DAMIEN Duff's wing wizardy has earned him a place in the Matchman of the month Top 10 for November.

The Repubic of Ireland international has been in scintillating form since Tony Parkes took over, ripping the likes of Fulham to shreds, as Rovers have gone on an eight-game unbeaten run.

And Duff's average mark of 7.5 for his four appearances in November, means he is rated as the First Division's ninth best player, according to Match magazine.

Huddersfield's Dean Gorre topped the list with an average of 8.0 from his five games, three of which he was voted as his side's star man.

ASHLEY Ward is being tipped as the first player to score in tomorrow's clash against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Ward is quoted at 5-1 by bookmakers Coral as the first to find the net, with United old-boy Nathan Blake second favourite priced 11-2.

United strikers Marcus Bent and Martin Smith are both quoted at 13-2 to bag the first in front of the Sky cameras.

Rovers are firm favourites to take the points at 11-10 while a United victory is quoted at 2-1 with a draw 9-4.

ROVERS have announced ticket details for the Christmas games against West Brom, Nottingham Forest and Wolves. Discounted ticket prices for season ticket holders will not be available on the matchday at all three games.

It is suggested that any supporters wishing to take advantage of discounted prices do so in advance.

Normal matchday prices will apply to all supporters in all areas for all three games.

The ticket office will be closed on Christmas Day, Monday 27, Tuesday 28, Friday 31 and Saturday January 1.

ROVERS' reserve team game against Barnsley at Ewood on Tuesday night has now been postponed due to the FA Cup replay against West Brom the following night.

A new date will be announced shortly.

THE winners of Rovers FA Cup replay with West Brom on Wednesday will face Liverpool in front of the Sky cameras in the fourth round.

The fourth round tie had been scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 9, 2000, but it has now been put back to Monday, January 10 (kick off 7.45pm).

ROVERS game against Portsmouth on Tuesday, December 28 is a 3pm kick off.

GIRL Power is being harnessed by Rovers in their pursuit of excellence - for the area's first Women's Centre of Excellence is to be based at Ewood Park. The scheme, which kicked off this month, is headed up by Jo Ashworth, the Lancashire Football Association's development officer for women's football.

And Chorley-based Jo, 24, is relishing the challenge: "My job is quite simply to promote and develop football for women from the grassroots upwards right through to Centres of Excellence."

Although the scheme is totally an FA-driven initiative, Rovers will play a key role. Ex-player Glenn Keeley is among the coaches, while several members of the club's community staff will also be involved - not forgetting Rovers ladies' star Justine Wallace.

"After being granted a licence from the FA, the Centre is on a trial period. We will start off with the existing two age groups (under 12s and under 14s) with a view to adding an under-16's set-up in the near future," said Jo.

"I am sure the Centre will take off, we could hardly have a better facility than Ewood Park."

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