Dale’s long midweek trip to Woking on Tuesday will be refereed by RICHIE WATKINS.

The Nuneaton-based official was promoted to the National League list midway through the 2022/23 season and officiated at seven games before the end of that campaign.

He was more active last term, refereeing 20 matches, including Dale’s trips to Boreham Wood and Bromley.

Mr Watkins has presumably spent some time out injured this season as Tuesday will be only his ninth appointment since August.

He refereed in the first round of the FA Cup in November, but was then absent until just over a week ago when he resurfaced at Sutton United v Dagenham & Redbridge.

Richie’s eight games to date have yielded 38 yellow cards and one red card.

Photo: Action Images

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