WITH 2,500 Blackpool fans expected to make the trip to Turf Moor tonight, hopes are high that Burnley supporters will also come out in force to create a cracking derby atmosphere.

Gates for the last two home games have been disappointing but with prices cut to £12 for adults and £5 concessions the club is encouraging fans to come early to the game.

Marketing manager Edoardo Abis explained: "With supporters paying on the gates we don't want there to be delays with people queueing so the sooner the fans can get here the better.

"We know that Blackpool have already sold over 1500 and they are expecting to bring another 1000 so it would nice if we could get a lot of Clarets fans in to create a good atmosphere.

"It is obviously very important for the club to do well in the Cups this year because of the financial situation and we know that the fans can play a big part."

Manager Stan Ternent echoed those sentiments as he said: "Let's hope there is a great atmosphere for the derby match. It should be a good game and one the fans will enjoy.

"They have been fantastic to me and the players during a difficult start to the season."

Supporters are also being encouraged to buy tickets before the match if they get the opportunity as that will avoid delays.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph has three pairs of tickets, courtesy of Cup sponsors Worthingtons, to giveaway to the first two readers to visit our Burnley office this afternoon and give the name of the Clarets striker who had a spell on loan at Blackpool last season.