Dale’s FA Trophy fifth round tier at Worthing on Saturday will be refereed by STEPHEN PARKINSON.

The Watford-based official earned a mid-term promotion to the National League list of referees in 2022/23 and last season was his first full campaign at that level.

A former German teacher who now works in health and well-being, Stephen took charge of 16 National League fixtures last season, including Dale’s 3-2 defeat at Woking in what was only our third game outside the EFL.

This term he has overseen eight National League games, one of which was Dale’s 2-0 loss at Wealdstone, as well as five matches in League Two under the new arrangement that has seen officials for the EFL and National League combined into one list.

The most recent of those appointments was at Notts County v Bromley last Saturday.

Photo: Action Images

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