ACCORDING to the calendar in our office, it's Halloween tonight.

But anyone who was at Ewood on Monday night may argue it's already been and gone after Rovers and Leicester served up a horror show all of their own.

Since Graeme Souness took charge 18 months ago, I can't remember a Rovers performance so devoid of entertainment.

But was that down to Rovers' own ineptitude or the Foxes' tactical cunning? I'm still trying to work that one out.

You can say what you want about Dave Bassett's coaching methods but when it comes to making life difficult for others, the crafty cockney is right up there with the best.

Leicester were in dire straits when he took over two weeks ago but the side which turned up at Ewood on Monday were no pushovers in anyone's estimation.

His secret is simple -- make sure you work harder than the opposition. And, though his methods are never likely to win any awards for entertainment, as Rovers found out to their peril they're certainly effective.

Just thank your lucky stars you're not a season-ticket holder at Filbert Street because they may have to endure many more performances like that before the season's out.

There was a time when Rovers themselves tried to tempt Harry down to Ewood as successor to Brian Kidd.

At the time, the move made perfect sense as the club needed a strong character like that to dig them out of the First Division.

However, Bassett decided to stay faithful to Barnsley and several months later Rovers plumped for Graeme Souness instead. And they've never looked back since!

Sure, Rovers are going to experience their fair share of ups and downs this season as they find their feet in the top-flight.

But one thing Souness's sides will always guarantee -- Monday apart -- is entertainment with a capital 'E.'

Let's not forget, Rovers have come such a long way in a short space of time that expectations have gone through the roof.

Of course, Monday's performance was disappointing.

But Rovers are still the new kids on the block and Leicester were the established Premiership force -- which means a point and a clean sheet wasn't quite the disaster it initially felt!