THE third round of the FA Cup back at the start of 1967 kicked-off a major traffic headache for police.

For with nine Lancashire clubs, including Burnley and Blackburn, securing home draws, police chiefs were worried there would be chaos, with 100,000 cars on the roads!

And it prompted them to warn motorists to stay at home if they weren't travelling to a match.

The cup clashes of 41 years ago created Lancashire's biggest ever traffic problems, for more than 250,0000 people were expected to be on the move at the same time, and the fears of half as many cars.

William Palfrey, assistant chief constable of Lancashire County Constabulary also appealed to fans to use "every inch of road."

With Burnley at home to Everton and Rovers hosting Carlisle, the traffic hotspot that Saturday was expected to be the Samlesbury junction of the M6 and helicopters were used to monitor any serious congestion.

Before the games Mr Palfrey advised: "We would ask people who are not going to these matches and who have no need to go on the roads, to keep off at critical times.

"The routes through the county will be signposted by the AA and once fans get into town, there will be signs taking them to the grounds.

"We shall have 1,000 men on foot patrol and 250 traffic patrol offices, using 100 cars and 70 motorcyles for these matches."

He also appealed to home supporters to travel by public transport if possible, but if they took the car to "use the back streets as much as possible."

And he told housewives; "Shop early on Saturday morning, rather than the afternoon!"

l For the record, Burnley drew 0-0, but lost 2-1 in the replay at Goodison three days later - Willie Irvine broke his leg - while Rovers went down 1-2 at Ewood.