Chris Pollard to referee Tranmere Rovers away clash

The Bury St Edmunds-based official will officiate the two sides in what will be his 16th game of the season and fourth in Sky Bet League Two. The current campaign is Pollard's third in the EFL following his promotion to the National List of Referees ahead of the 2019-20 season following two campaigns on the National League.

He was officiating on both the National League and the Premier League 2 competitions in 2018-19, but made the step up to the EFL after 11 years of refereeing.

His first game of this campaign in the league came in the Papa John's Trophy as he oversaw the 1-1 draw between Forest Green Rovers and Northampton Town, with three cautions issued on the night. Meanwhile, his latest game came in mid-December when he took charge of the goalless draw between Morecambe and Fleetwood Town. Two yellow cards were shown.

Saturday will be the fifth occasion that Pollard has taken charge of an Iron fixture having refereed two last season. 12 yellow cards across the previous four games, with the encounter at Prenton Park the second Scunthorpe match he's taken charge of away from home. The draw against Crawley in August 2019 did see Rory Watson save a late penalty to preserve a point.

Meanwhile, he's only been involved in one previous Tranmere game. At Prenton Park, that game took place in March 2021, with Crawley taking all three points after netting the only goal of the game. Two cautions were issued on the day.

Last season, he took charge of a total of 25 matches, showing 83 yellow cards and eight reds. So far this season, in 15 games, he's shown 47 yellows and one red.

On Saturday, he will be assisted by Mark Jones and Thomas Harty, while Lee Freeman will assume the role of fourth official.

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