Referee JAMES BANCROFT will officiate at Spotland for the first time when he takes charge of Dale’s home fixture against Solihull Moors on Saturday.
Based in County Durham, Mr Bancroft is in his first season refereeing in the National League and Saturday will be his fourth appointment of the campaign.
He started last month with Boston United v Tamworth and has since overseen Gateshead v Eastleigh and last weekend’s thrilling 4-3 win for Yeovil at AFC Fylde.
James has also refereed Newcastle United U21 v Sunderland U21 in Premier League 2 this term.
Last season saw Mr Bancroft officiate mainly in National League North, with his final game of the campaign being Boston’s 2-1 win at Brackley in the play-off final.