Bally's wife can't defend that tackle

THE quote of this and any other week came from Kevin Ball when he was at Ewood Park on Press duty ahead of tomorrow's derby crunch.

Having to answer endless questions about THAT red card he received for his late tackle on David Dunn at Turf Moor in December Ball was in sparkling form.

He revealed that he had never seen the challenge on television but came clean over a conversation he had afterwards with his wife.

Explaining that he was due for a spell on the sidelines Mrs Ball, evidently as ready as her husband to go in where it hurts, told him: "Suspension, you're lucky you didn't get arrested !" Short Cup

BURNLEY'S Worthington Cup games will be over quickly next season as the early rounds are set to be straight knock-out, rather than played over two legs. Trendy Burnley

THE latest pointless survey into the country's most fashionable fans places Burnley's supporters as the most trendy in the region -- according to the Burton Menswear League of Football Style.

In a survey of supporters from the 104 Premiership, Nationwide and Scottish Premier League clubs, based on match attire, average clothes spend and club kit, the Clarets came 44th.

That was 13 places higher than supporters tomorrow's derby opponents, 18 per cent of whom would apparently choose a shell suit as a uniform for the club's fans. I'm saying nothing. Supermen

IF the Clarets are up against it at Ewood Park tomorrow, have no fear. Skipper Steve Davis this week revealed that Burnley have two super-heroes in their ranks in the shape of Glen Little and Paul Weller.

"They're the Batman and Robin of the team," he said. Taylor farewell

TURF Moor on May 6 will host Graham Taylor's farewell from English club management, unless Watford reach the play-offs. Ex-Clarets

ASHLEY Hoskins and Les Thompson will be the special guests at Accrington Clarets montly meeting at the Queens Hotel in Accrington on Monday night. Start at 8pm and all are welcome. Derby query

TEASER: The former Burnley goalscorer who has joined Nuneaton Borough is Paul Barnes.

This week: Name the two Burnley players to have scored goals in derbies against Bolton and Preston this season. Easter soccer schools at Turf

Burnley's Football in the Community Programme is running soccer schools through the Easter holidays.

The two and three-days courses, for boys and girls aged six to 14, will be staged at the Turf Moor leisure centre, Worsthorne County Primary, Park High School and Centre Vale, Todmorden between April 9-20.

The sessions place the emphasis on fun with soccer coaching, skills and games and all youngsters attending will have their name entered in a draw for a portable television.

The cost of the sessions, which run from 10am-3pm, is £6 a day and application forms are available from the Turf Moor leisure centre or by ringing 01282 700081. Accrington Clarets

Any members booked on Accrington Clarets coaches for tomorrow's trip to Ewood Park should report to the Queens Hotel ready for a 9.30am departure.