The first local derby between Dale and Oldham outside the Football League on Saturday will be refereed by JAMES WESTGATE.

This is probably the biggest appointment in the refereeing career of the 35-year-old, who will travel down from Sunderland to take charge.

Promoted to the National League this season, Mr Westgate has so far only officiated three games at this level.

His first appointment was AFC Fylde v Altrincham at the end of August, which was followed by Southend v Kidderminster and Chesterfield v Wealdstone.

Those matches saw James show 15 yellow cards, but they also featured 14 goals!

Photo: Action Images

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