ASHLEY Ward's debut against Leeds United last Saturday meant that a staggering total of 32 players had been involved in first-team games already at Ewood this season.

True, some of them have not managed to get further than the substitutes' bench but it is still a remarkable number and one which already equals last season's final total.

KEITH Gillespie was celebrating his first Rovers goal after the vital three points collected from Leeds.

But the former Manchester United and Newcastle winger was even happier that his goal had proved the matchwinner on a day when he showed the home fans that he knows how to defend as well as attack.

"The defensive side of my game is improving all the time," said Gillespie, who has taken little time to settle into his new environment, following his £2.35 million move from Newcastle.

"No problems at all," he reported. "And when you go on a run like we have had, it helps. It's been fantastic and, hopefully, we can keep it going."

SEASON-ticket holders had until 12.30pm today to claim their own seats for next Saturday's FA Cup tie against Sunderland (kick-off 3pm) and take advantage of their extra discounts.

They could buy seats for just £10 (£8 juniors and senior citizens). After today's deadline, ticket prices for everyone (for all areas) are £15 adults (£10 concessions).

Fans are reminded that, as the tie has been designated an all-ticket game, seats will not be available on the day of the match.

Sunderland have been given the Darwen End and the tie could produce a full house.

BRIAN Kidd was full of praise this week for the efforts of groundsman Steve Patrick and his staff.

The arrival of the bad weather could have caused serious problems as far as training arrangements were concerned at Brockhall.

But, after checking the forecast, Steve arranged for the undersoil heating to be switched on at Ewood and prepared the main pitch for training on Tuesday.

"They did a great job for us and sorted out any problems we might have had with the weather," said the manager.

LATEST Double Your Money Club £500 winner is Mr Ingleby (Belthorn), number 164A.

ROVERS Return winner at the Leeds game was N Johnson (Prestwich), number 99101. Prize was £1,155.

The autographed ball was won by M Whittaker (Blackburn), number 96628.

TICKETS are now on open sale for the Premiership home game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, January 30 (3pm).

It is a category B fixture with adult prices £18-25. Concessions where applicable are £10.

Spurs have been allocated the Jack Walker side of the Darwen End.

THERE is a Pontin's League Premier Division fixture scheduled for Monday night at Ewood when Liverpool are the visitors (7pm).

THE two Academy sides were away to Crewe Alexandra today. Next Saturday, January 23, the under-17s were due to entertain Aston Villa at Brockhall but that match has been postponed as the club are involved in the FA Youth Cup fourth round during the following midweek.

Although there are now no Academy games scheduled for next Saturday, the under-19s are in action in midweek. On Wednesday, January 20, they visit Manchester City in a re-arranged match.

ROVERS are guaranteed a home game in the FA Youth Cup fifth round, if they beat Sheffield United at Ewood on January 27. The winners of that tie will entertain either Brighton, Coventry, Port Vale or Notts County.

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