Saturday’s East Lancashire derby between Burnley and Blackburn Rovers will be the 100th time the two teams have met in a competitive game.

Despite Blackburn’s dominance in recent years, winning seven of the last 10 games, over 99 games the gulf hasn’t been so wide.

In the 99 games that have passed, Burnley have won 38, with Blackburn only three ahead with 41 wins and the scores level 20 times. With 86 League clashes, seven FA Cup matches, four meetings in the Anglo-Scottish Cup and two end of season ‘test match’ games it’s the turn of the Sky Bet Championship to host the 100th meeting.

The first competitive game was held 125 years ago when the two founder members of the Football League met in the old English Division One. Saturday, November 3rd 1888 was the date of the first game, and Blackburn thrashed Burnley 7-1. Rovers dominated the first six meetings between the sides, Burnley left reeling from heavy defeats. However, the tides turned in 1891 and Burnley recorded the first draw against their nemesis and later in the season ran out 3-0 winners.

Burnley’s greatest win against Rovers came in 1896 when the Turf Moor side hammered Blackburn 6-0 in the English Division One.

And when the end of season ‘test matches’ came in April 1898, Burnley won them both, kickstarting a period of Claret and Blue dominance. In the next 15 meetings, the Turf Moor club would win 11 and salvage one draw, Rovers earning just three wins. This streak lasted 24 years, but Blackburn hit back with back to back wins in the 1921/22 campaign.

After the Second World War, the clubs returned to Division One and action in the FA Cup meant more ties than ever before. Notably in Burnley’s title winning season of 1959/60, the two played each other four times.

However, in 1966 Blackburn were relegated to Division Two and 10 years passed without a meeting, Burnley enjoying European football in that time until relegation in 1971 left Burnley in Division Two and Blackburn in Division Three.

1976 and the two clubs were reunited in Division Two. Burnley held the bragging rights in this small period, winning four out of six games until their rivals fell back into the Third Division in 1979. This year would be the last time Burnley defeated their fierce rivals.

They met again in 1982/83 in the old Second Division with a Rovers double over the Clarets, handing them the bragging rights, of which they haven’t had to let go of since.

It was to be their last meeting for 17 years as the two clubs became polar opposites. Burnley came within one game of dropping out of the Football League whereas Blackburn Rovers found themselves hitting the dizzy heights of winning the Premier League.

The rivalry intensified as the two clubs found themselves further and further apart until in 2000 the two found themselves once again on a level playing field, in Division One. Another Blackburn double and promotion for the Ewood Park club yet again left Burnley fans reeling.

Even a fifth round FA Cup tie in 2004/05 season did little to stop Rovers dominating. In the 2009/10 campaign Burnley creeped up on Blackburn and the two met for the first time in the Premier League. Two Blackburn wins and relegation to the Championship for Burnley proved a miserable affair for Clarets fans. However, in 2012 the Turf Moor faithful could finally cheer as the once dominant Blackburn Rovers were relegated from the Premier League.

A club in dire trouble at the top and management catastrophies left right and centre meant the Championship was now home to the Cotton Mill Derby. This brings us to last season and two draws meant neither side were too happy. Late equalisers in both ties sealed points for each club and, after 34 years without a win, it’s Burnley fans that are hoping their team goes one better on Saturday and finally hands them the elusive bragging rights.

Have your say! Will Burnley beat Blackburn on Saturday?

An investigation is underway after a fire broke out in the kitchen of a Colne house.

Approximately 15 firefighters from Nelson and Colne were called to tackle the blaze in Walton Street at 10-19am this morning. Eight breathing apparatus and three hose reel jets were used.

According to firefighter Chris Walton, there has been “considerable damage” to the kitchen and back bedroom, and the stairs have been burnt through.

He said: “The fire started in the kitchen, and spread to the rest of the property.”

“We left at about 12. The firefighting took at least an hour-and-a-half. Investigations are ongoing.”

Vintage Clarets have donated a cheque to Ian Britton for £666.

Britton, scorer of one of the biggest goals in Burnley’s history - in the Orient Game in 1987 - has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The former Chelsea midfielder played 108 games for the Clarets, scoring 10 goals - none more important than his header to stave off relegation from the Football League.

On Saturday night, the Burnley FC Former Players’ Association hosts a Legends of Turf Moor dinner - an evening in support of Britton, from 7-30 p.m. in the 1882 Lounge at Turf Moor. Entry, including a two-course meal, is £10 per person, and for tickets, contact 07974310009, or go to the Bob Lord Stand reception.

Peter Wright hit a hat-trick on Wednesday night as Nelson got back to winning ways with a 6-1 win at home to Rochdale Town.

After two successive defeats saw the Blues knocked off top spot, Mark Fell’s side got back on track, taking a two-goal lead within 17 minutes thanks to goals from the returning Robert Grimes and Mick Berry.

Wright netted a 23-minute treble, netting his first after the hour, with Chris Turner also weighing in on 70 minutes.

Rochdale scored a consolation 12 minutes from time through Callum Beckett.

On Saturday, Nelson went down 3-0 at Hanley Town.

The Blues went behind almost immediately, as a cross from Ben Lees floated over Ben Woodhead and in after less than a minute.

The game descended into a scrappy affair after that, with chances few and far between.

For Nelson, Wright had a left-footshot from the edge of the area saved, before the frontman sent an effort wide on the turn.

Josh Barrick headed wide from a corner on 36 minutes , and Turner was also off target on 43 minutes as he blasted a over from just outside the box.

The second half wasn’t much of an improvement on the first. On the hour, as Hanley’s Theo Stair headbutted Danny Finch and then stamped on him. The Hanley player was sent off, but so was Finch for getting involved.

Following this, penalty claims for handball and then a foul on Wright in the area went unpunished, and on 75 minutes Nelson went 2-0 down as Lees’ low shot from 15 yards beat the outstretched Woodhead and nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

With eight minutes left the game was killed off as Lees completed his hat-trick.

Colne went down 2-1 at home to Barnoldswick Town in the derby at the XLCR Stadium on Wednesday night.

In front of 161 spectators, the game did not disappoint.

Colne took the lead on 13 minutes when Jason Hart outpaced the Barnoldswick defenders and squared the ball to Dominic Craig, who blasted into the roof of the net.

Shortly before the half-hour Barnoldswick could easily have equalised but for a brilliant save by Chris Thompson, blocking a close range shot by Mark Threlfall.

And five minutes later Barnoldswick equalised when Aaron Hollindrake’s cross broke to the far post where Danny Boyle volleyed the ball into the top far corner.

Just before the break Billy Priestley was denied by a brilliant save by Thompson, and seconds later Colne had the ball in the net only for Craig to be ruled off-side.

Barnoldswick began the second half in the ascendancy and it took just two minutes to take the lead when Hollindrake released former Red Threlfall, who slipped the ball under Thompson.

The goal breathed new life into Colne, but despite of some intense pressure, they could not find an equaliser.

On Saturday, Colne went down 1-0 at home to league leaders Maine Road, bringing an end to a run of three straight wins.

The Reds fell behind early on when Martin Hill pulled the ball back from the bye-line giving Richard Williams an easy tap-in at the near post.

Undeterred Colne continued to heap pressure on the Maine Road defence.

Dominic Craig’s effort was well saved by Gregory Hall, and Ashley Carter and Jason Hart combined to create a chance for Robert Grimes which flew narrowly wide.

Grimes came close again from a free kick but the ball flew just past the top corner.

Maine Road’s only other serious effort came just before the break when Thompson proved he was equal to a good shot by Williams.

Maine Road made a good start to the second half with Williams coming close again in the opening minutes.

But as the half progressed Colne began to dominate and they created a host of chances, but Maine Road packed their defence under the intense pressure as the visitors held on.

BRIAN COATES

On Monday night, Colne Reserves earned a 3-1 win over Ashton Town Reserves in the Galaxy League at the XLCR Stadium.

Ashton Town went in front through Stan Saitorious after eight minutes, but Colne levelled 20 minutes later through Matt Feely .

Nathan Gibson gave them the lead on the hour, heading in Tom Anderton’s free kick, and two minutes later, Colne got their third goal as Daz Simpson finished from an Anderton cross.

Joseph Mills has extended his emergency loan at Oldham Athletic until October 13.

The Clarets defender joined the Latics on emergency loan in August and has played in all five games while at Boundary Park.

Mills, 23, initially joined Burnley on a season-long loan from Reading in the summer of 2012.

In his first season at Turf Moor he made 12 appearances before the loan automatically became a permanent two-year deal this summer.

A donation of £300 will be given to Foulridge Parish Council following traffic chaos in the village.

We can announce that United Utilities will be handing over the money after a number of complaints were raised about work carried out on the A56 in August.

While it was understood that the emergency works were necessary, residents and councillors agreed that the job could have been conducted in a more efficient and costly manner.

And calls were made by resident Clive Holt (69) for a “small compensation contribution” to the parish council to help with a Sustainability project.

Chairman of Foulridge Parish Council Coun. Neil Barker said: “The parish council appreciates the donation of £300 from United Utilities and it will be put towards a community project.

“The parish council also appreciate the fact that United Utilities have acknowledged their poor performance regarding the work to repair the leak on the A56 but stress that it is just as important to ensure that there is a commitment to improve any future work.”

In a letter seen by the Colne Times, United Utilities’ case manager Michael Skilky apologised for “any inconvenience caused” and agreed that work “was not carried out to the high standards we strive for”.

A slice of Colne history was enjoyed by over 50 people on Tuesday evening – as local historian Geoff Crambie reflected on the lives of some of the town’s biggest and most memorable characters.

Held at Colne Library, “Cornucopia of Colners” looked at the lives of well-known faces, including Titanic bandmaster Wallace Hartley and former historian Wilfred Spencer.

It was the first time Mr Crambie had hosted a lecture at the Market Street site in 25 years. And now due to its success, the Leader Times columnist has vowed he will be hosting more events in the future

He said: “It was magical – absolutely brilliant. Two ladies wanted to make a video of it, so that would be nice.”

The event was initially going to be held in the venue’s lecture room, but due to demand it was moved to the main body of the library.

This, says branch manager Christine Bradley, has been made possible thanks to a refurbishment paid for by the Big Lottery Fund.

Mrs Bradley, who recently organised a night featuring the Allegra Quartet, added: “The new building means we can move all the books out of the way and fit more people in downstairs. The lecture was excellent – I was thrilled.”

Proceeds were donated to Colne Heritage Centre.

In March, David Jones wore blue and white halves as Blackburn Rovers snatched a point they scarcely deserved against Burnley in the derby at Ewood Park.

But after helping deny the Clarets a first win against their rivals in 34 years, Jones - having made the switch across the divide - believes Burnley can end that miserable statistic today.

The 28-year-old made 12 appearances for Rovers last season, while on loan from Wigan Athletic.

And, indeed, he was linked with a return this summer.

However, Sean Dyche stole in to convince him to move to Turf Moor, and join the group of players to represent both clubs.

The former Manchester United youngster said: “Last season it was a loan move just to get me games, which I did.

“I played 12 games but that’s in the past now and I’m looking forward.

“I wasn’t there that long, so it wasn’t as if I had a big history there, I feel like I belong here now.

“I’m just focused on the game, and hopefully getting a good result.”

Burnley and Rovers drew 1-1 twice last season, and Jones hopes the Clarets can have the upper hand this time: “I didn’t see the first game at Turf Moor but obviously I played in the second game.

“I was chatting to my dad about the game the other day and we were just impressed with how Burnley played in that game, especially in the first half.

“I know they had a man sent off and that changed the game a bit, but there was a lot of good quality and I was impressed with how they played.

“This year, I think, with a bit more belief to cross the finish line and win, I think we’ve definitely got a good chance.

“It’s about time Burnley won the derby, we’ll definitely be up for it, but we have to play with calm heads and take the emotion out of it - business as usual.”

The relief was palpable at Ewood Park in March when David Dunn - some three yards off-side - netted an equaliser in the fifth minute of injury time.

There was a fear of losing the bragging rights after all this time, and Jones admitted: “It’s natural, in the game at Ewood there was tension - you don’t want to be part of the team that ends the run, so I’m sure they will be quite edgy about it.

“It’s an important game, but we need to put the emotion aside.

“I know it’s difficult with the fans, and the occasion, but we have to focus, get three points and carry on our good start to the season.

“It’s still very early days, but we’re doing well, building a good, solid team.

“We’ve still got some improvements to make, but it’s been a good start.”

Dunn - who has scored in four games against the Clarets - could well miss the clash, but if he makes it, Jones expects him to be a key figure: “He’s quite a vocal character and you know how much the club means to him.

“He is an influential guy around the dressing room, and he does inspire teammates, so he’s someone who’s very important for them, especially in games like this because he’s lived here and knows what it means to both sets of fans.

“He passes that on to the players and I’m sure they’ll be up for it as we will be as well.

“He’s a dangerous player, he’s getting into the stage of his career where he doesn’t play every game, but he’s a really good player, a big threat and someone we’ll have to watch out for.

“I’ve trained with him and played with him, so hopefully I’ll have an insight on how to handle him.”

Asked about his equaliser, Jones smiled: “He’s a big player, it was still a difficult chance, but he took it.

“I think he was off-side, I’m pretty sure he was!

“But he’s not the type of character to freeze in those situations.”

Pendle Forest Hockey Club’s Olivia Bythell has been selected to represent the North West Manchester Pumas at Under 17 level.

And Olivia, who last year represented her county for the fourth year running, will have two weekends of trials for the North squad.

Olivia has trained with Forest since she was able to hold a stick, and started playing league games when she was 13-years-old. She nows plays in the club’s first team.

Olivia would like to thank Pendle Leisure Trust for their support.

The new season has started for Forest, with training at Marsden Heights on Tuesdays - 6 p.m. for children and 7 p.m. for adults. Forest run three adult teams and junior teams.

Doubles pair Pauline Burrows[20] and Jackie Swift [21] took fellow members Jayne McGregor [7] and Lynne Grandfield [8] to the 16th hole at Nelson Golf Club before succumbing to the lower handicappers at and finishing runners-up in the final of clubʼs Ladies Doubles Knockout on Sunday.

McGregor is pictured powering towards victory in Nelson Golf Club’s Ladies’ Doubles Knockout final at the weekend (Picture: Barry Greenwood).

Colne’s season came to an end on Sunday, with the expected defeat at the hands of champions Accrington.

Colne started the season with some optimism and with some close matches, with May and June enlivened by wins in the Worsley Cup and the Twenty20 Cup twice.

But by the end of the season it appeared that heads had dropped and the players went into matches expecting to lose, which they duly did.

Colne won the toss and chose to bat. It was an unusual innings, with two 50-plus partnerships contributing to a total of only 142 all out.

Billy Jamil and Khurrum Nazir scored 25 each and put on 53 in a careful second-wicket partnership, and sub-pro Mohammed Jamal, borrowed from Read, scored 44, and with Matthew Walker (26) put on 68 for the fifth.

When these two were together, a total of 170-190 didn’t seem out of reach, but the last five wickets were worth just 12 runs. In the event, it is doubtful whether double the total would have been enough.

Accrington made a brisk enough start, with 53 runs in the first 10 overs. David Wallbank had Sneddon lbw for a duck, and Daneyal Qasim induced an edge by Accrington pro Ashar Zaidi to Tillotson behind the stumps when he had made 11 – but the chance went down. The second wicket partnership was worth 93 before Duerden took the wicket of Shah for 29, at which point Accrington were 95-2.

The main interest now was whether Zaidi could break the Accrington batting record, set by Bobby Simpson in 1959. He had reached 50 and needed 40 more runs for the record.

Simon Hanson was willing to play an anchor role to give Zaidi his chance, and he took it in spectacular fashion.

The innings lasted only four more overs as Zaidi hit boundaries galore off Rhodes and Duerden, and he finished with 91 not out from 66 balls, including 13 fours and 4 sixes.

Accrington made 144-2 from 17.4 overs, and the game was over by half past five.

Barnoldswick Town’s misery continued on Saturday as they suffered yet another defeat at Runcorn Town, losing 4-1.

Town were boosted by new signings Mark Threlfall and Connor Smith from Clitheroe, as well as welcome returns to the squad for Jake McEneaney and Aaron Hollindrake.

Town started well and took the lead in the 5th minute through a Neil Stansfield shot.

Danny Boyle came close to doubling Town’s lead just two minutes later with a fierce left foot effort that curled just wide of Runcorn keeper Karl Wills’ goal.

Runcorn drew level on 10 minutes when Jason Carey picked up a loose ball for Paul Shanley, who made the most of Town’s defensive woes and levelledmatters.

On 22 minutes Barnoldswick’s defence was again nowhere to be seen as Mark Dund raced keeper Lyle Davy to a loose ball, Dundon won but Davy did enough to stop the shot.

After 40 minutes, McEneaney, in his first game back from injury, was injured again and replaced by Kieran Lee.

In first half injury time, Town had a huge scare as keeper Davy mistimed a tackle, bringing down a Runcorn forward in the box. The referee gave a penalty, but after consultation with the linesman changed his decision to a free kick just outside the box and Davy was booked.

Despite a promising first half for Town, the second half was dominated by Runcorn.

The defence caved and three goals in 17 minutes from Gareth Grant (73), James Derbyshire (78) and Jason Carey (90) came as no surprise.

Tackles were lethargic and with no threat to the Runcorn goal it was only a matter of time.

Brierfield couple Ronnie and Joyce Wilkinson are celebrating their Diamond Wedding anniversary.

Ronnie first met Joyce at a pub with a friend who worked with her in the mill, then again when Ronnie picked up Joyce and took her to his 21st birthday party. They were then married in September, 1953, at St Catherine’s Church in Todmorden Road, Burnley.

Ronnie, now 83, had a butcher’s shop on Hurtley Street in Burnley for many years, moving home to Brierfield, where they have lived for 55 years.

Joyce stayed at home to bring up their six children. Lynne, Susan and David still live in the area, Paul lives in Yorkshire with his family, Gail lives in Melbourne, Australia, and Heather lives in Nelson – but it is the one in New Zealand not next to Brierfield!

Ronnie had a butcher’s shop in Nelson’s Open Market in Cross Street for more than 30 years until its closure.

One of their biggest interests in life is obvious. Susan said: “They have been keen horse race fans. They used to be involved in horse racing – with two horses of their own.”

They spent three months visiting their family last Christmas in both Australia and New Zealand, seeing grandchildren and great-grandchildren they had never met. .

Joyce (80) is meeting her half-sisters soon – Susan, who is flying in from Queensland in Australia, and also Sharon. It will be the first time they have all met in 45 years. Daughter Susan Hacking said: “They are spending their anniversary with friends and family, some of their 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.”

So they are having a great time – last Thursday there was a big family do with everyone congratulating them on their successful marriage.

Leading Conservatives in Pendle have welcomed a councillor who has defected from the Labour Party and joined them.

Pendle Council Walverden Ward councillor, Abdul Aziz, has defected to the Conservatives after resigning his Labour membership.

But his former party is now challenging him to resign from the council altogether. He had been an independent councillor for months.

Speaking of his move, Coun. Aziz said: “I woke up and saw Pendle Labour, their president Azhar Ali, and leader Mohammed Iqbal for who they are. They run their councillors like a dictatorship. You aren’t allowed an opinion or to disagree, or you’ll be sidelined – this happened to me and I had the party whip removed.

“That isn’t what I was elected for. I stood up for what I believed in and they didn’t like it. I wanted the voice of the residents to be heard, and the Conservatives are the party to allow me to do that.”

He added: “I have been considering my position for some time now, and have regularly met local MP Andrew Stephenson and leader of the council Joe Cooney over a period of months. Nobody is working as hard for Pendle as the two of them. They are the best people to take Pendle forwards, and I want to be part of that progression.”

Coun. Aziz’s defection brings the size of the Conservative group to 19 – its highest level in 30 years. They are now only six short of an overall majority.

Coun. Cooney, said: “The Conservative Group wholeheartedly welcomes Coun. Aziz, who I have got to know personally as someone who is genuine and has the interests of his electorate at heart. It is clear to see there are many disaffected Labour councillors on Pendle.”

MP Andrew Stephenson added: “I have worked closely with Councillor Aziz over the past few months, and he will be a real asset to the Conservatives. It is a vote of confidence for the work of the Conservative Party in Pendle, and the work everyone is doing”.

Sajjad Karim, the Euro-MP covering Pendle, said: “This is very significant. It shows that people see we are the party to lead in Pendle, and gives great confidence to the leadership of Pendle Council and the good work they have done”.

However, Pendle Council Labour leader Coun. Mohammed Iqbal said: “Coun. Aziz was suspended for an indefinite period a number of months ago for his actions, which had brought him into disrepute with the Labour group. I would challenge him to resign and fight a by-election on his new party’s platform – let the people of Walverden decide if he is worthy to represent them.”

New unemployment figures for August show that the number of unemployed claimants in Pendle in August 2013 was 1,791.

This represents a rate of 4.3% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64. The number of claimants is 413 lower than in August, 2012 and 61 lower than in July this year.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “The national figures for July and August show the biggest two-month drop in unemployment since June, 1997 and it is great to see that reflected in Pendle.

“The vast majority of local companies I speak to are confident about the year ahead and are looking to expand their operations, which is very encouraging.

“The Government still needs to do more to help those who are out of work, but it is clear that the economy is picking up.”

A Pendle Leisure Trust employee has turned pounds into pounds by organising a boot camp with a difference.

Nutrition and fitness expert Ashley Alderson ran a week-long boot camp at Seedhill Athletics and Fitness Centre in Nelson.

And for every pound of weight each participant lost, he donated a pound to the Sam Shaw Appeal. 

The boot camp was for all ages, sizes and genders and included a varied programme of high-intensity training methods tailored to suit all abilities. 

Ashley said: “Not only was this a fantastic way of losing weight, it was also a great way to raise money for a very worthy cause.

”The event was a massive success with a total of 40 people taking part over the week. We set nutritional goals and every day we did one hour’s exercise, which included a variety of different sessions, as well as a fun assault course on the final day.

“Over the five days, participants lost a total of 42lbs, so I will happily donate £42 to the Sam Shaw Appeal.”

Four-year-old Sam Shaw is fighting neuroblastoma – an aggressive childhood cancer. To give him the best chance of beating the disease, he needs clinical treatment in America – at a cost of £250,000.

Staff at Pendle Leisure Trust have so far raised more than £7,000 towards the target, but they want to help with the final push.

Burnley FC boss Sean Dyche wants to make it “third time lucky” in his quest for derby honours with the Clarets.

Today, the Clarets manager becomes the first since Harry Potts in the 1970s to take charge of the team in three battles wiith Blackburn Rovers.

Both his previous Championship clashes ended in 1-1 draws, leaving the Burnley chief feeling hard done to.

Shoppers in Burnley town centre cannot have failed to notice that demolition work has begun to transform the shopping parade around the Market Square.

Our town centre really is the beating heart of the borough and it’s great to see the owners of Charter Walk investing millions of pounds to ensure residents get the best shopping experience possible.

The North-West was named this week as the region with the most empty shop units - one in seven in average, but Burnley is certainly bucking that trend. Bigger and better stores can only atttract more visitors to the town.

Sean Dyche was pleased with his teams effort despite the late equaliser from Jordan Rhodes.

In our exclusive video he spoke to Clarets correspondent Chris Boden about the game.