Rebecca Welch will be in charge when Rovers host Wigan Athletic at the Eco-Power Stadium on Saturday.
Welch was promoted to the National List of Referees in the summer of 2021 after impressing in National League.
The 37-year-old has an impressive CV. After becoming a referee in 2010, she worked her way through the ranks and oversaw the 2017 and 2020 Women’s FA Cup finals and the 2020 FA Women’s Community Shield. She has spent many years in the Women’s Super League and refereed international competitions.
In the 2018/19 season, she began officiating in the men’s National League and was appointed to her first EFL match in April 2021: a Sky Bet League Two match between Harrogate Town and Port Vale.
This season, the Tyne and Wear-based official has overseen 11 matches across Sky Bet League One, League Two, Papa John’s Trophy and Emirates FA Cup. So far, she has handed out 31 yellow cards and one red.
Saturday will mark the first time she has overseen a Rovers match although she was fourth official when Rovers hosted Portsmouth in February 2021.
On the weekend, Welch will be assisted by Conor Brown and Oliver Bickle. Johnathon Bickerdike will be the fourth official.
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