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

Bizarrely, the official will travel down from Liverpool for the game, although there could be other reasons why his location for the day makes this a less-surprising geographical appointment.

It is actually Ben’s second appearance at The Dons’ new home as he also refereed their 4-2 home defeat to Bristol Rovers at the start of December.

Mr Speedie made his EFL debut at Carlisle v Fleetwood in the Papa John’s Trophy in September, while his first league appointment was Scunthorpe v Newport.

Ben stepped up to League One at Crewe v Lincoln in late October and his impressive assessments this season saw him referee Boreham Wood v Millwall in the third round of the FA Cup.

All told, Speedie has taken charge of 20 matches this term, in which he has shown 57 yellow cards and four red.

Photo: Action Images

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