Dale’s first visit to Ebbsfleet United on Saturday will be refereed by JAMES WESTGATE.
Unless the Sunderland-based official has requested a game in the London area for personal reasons, it seems a bizarre appointment to send him so far for the afternoon.
However, James has also refereed at Southend and Eastleigh this season, so at least he’s clocking-up the travelling expenses!
Promoted to the National League this season, this will be the second time we have seen Mr Westgate after he refereed the local derby at home to Oldham in October.
In total he has taken charge of ten matches in the National League since August, showing 37 yellow cards.
His most recent game was Altrincham v Maidenhead last weekend, which was his third visit to Moss Lane this term.