TOWN fans are to be bar-coded for the first time.

Tickets for the Carling Cup-tie against Leeds United are specially designed for computer coded entry to Elland Road.

It means supporters will have to keep their tickets in near-mint condition - otherwise they could encounter problems at the turnstiles.

Tickets for the match go on sale at the McAlpine to season-ticket holders and Blue and White Foundation members only on Tuesday at 10am.

They will be on general sale from 10am on Friday, August 13, and are available strictly on a one-for-one basis.

Town have an initial allocation of 3,400 in the South Stand upper and lower tiers, with a possible 1,700 to follow in the south-east corner of the stadium if they sell out.

Town's ticket office assistant Sue Farrell commented: "Leeds have a new fully integrated entry system at Elland Road which uses bar-coded tickets.

"We have been asked to advise supporters that it's important to keep their tickets in good condition and to ensure the stub is not detached from the ticket.

"Fans must have tickets ready when approaching the turnstiles and have the bar-code furthest away from them to put it into the turnstile reader.

"There is a diagram on the back of each ticket to explain the details, but it is important our fans keep their tickets in good condition once they've bought them."

Tickets are priced £12 for adults and £6 concessions for the tie on Tuesday, August 24 (7.45).

Family tickets for two adults and two juniors are priced £30.

Tickets for Town's opener against Stockport a week tomorrow went on general sale today and the club still have some available for down the side of the Edgeley Park pitch. Tickets for Sheffield Wednesday go on general sale a week tomorrow.

* League I rivals Bradford City have been given clearance to play this season while in administration. The decision will be reviewed in October.