Dale’s midweek Roses contest against FC Halifax Town on Tuesday will be refereed by MICHAEL BARLOW.

The Bolton-based referee is in his third full season as a National List official, having been promoted to the group midway through the 2021/22 campaign.

His first appointment at this level was Solihull Moors v Dover and after refereeing six National League games in what remained of that season, he took charge of 18 fifth tier fixtures in 2022/23 and another 18 last term.

Two of those were at Spotland – Dale’s 2-1 loss to Chesterfield in September and the dramatic 2-1 home win over Woking in March.

Indeed, after the Halifax game, all three of Michael’s appointments at Spotland will have taken place on a Tuesday night!

He has had a quiet start to this season and is yet to referee a National League fixture, although he has taken charge of Tranmere v Notts County in League Two, Barnsley v Manchester United U21 in the EFL Trophy, as well as acting as fourth official at a number of League One and League Two matches.

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