BURNLEY boss Steve Cotterill paid tribute to the supporters who made the 400-plus round trip to Reading, without seeing a competitve ball kicked.

As a mark of thanks to the Clarets' travelling fans, players and staff applauded the away end within moments of referee Rob Styles calling off the FA Cup third round tie because of a waterlogged pitch.

"It's disappointing because we have come all this way," said Cotterill.

"But it's also disappointing for the supporters.

"The fans are as good as gold and we had to go over there and thank them for making the long journey. We are just sorry the game was not on.

"We had a good feeling though. We thought we might be in the hat for the fourth round and we are!"

Reading or Burnley will be ball number four in today's fourth round draw at Soho Square and ties will be played on the weekend of January 27 and 28.

If tomorrow's re-arranged tie is drawn, the original replay date still stands, taking place at Turf Moor on Tuesday January 16.

Meanwhile, Reading will reactivate all tickets for the game at control gates.

Anyone who bought a ticket from Burnley FC and would prefer a refund is asked to contact the Turf Moor ticket office from 10am today.

Travelling supporters who bought tickets for the visiting end from the Madejski Stadium on the day of the game must contact Reading FC for refunds.

Refunds can be obtained by contacting Reading on 0870 999 1871.