Dale will meet another official in his first season on the National List when Declan Bourne takes charge against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

The Nottinghamshire referee made his League One debut at Burton v Blackpool three weeks ago, but his other nine games this term have been in League Two and the Papa John’s Trophy.

Declan’s first match at EFL level was Port Vale v Tranmere in the PJT in September, before he refereed Oldham v Leyton Orient on the opening day of the league season.

Having progressed to officiate in the National League for the first time in 2018/19, Mr Bourne spent two seasons at that level before being promoted to the National List in the summer.

His ten matches since September have yielded 34 yellow cards and one red.

Photo: Action Images

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