TICKETS went on sale yesterday for the England Under 16s international against Northern Ireland at the Saunders Honda Stadium on Thursday, November 3.

The match is part of the Sky Sports Victory Shield and kicks-off at 7.45pm.

Tickets cost just £1 for children and concessions and £3 for adults if bought in advance from the Chester City ticket office. Admission for adults on the night is £5.

England U16 manager Kenny Swain said: 'This tournament is always fiercely competitive and I'd urge all of Chester's England supporters to come down cheer the lads on.' Contact 01244 371376 for further information.

Ball 13 in cup draw

CHESTER will be hoping to get the luck of the draw in the FA Cup tomorrow - despite being awarded ball number 13.

The draw for the first round proper will be made at Soho Square HQ at around 5.10pm by former England and Preston North End legend Sir Tom Finney CBE and Roy Bentley, scorer of 20 FA Cup goals and a league winner with Chelsea in 1955.

The draw will be broadcast live on BBC1 and Sky Sports News.

First round matches will be played on Saturday, November 5.

Holroyd double

A DOUBLE from Chris Holroyd secured a 2-2 draw for Chester Under 18s in their Youth Alliance North West Conference match against Tranmere on Saturday.

The Blues' reserves entertain Bury at the Saunders Honda Stadium in the Pontin's League on Wednesday (2pm kick-off).

Free tickets for U7s

CHILDREN under the age of seven will be allowed into the West Stand for tomorrow's match against Bury for free - providing they have a ticket.

In order to receive a free under sevens ticket, the child's parent or guardian must take the youngster's birth certificate along to the Saunders Honda Stadium ticket office.

The ticket office is open today (10am-4pm) and will be open from noon tomorrow.

The accompanying adult must be prepared to present the child's birth certificate at the turnstile when they attend the match itself.

Bus to the big match

A BUS service to and from the Saunders Honda Stadium starts up for the first time tomorrow.

A bus will leave from the bus station at Chester Town Hall at 2.25pm (from shelter 4C) and will return 20 minutes after the final whistle. The service costs £2 for a return ticket and £1 for a single.

Call-up for Blackburn

FORMER Blues midfielder Chris Blackburn has been called into England's National Game squad.

Now with Morecambe, Blackburn will be aiming for a starting place when Paul Fairclough's side take on Belgium in a new European Championship.

Shrews support

SHREWSBURY Town have confirmed their match against Chester City at the Gay Meadow tomorrow week will not be all-ticket for away fans.

Travelling supporters will be allowed to pay at the gate.