WACKY Radio One DJ Chris Evans holds the key to Burnley's Auto Windscreens Shield destiny.

Confused? Well, while you are chewing your cornflakes, slurping that last drop of coffee and chomping a final mouthful of toast, the ginger-nutted charmer will be AWS master of ceremonies tomorrow morning.

Evans is pencilled in to host the second round draw - live from studio 22 at the BBC HQ in West London!

And in what must be one of the most bizarre venues for a domestic cup draw, Burnley fans will be hoping Evans pulls out a cup cracker as he squeezes the action in between Oasis, the Stone Roses, East 17 and the rush-hour travel news! Burnley made sure of a place in the velvet bag. But it was a lack-lustre show against the Third Division promotion challengers.

After a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Rotherham, the Clarets just needed to avoid defeat to book their passage.

But these preliminary rounds are interminable affairs. Surely there is strong case to scrap the long-winded group matches.

Is anybody remotely interested in the Auto Winsdcreens Wiper, numberplate, tail-lamp, chassis prelims?

Certainly the group stages get a massive NO vote from the patient and loyal spectators.

Burnley have had the marvellous experience of a Wembley final in the competition. But the early rounds are a real turn-off.

Only 3,225 braved a raw November night to witness the last rites for the Northern Area, Group Two itinerary - and that was with prices slashed to the bare minimum.

And with another far more important FA Cup tie against Walsall looming on Friday night - who could blame them for keeping their cash firmly in their wallets.

Turf Moor chief Jimmy Mullen had threatened to rest a couple of players for the tie, but he named the same side which finished against Notts County.

Chester, without a point in the group, had nothing to lose and set about attacking Burnley with gusto.

The Clarets best first half openings fell to David Eyres.

The experienced hands of Billy Stewart saved a couple of stinging strikes, and then Eyres fired the best opportunity only inches wide of the post. Burnley had to re-shuffle their pack with the loss of Gerry Harrison. A minute earlier they had a real let-off when Andy Milner headed against the bar from Dave Rodgers cross.

The dangerous figure of Kevin Noteman then headed wide, but seconds before half time Burnley grabbed the lead.

With Chester briefly down to 10 men and Nick Richardson under treatment, Gary Parkinson broke free with a raging run on the right flank.

Parkinson's cross was pin-point and the unmarked Kurt Nogan was on hand to head home from six yards.

Another sweet strike from Nogan, to add to his two goals against Notts County at the weekend.

Plucky Chester were not down and out though and Noteman was unlucky with a clever chip which shaved Marlon Beresford's crossbar. But Chester's pressure finally reaped rich dividends with the equalizing goal early in the second period.

Defender Chris Priest forged space for himself and his centre was met by the forehead of Nick Richardson, who headed firmly home.

The promising figure of Andy Cooke saw action for the final quarter and he nearly helped himself to another goal after Kurt Nogan has set him up with a super pass.

Despite the unsatisfactory draw, Burnley can at least look forward to a second round tie and further progress in the competition.

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