RIVAL managers Mark Hughes and Steve Cotterill both agreed a draw was a fair result after yesterday's FA Cup clash between Burnley and Blackburn Rovers ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
In a game of few chances, there was little to separate two of the fiercest rivals in English football, who must now go through it all again when the replay takes place at Ewood Park next Tuesday evening (kick off 8pm).
Blackburn boss Hughes was delighted his side had avoided a potential banana skin, while his Burnley counterpart Cotterill claimed it was important his team avoided defeat after Rovers had claimed the bragging rights when these two sides last met in the league four years ago.
"Burnley had a few half-chances but we have come through a difficult tie," said Hughes.
"A number of Premiership teams this season have learned to their cost that Turf Moor is a difficult place to come if you don't approach it in the right manner. I thought we did that.
"Overall, it was a job well done and it was important that we are still in the hat."
Cotterill, meanwhile, admitted it was both sides' fear of losing which ultimately led to this first FA Cup meeting between these old adversaries in 45 years ending all square.
"Neither team really wanted to lose and a draw was probably fair," said the Burnley boss, who was today hoping to speak to transfer target Ade Akinbiyi after seeing his £600,000 bid accepted by Stoke City.
"It was going to take a mistake or a moment of individual brilliance to settle the game.
I thought all 22 players gave it their best shot and there was an awful lot riding on that game so they all deserve credit."
Both sides now face a contrasting nine days before they meet again at Ewood for a place in the quarter finals.
Hughes will whisk his players off to Dubai this week for a mid-season break, but there's no let-up for Burnley, who face Championship games at Derby and Preston before next week's rematch.
Both managers already have selection problems ahead of the replay.
Rovers defender Andy Todd is a definite absentee after picking up his fifth booking of the season yesterday and Paul Dickov also limped off with a groin injury.
Burnley could be without Frank Sinclair (hamstring) for several weeks and John McGreal is struggling with a back problem.
l BURNLEY reserves are taking on Manchester United reserves at Accrington Stanley's Interlink Express Stadium tonight (7pm).
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