LAST summer the new football season started with the borough on the crest of a wave as Blackburn Rovers roared back where they belong - in the Premiership.

Promotion put a smile on thousands of faces and sent ripples of euphoria through a large part of East Lancashire.

The team went on to play some good football and fans were able to savour high points like the memorable 7-1 scoreline against West Ham although their efforts this season have not always been translated into vital points.

As the season has progressed Rovers have found themselves suffering and luck hasn't always been on their side but there can be no dispute that they have the quality to get themselves out of their present league position. They just need to preserve that most vital of ingredients - confidence.

Those thoughts, however, can all be put on hold this weekend as Rovers run into Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for their first major cup final in 42 years against an in-form Tottenham Hotspur.

Admittedly Spurs do have a better cup pedigree - indeed some might say an outstanding one.

But Blackburn Rovers need have nothing whatsoever to fear.

They have shown grit and determination to get this far.

And they DO have the skills. Now they must go into the game with the confidence that they can and will succeed.

Between now and Sunday morning, 30,000 East Lancashire fans will be travelling to South Wales by coach, train and car for a great day out

It's sure to be a day to remember and one which will be talked about by different generations for many years to come.

Let's all give our team the tremendous support they deserve and help them to bring home the Worthington Cup.