ANOTHER good crowd is expected at Ewood on Monday night when Rovers bid to add the Lancashire FA Youth Cup to their league title.

Tranmere are the opposition and the Jack Walker Stand will be open with a £3 admission charge across the board.

Rovers have been beaten by Manchester United in the last two finals of this competition and kick-off time is 7.30pm.

Ex-Rover Simon Barker has been released by QPR, now managed by ex-Ewood boss Ray Harford. Barker was with Rangers long enough to enjoy a testimonial year.

LocaL cup finals are being staged again at Ewood next week. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the Blackburn Combination's Eddleston and Birtwistle Cup finals take place.

The season's final fixture sees Lancashire take on Berkshire in the final of the County Football Associations' knockout competition on Thursday.

Fans are reminded that there will not be any tickets on sale at Ewood tomorrow for the Premiership finale against Newcastle United.

The ticket office was staying open until 5.30pm today and the ticket hotline could also be called free on 0321-101010 until that time. Pre-match entertainment, including a firework display, is planned and the fans' player of the year trophy will also be presented.

Rovers Reserves slipped out of title contention in the Pontin's League Premier Division with their poor form over the Bank Holiday weekend.

They were looking at needing to win their last three games to have a chance but, fielding depleted teams, were beaten by Nottingham Forest and drew with Aston Villa.

Thursday's 5-0 hammering at Elland Road meant Leeds United pipped Manchester United to become champions.

Michael Owen took over as the favourite for the Premiership's golden boot with his goal against Arsenal in midweek. The Liverpool striker now has one more than long-time leader Chris Sutton and is two in front of Kevin Gallacher. Several other players, notably Dion Dublin, are also in contention with the final games being played tomorrow.

Wrapping up the Lancashire League Second Division title with two games still to play gave the B team a real lift after their FA Youth Cup disappointment.

The A team have also had a good season. Even though they did not push for the title, they finished in a high place with the goals shared around. Best scoring performance came from James Thomas with eight from just half a dozen appearances.

In the title-winning B team, Gary Hamilton has averaged more than a goal a game and Paddy Connolly has a similar record from fewer appearances so far.

Both teams will play in the new Academy under-19 and under-17 leagues next season.

The prize of £285 for the Rovers Return draw at the FA Youth Cup final can be claimed from the lottery office. Winning number was 180171.

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