THE Orphanage Cup final returns to Ewood Park this year with plans to make it a permanent fixture at the home of Blackburn Rovers.

The long-running works competition returns to Ewood for the first time in more than two decades – although a ‘one-off’ final was held there at 2001.

Competition secretary Tommy Tatham and Rovers head of media, Paul Agnew, played key roles in getting the competition back at Ewood.

“We are absolutely delighted we have got the final back at Ewood Park,” said Tatham. “There has been a lot of work put in to make this possible and I would like to thank the club and Paul Agnew, in particular, for making it possible.”

He added: “We did hold a final at Ewood Park in 2001 but that, as it turned out, proved to be nothing more than a one-off. So it is more than 20 years since we held it there on a regular basis and that is a long time.

“We will now work hard to make sure we can host it there every year but it is important that the final is well supported and that we have a good turn out. I am sure every Rovers’ fan would love the opportunity to play on Ewood Park, and I am sure there are plenty of them playing in the competition. So hopefully friends, family and work colleagues will turn out in force to cheer them on.”

The final is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 25 and Agnew is happy that ‘a major local fixture is back at the town’s major venue.’ He said: “It is a competition which is very close to my heart and I think a lot of people who have played football in the town have an Orphanage Cup story.

“I once got drafted in to play for East Lancs Coach Builders, we didn’t have a full team and we lose 4-0. I found out that I was partnering former Rovers player Fred Pickering in the heart of defence!”

The competition dates back to 1932 and since then it has risen funds for Child Action North West, which was formerly Blackburn Orphanage.

“The hierachy at the club gave a very positive response when we explained how important the Orphanage Cup is,” added Agnew. “And you have to remember it is for a very worthwhile cause and has raised thousands of pounds of charity over the years.

“So we were keen to get a major local fixture back at the town’s major venue.

“The aim now is to play it there for many years to come.”

The competition has now reached the quarter final stage with matches played this week at Pleckgate Playing Fields.

Last night, RMS took on Totally Wicked with Senator playing WEC. Tomorrow night, Blackburn Council ‘A’ play defending champions Red Rose Dry Lining with East Lancs Teachers ‘B playing S7 Soccer Academy. All matches kick off at 6pm.

The draw for the last four will be made after tomorrow’s night fixtures with the semi finals to be played at AFC Darwen’s Anchor Ground on Wednesday, May 9 and Friday, May 11.

Results, round two, Monday, April 23: ENWL 1-3 S7 Soccer Academy, Unison Eng Comp 1-8 Teachers B, Callender Aeroparts 1-8 RMS Scaffolding, BT 3-3 Blackburn Council A (Council A won 4-2 on penalties).

Wednesday, April 25: WEC 2-1 Blackburn Police, Senator 4-0 Lancs Fire & Rescue, Red Rose Dry Lining 4-2 Kirk Scaffolding, Totally Wicked 2-1 Council B Quater finals, Monday, April 30: RMS v Totally Wicked, Senator v WEC Wednesday, May 2: Council A v Red Rose Dry Lining, Teachers B v S7 Soccer Academy All games to be played at Pleckgate (kick off 6pm).