UNDERDOG TAG SUITS THE SWANS

NEWPORT Pagnell Town boss Darren Lynch says his FA Vase heroes will keep thriving on the underdog tag after drawing favourites South Shields in the last eight. The United Counties League Swans came back from two goals down to beat Sunderland RCA 3-2 in extra-time to keep their greatest Vase run ever going. But despite being drawn against another high-flying Northern League side, Lynch says his side have nothing to fear. “When we qualified for the quarter-finals I just had a feeling we’d get South Shields,” he told The NLP. “It’s similar to when we were drawn with Peterborough Sports earlier in the competition. They’re flying in our league and will probably win it by a country mile. “But when we got them, I was really confident. I’m confident in this game as well. We’ve got nothing to lose. We go up there against the favourites. They’re the ones with pressure on them, not us. “My lads play off it. When they’re underdogs they seem to rise to the occasion. “I’m hoping they do the same when we go there.” A record crowd of 764 watched their fifth round win and Lynch says it shows the club can go places. “I’ve always said Newport are capable of going higher,” Lynch, who began his playing career at the club as a 17-year-old. “Last Saturday proved we’ve got the fan-base to follow us. “After you win a game like that there’s a buzz about the place. “The fans get the chance to mingle with the players, chairman and the management – it’s great to get the feedback on how people are feeling. “There was one guy who said to me he’s been following the club for 50-odd years and he had to fight back the tears when we won on Saturday. “It’s nice to hear that and makes you feel like you’ve achieved something. “We’ve just got to make sure we don’t get carried away. I know it’s an old cliche. “On Saturday the 18th we are without a doubt the underdogs. If we can pull off a result then who knows.”