IT'S the question that is cropping up increasingly as the results of Rovers and Charlton are so closely matched.

What happens if the two clubs finish in a relegation spot with identical records?

The answer is - a play-off.

League positions in the Premiership are, of course, determined initially by points, then goal difference, then goals scored.

If clubs are level in the middle of the table then they are deemed to share the same position. But there is special provision in the rules if two or more clubs still cannot be separated and there is something more at stake.

The Premier League's rule 31 states: "If at the end of the season either the League championship or the clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because two or more clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding League matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the board."

So now you know.

EWOOD'S Disabled Supporters' Club are holding their player of the year presentation on Tuesday night in the Centenary Suite (7.30pm). Admission is £3, the evening is open to everyone and you can either obtain tickets from the secretary in advance or simply pay on the door.

PAUL Aitkenhead, who is working on trying to get backing for a film of Blackburn Olympic's FA Cup success last century, is still eager to hear from relatives of players who featured in that first Northern triumph.

He has already had a good reaction and is optimistic about getting the film off the ground.

Anyone able to help him can contact Paul at Flat 6, 13 Draycott Avenue, Chelsea, London, SW3 3BS (tel: 0171-581-2435).

TICKETS went on restricted sale this week for the final home match against Manchester United on Wednesday, May 12 (kick-off 8pm).

Holders of a ticket stub from previous home games against either Leeds, Tottenham or Wimbledon can buy a United ticket. It is a category A game, prices £22-28. Concessions, where applicable, £10.

ONLY a few hundred tickets remained today for next Saturday's crucial game at Charlton. Rovers are expected to take more than 2,000 fans to The Valley.

Remaining tickets are available at £25 adults, with concessions for children £15. There are no concessions for pensioners.

SEATS for the home match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, May 8 (3pm), are on sale at category B prices, £18-25, concessions £10 where available.

THE final home Pontin's League game of the season will be played at Ewood on Monday when Stoke City are the visitors (7pm). Rovers' two remaining games after that are at Nottingham Forest next Wednesday and at Aston Villa on Tuesday, May 4. Both have 7pm kick-off times.

LATEST Double Your Money Club £500 winner is D Whiteside (Blackburn), number 781A.

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