Dale’s FA Trophy fourth round tie at home to Stockton Town on Saturday will be refereed by JOHN MULLIGAN.

The Carlisle-based official is in his second season refereeing in the National League/combined National List, yet Saturday will already be his fifth appointment at Spotland.

In October 2023, 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 last season 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.

John’s fourth Spotland outing was a month ago when he was in the middle for the National League Cup match versus Manchester United U21.

We also saw Mr Mulligan earlier this season when he oversaw Dale’s 1-0 loss at York City in August.

On New Year’s Day he was scheduled to referee Morecambe v Tranmere Rovers, but before then his 11 appointments in League Two, the National League, EFL Trophy and FA Cup this term have produced 52 yellow cards.

Photo: Action Images

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