Cup pits County against Seagulls

NEWPORT County will host the Premier League’s Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup, writes Matthew Southcombe.

The draw, conducted by former Wales international Robbie Savage, produced an exciting home tie for Michael Flynn’s side, who will be targeting further upsets in the famous competition after securing their place in the third round with a convincing win over Salford City.

County have a distinguished record in cup competitions in recent years, with Flynn’s heroes having put the likes of Leeds United and Leicester City to the sword while also pushing Tottenham all the way on another great cup occasion, with Harry Kane coming to Tottenham’s rescue.

The tie will see former Swansea City manager Graham Potter return to South Wales for the match at Rodney Parade, with the Seagulls having impressed on the whole during the first quarter of the Premier League term.

The Swans, meanwhile, will fancy their chances of making comfortable progression after being drawn away to League Two strugglers Stevenage, who have won just two out of 14 games so far this season.

Cardiff City also have a winnable, if tricky, tie away to Championship rivals Nottingham Forest, who currently sit 21st in the league with one fewer win than Neil Harris’ side this season.

Elsewhere, the tie of the round will surely be Premier League high-flyers Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to face non-league Marine FC.

Fellow non-league side Chorley will play host to the Championship’s Derby County.

Meanwhile, the winners of Canvey Island v Boreham Wood will welcome Millwall.

Manchester United host Watford, Manchester City are at home to Birmingham City and Chelsea will welcome Morecambe in another David v Goliath clash.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will be hoping to improve on their last clash with Aston Villa, having drawn the Birmingham giants at Villa Park just a month or so after being thrashed 7-2 in a league encounter.

The ties will be played between January 8 and 11.