AS USUAL, a poll run on the supporters' internet site before Saturday's game attempted to predict the correct score. Not surprisingly, there were not too many takers for a 1-1 draw with that renowned goalmouth predator Craig Short scoring the equaliser as the clock hit 96 minutes.

Given the satisfactory haul of four points from the last two games against Bolton and Fulham, maybe Santa has visited Ewood early this year seeing that on both occasions we were some way short of our best.

I did think the corner had been turned by about 8.45pm on Wednesday. An enjoyable week of Worthington Cup action had unfolded with Manchester United playing musical statues with the lumbering Burnley back line. The following evening, Graeme Souness put out an extremely strong side against Rotherham - and didn't it pay dividends. The thousands who understandably decided attending the game "wasn't a priority" missed a treat.

Those who did attend witnessed flowing, fluent football the like of which was anticipated pre-season but has all too rarely come to fruition at Ewood in the Premiership this season.

If the mere presence of Hakan Sukur can inspire a performance from Yorke and Cole like that sat in the stand, his job is done if he never kicks a ball from Rovers.

Tugay was back to the imperious form of this time last year. Best of all was an astounding performance for a 17-year-old from Jay McEveley. A performance well beyond his years and thrown unexpectedly into the lion's den of a local derby, he did nothing to harm his growing reputation before a tactical change necessitated his withdrawal.

The quarter-final draw left us with an extremely attractive tie against Dave Whelan's Wigan. The Ewood connection adds spice to the tie and the JJB tycoon will obviously be desperate to put one over on the team that Jack built.

Let's not give him the satisfaction. I'm sure the team can deliver in style just as they did at Turf Moor on Sunday December 17 2000.

It's conceivable that if we can negotiate this potential banana skin, only Sheffield United or Crystal Palace will stand between us and a return visit to Cardiff. As such, the competition is surely now a top priority.

The cup form didn't carry over into the opening period at the Reebok. For all their shortcomings, one thing you can guarantee when you play Bolton is that they'll battle to the death. Disappointingly, given the reintroduction of skipper Garry Flitcroft, we failed to rise to the physical challenge during that first 45 minutes.

That second half was better and it was heartening to see a never-say-die attitude gain its just reward.