Red herring SCUNTHORPE United manager Brian Laws was hoping that the Iron's abysmal New Year's Day showing will have thrown Burnley off the scent ahead of their FA Cup clash at Turf Moor this afternoon.

Laws' Third Division play-off chasers have been without a win since their second-round success over Brighton.

But the manager believes that run didn't reflect their form -- until Monday's 2-2 draw with Macclesfield Town.

"We have been playing reasonably well up to our last home game. Burnley were there watching and thank God we were an absolute load of rubbish because they will have learned nothing from it," said Laws.

The last meeting between the sides saw Burnley clinch promotion at Glanford Park in May.

But Laws was hoping for a cup shock to reverse the celebrations. "That was a cracking day for them then and I hope we have one today," added the former Burnley full-back.

Big draw IF Burnley made it through their FA Cup tie with Scunthorpe today, they will find out their fourth-round opponents at tea-time tomorrow.

The draw will be screened live on ITV at about 5.55pm and Burnley (or Scunthorpe) will be number 19 in the hat.

THERE was a great meeting of minds in the Clarets' Press room after Monday's game against Wolves with enough footballing experience on hand to solve most matters in the game.

The four former players -- now talking a good game with the media after chalking up almost 2,000 League appearances between them -- getting their heads together were Phil Neal, Lawrie Madden, Kenny Hibbitt and David Fairclough.

CLUTCHING at straws maybe, but Wolves' winner at Turf Moor on Monday shouldn't have been allowed.

In the run-up to the decisive free-kick from which Lee Naylor grabbed the clinching goal, Wolves took another set-piece following a foul on Burnley's left-flank.

The quickly-taken effort hit referee Roger Furnandiz and was then played again immediately by the same Wolves player.

When Michael Branch advanced and was them upended by Paul Smith, Wolves pounced for the points.

However, had Furnandiz correctly penalised the original free-kick taker for playing the ball twice without any other player getting a touch, Burnley would have cleared their lines and probably escaped with a 1-1 draw.

Party night The Claret and Blues Supporters Club holds its first annual party at the Centre Spot at Turf Moor next Thursday night, start 8pm. All are welcome with tickets £2.50 on the door.

The Claret and Blues are also taking bookings for the trips to Gillingham, Crewe and Grimsby. Phone Steve on 416320 to book or check departure times.