THE Academy teams both did so well in their league fixtures - the under-17s finishing second in their section - that they earned home matches now the new set-up has progressed to the knockout stage.

Next Saturday, the cup format begins with the under-17s at home to Peterborough and the under-19s also at Brockhall against Coventry.

Kick-off times are 1pm for the under-17 game and 2pm for the under-19s.

A GOAL from Brian Morley saw Rovers Vets beat Burnley 1-0 at Shawbridge in the opening game of the national knockout competition for former professionals.

SOME fans might have been a little irritated by Dave Bassett's headline verdict in a national tabloid this week - that Rovers were heading for Division One.

But Brian Kidd took it all in his stride.

The Ewood boss was not the slightest bit annoyed, preferring to deal in the reality of the situation he inherited. And he has always stressed that relegation remains a distinct threat.

"Dave was just saying it how he saw it. He was asked for his opinion and gave an honest one," said Kidd.

"When you get off to such a bad start in the Premiership you are bound to come under pressure for the rest of the season. It's as simple as that. "It's no good glossing over things, you have to be man enough to face facts. I wasn't upset by it in any shape or form."

Nevertheless, the Rovers boss is still going to do all he can to prove Bassett has got it wrong.

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AFTER so many lengthy gaps in the fixture list, Rovers Reserves are fiunding the last couple of months of the season quite busy.

They are at home next Wednesday night when Preston North End are the Ewood visitors (7pm).

THE Ewood Blues independent supporters' group are running coach travel to the away games at Arsenal, Southampton and Charlton.

And there are only a few seats remaining on the Southampton trip which is a weekend package.

For Arsenal on Tuesday, coach departs Aqueduct car park 1pm and cost is £16. The Charlton coach, on Saturday, May 1, leaves the Aqueduct at 7am.

Further information on any of the trips - and places are limited - can be obtained by telephone on 01254-53182.

SEATS for today's game against Middlesbrough were on sale until kick-off time and the Ewood ticket office was staying open until 5.15pm. But fans who were still hoping to buy seats for Tuesday's game at Arsenal (7.45pm) should note that the office is closed tomorrow and Monday.

As the game at Highbury is all-ticket, any remaining will not be on sale on the day. Seats for visiting fans are priced £16, no concessions.

The ticket office re-opens on Tuesday, back to normal hours.

SEASON-ticket holders only have been given first chance to buy seats for the crucial game against Southampton at the Dell on Saturday, April 17 (3pm).

They are priced £20 in the upper tier of the East Stand and £18 in the lower tier. There are no concessions on offer from Southampton.

Any remaining seats will go on open sale from Tuesday.

Like Arsenal, this is an all-ticket game and fans are advised not to travel without a ticket. They will not be on sale at the Dell on the day of the match.

ROVERS will put tickets for the home game against Liverpool on sale from next Tuesday. The match, on Saturday, April 24 (3pm), is a category A fixture and prices are £22-28 for adults.

Concessions remain at £10 where applicable.

Liverpool fans will occupy the Jack Walker Stand half of the Darwen End and the rest of the top tier as well.

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