make it into the professional game, but went on to play for Tadcaster Albion and Selby Town in the Northern Counties East League.

Injuries brought Mr Rhodes’ playing career to a premature end and he started refereeing in 2008. After 10 years he reached his current level of Panel Select referee and is in his sixth season at National League level.

Garreth has refereed seven National League fixtures this term, as well as Northampton Town v Oxford United in the EFL trophy and Curzon Ashton v Barnet in the first round of the FA Cup.

His nine appointments have yielded 46 yellow cards and five reds.

Photo: Action Images

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