Dale’s second group game in the National League Cup on Tuesday against Manchester United U21 will be refereed by JOHN MULLIGAN.

The Carlisle-based official appeared is in his second season refereeing in the National League/combined National List and Tuesday will be his fourth appointment at Spotland.

Last October, John took charge of Dale’s 2-2 home draw versus Gateshead, although on that occasion he was a late replacement for the originally-appointed official.

Mr Mulligan was back at Spotland on Boxing Day for our 2-0 defeat of AFC Fylde, before he refereed Dale’s final home match of the campaign, the 1-1 draw with Dorking Wanderers.

We have also seen John already this season, when he oversaw the 1-0 loss at York City in August.

His nine appointments in League Two, the National League, EFL Trophy and FA Cup this term have produced 44 yellow cards.

Photo: Action Images

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