Dale’s first midweek fixture of the season at York City on Tuesday will be refereed by JOHN MULLIGAN.

The Carlisle-based official appeared in the National League for the first time last season and Dale saw him three times at Spotland.

In October, John took charge of Dale’s 2-2 draw versus Gateshead, although on that occasion he was a late replacement for the originally-appointed official.

Mr Mulligan was back at Spotland on Boxing Day for our 2-0 defeat of AFC Fylde, before he refereed Dale’s final home match of the campaign, the 1-1 draw with Dorking Wanderers.

The majority of Mr Mulligan’s National League appointments last term were in the north, although he also had long trips from Carlisle to Kidderminster, Oxford City and Wealdstone.

Photo: Action Images

Rochdale Polls