THERE was much amusement at Vale Park on Wednesday when the refrigerated attendance of 110 were awoken from their slumbers to the shrill sound of a high-tech portable telephone sported by Chairman of Burnley Supporters Club, David Cairns.

All eyes ( and ears) turned to Mr Cairns who was fielding a second half call from East Lancashire demanding an immediate update on the Clarets progress in the Potteries.

"We are losing 3-1 and it is ****** freezing down here," came the curt reply. The phone caught the attention of the Burnley bench, who, in turn, handed out plenty of good natured stick on the bus home. Will we ever see the infamous portable phone again?

The disappointing 3-1 defeat at Port Vale was the first Pontins League reverse of 1996. The Clarets second string entertain Grimsby Town at Turf Moor on Wednesday (7.15).

Port Vale boss John Rudge is known for keeping his players on their toes. So it was no surprise to see Dutch goalkeeper Arjan van Heusden between the sticks for the reserve game against Burnley just 24 hours after helping Port Vale to a fantastic 4-2 Anglo-Italian Cup win at Ipswich Town.

Van Heusden gave a sound performance and was rarely troubled against the Clarets.

"It helps to keep the pressure on first choice Paul Musselwhite," said Rudge.

Faces in the crowd at Vale Park. Rotherham's joint/manager Archie Gemmill and Crewe assistant manager Neil Baker.

The Burnley following at Rotherham United was approximately 1,400.

Burnley entertain Oxford United in a re-arranged second division fixture at Turf Moor next Tuessday.

Watch out for former Clarets favourite Adrian Heath tomorrow when Sheffield United's tasty FA Cup fourth round clash against Aston Villa will be beamed live to the nation via the BBC. The Blades, although bottom of the First Division, are unbeaten since Heath and Howard Kendall took charge and accounted for Arsenal in round three.

Safety Officers, Stadium managers and club secretaries from every one of the 72 Endsleigh League clubs have been invited to attend a safety seminar held by the Football Safety Officers' Association at Anfield on February 15.

Burnley Supporters Club away travel: Brentford, February 3: Colne 7.45, Nelson 8.00, Burnley 8.15, Rawtenstall 8.30. Members £14., Non-members £16 Conc 12; Blackpool, Feb 6: Colne/Rawtenstall 4.45, Nelson 5.00, Burnley 5.15, Tim Bobbin 5.20, Padiham 5.25. Members £5, Non-members £6, Conc £4; Swindon Town, Feb 14: Colne 12.45, Nelson 1.00, Burnley 1.15, Rawtenstall 1.30. Members £14, Non-members £16, Conc £12. To book phone 01706 216457 (Day) or 01282 35176 (Night).

The A team travel to Stoke City next Saturday while the B team lock horns with Oldham Athletic B at Stainton Park, home of Radcliffe Borough. Kick-off at Radcliffe is 11.00 am.

Colne Clarets away travel: Blackpool: Morris Dancers, 5.30pm. £5 Adults and £3.50 conc. The cost for Brentford and Swindon is £15 (Adults) and £3.50 conc.

Burnley have organised a Sportsman's Dinner at the Centre Spot on Monday, April 29. Guest speakers will be former Burnley stars Mick Docherty and Alan Stevenson. Details from Tony Bannister (863946) or Alan Beecroft (864147).

The Clarets second division fixture against Crewe Alexandra will go ahead at Gresty Road on Tuesday, March 19.

Burnley have been allocated 1,600 terrace spaces and 636 seats for the trip to Brentford a week today. Brook Street Stand £13 (Adults), £10 (Conc), Brook Road Terrace £7.80 (Adults), £5 (Conc).

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