THE efforts of the youth team this season deserved better reward than yet another away draw in the FA Youth Cup.

But, after beating Manchester United in a replay, West Ham and now QPR, the youngsters should not be short on confidence as they face Chelsea.

Head of Youth Development Bobby Downes paid tribute this week not only to the members of the successful team but also the other youngsters who have contributed in the Lancashire League games.

"The lads who have not been playing in the Youth Cup ties are every bit as important to us as those in the side," he said.

"Our B team are also at the top of the league, yet we have had to make a lot of changes. Against Morecambe last Saturday, they scored eight goals with several schoolboys in the team."

LEAGUE season-ticket holders had only until 12.30pm today to claim their own seats for next Wednesday's FA Cup fifth round replay against West Ham at Ewood (kick-off 7.45pm).

Seats are on open sale for the tie which has been designated a category B game. Prices are £16-20 with concessions, where available, £10.

Premium season-ticket holders need take no action on this occasion.

The tie is NOT 'live' on Sky.

LATEST £500 Double Your Money Club winner is S Mack (Gt Harwood), number 645A.

The bonus ball prize on the Rovers Return draw for the West Ham game will be £700.

FANS tell me there was a familiar and famous face sat among them in the visitors section at Upton Park. Apparently, Stuart Metcalfe - a local lad who really made good with his hometown club - was among the supporters who travelled to London for the FA Cup tie. Stuart made well over 400 senior appearances for Rovers in his playing days.

DAMIEN Johnson is doing well in his loan spell with Nottingham Forest.

The Ewood youngster, gaining first team experience to add to his one senior start with Rovers, is helping Forest maintain their strong bid for promotion back to the Premiership.

TICKETS are currently on open sale for next Saturday's Premiership game against Leicester City at Ewood (kick-off 3pm). It is a category B match with prices £16-20 and concessions, where applicable, £10.

Fans attending the Leicester game are reminded to retain their ticket stubs as these will be used as vouchers when seats for the home game against Manchester United go on sale.

THERE is no Pontin's League match scheduled next week. Title-chasing Rovers are due to play Stoke at Newcastle Town's ground on Monday, March 2.

TICKETS for the game at Leeds on Wednesday, March 11 (7.45pm) go on sale to season-ticket holders only from Monday. It is one Leeds ticket per season-ticket book and a maximum purchase of four per person. Prices are £22-50 adults, £15 concessions.

Previous sport story

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