Long Eaton-based referee James Adcock will referee Dale for the second time in just over two months when we travel north to Hartlepool on Saturday.

The 26-year-old was in charge of our 2-0 home defeat by Leyton Orient in October, which saw the final Dale appearance of three Dale players – Jake Kean, Pim Balkestein and Neal Trotman.

James in his debut season on the league list, although he was given the League Two encounter between Macclesfield and Wycombe last February as part of a pre-promotion trial.

That turned into an eventful afternoon for Mr Adcock, who had to witness a mass brawl that ended with three red cards being shown and fines handed out to both clubs!

However, it didn’t stop his progress and James was rewarded with the biggest game in non-league football at the end of last season – the Blue Square Premier League play-off final between AFC Wimbledon and Luton at the City of Manchester Stadium.

The PE teacher started this season with the League Two encounter between Oxford and Bradford and has so far refereed 18 games, showing 48 yellow cards and three red.

He must also be one of the most travelled officials on the circuit, with his Nottinghamshire base leading to appointments at such far flung places as Torquay, Exeter, Carlisle, Colchester and Barrow (FA Cup), as well as Hartlepool this weekend. 

Photo: Action Images via Reuters

Recent Stories