Samuel Barrott will referee Dale’s rearranged home game versus Port Vale on Tuesday, replacing Sam Allison, who is now at Bolton v Lincoln, from the original December date.

The Huddersfield official is in his second season on the National List and he will have good memories of Dale as we featured in his first appointment at this level.

That came early last term at Morecambe in the EFL Trophy, where Dale scored two late goals in their 2-1 win.

Mr Barrott had a busy debut season at league level and was even appointed to Blackburn v Doncaster in the third round of the FA Cup.

He has been similarly busy this season and received another FA Cup third round assignment — Stoke v Leyton Orient — which is a sign of good ratings from clubs and Observers.

Tuesday will be Samuel’s 29th game of the campaign, with the previous 28 seeing him show 114 yellow cards and two reds. His most recent game was Accrington v Crewe just over a week ago.

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