BURNLEY were due to find out their first-round opponents in the Auto Windscreens Shield today.

The draw for the competition, which kicks-off in early December, was due to take place late this morning.

The Shield will feature an experimental rule this season, whereby referees will be able to move a free-kick forward 10 yards in response to any dissent.

ROTHERHAM United may currently be battling to get out of Division Three. But you can't say the Millers aren't a 'with-it' club.

While waiting to be connected through their phone system, the background music played is a compilation of recent chart hits.

Whether, Steps' rendition of 'Better Best Forgotten' was an omen for their cup hopes at Turf Moor this afternoon, remains to be seen.

Rotherham this week signed Guy Branston from Leicester City for £50,000 but the defender won't be figuring against Burnley this afternoon.

Suspended for a dismissal while on loan a fortnight ago, Branston is also nursing 48 stitches in an arm wound he sustained taking out his anger on the referee's dressing-room door at Hull City.

FORMER Clarets striker Phil Eastwood, now playing in for Morecambe in the Nationwide Conference, has been named in the FA squad to play against the Northern Premier League at Stalybridge Celtic on Monday, December 6 (kick-off 7.30pm).

The game is one of three regional trials geared towards selecting England's semi-professional side for this season's fixtures.

CLARETS chairman Barry Kilby and vice-chairman Ray Ingleby will be the guests at a special meeting organised by the Clarets Independent Supporters Association. The meeting, subject to Burnley avoiding an FA Cup replay, will be held in the Jimmy Adamson Lounge (Centre Spot) on Tuesday, November 30, start 7.30pm.

The question-and-answer session is open to association members and other supporters' groups.

CISA will also hand over a cheque for £250 for the Gawthorpe training ground fund.

BURNLEY Supporters' Club is holding its AGM at Burnley Cricket Club on Monday, December 13 (8pm).

Members wishing to seek election to the committee should forward their name and a letter of acceptance, together with proposer and seconder to the secretary by Monday, December 6.

ROSSENDALE Clarets are hosting a fund-raising night for the Gawthorpe training ground fund.

Vocal, comedy impressionist Steve Chicane will be performing at the function at the Rose 'n' Bowl, Stacksteads on Monday, November 29.

Tickets, including supper, cost £5 with all ages welcome. For tickets, phone 01706 224924.

BURNLEY Supporters Club travel details for Reading next Wednesday night are: Leave Colne 1pm, Nelson 1.10, Queensgate 1.20, Turf Moor 1.30, Tim Bobbin 1.35, Rawtenstall 1.50. Prices: members £13.50, non-members 15.50, concessions £11.50.

For Wigan next Saturday: Leave Colne noon, Nelson 12.10, Queensgate 12.20, Turf Moor 12.30, Tim Bobbin 12.35, Rawtenstall 12.50. All prices £5.

Bookings: Fraser Eagle 01254 231100 (day), Trevor Bartley (01282) 455340 (evenings).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.