HOME TIE IS REWARD FOR EXILES IN FA CUP
NEWPORT County have been rewarded for their surprise Emirates FA Cup victory over Walsall with a second-round tie at home to fellow League Two side Cambridge United.
Mike Flynn’s side, who beat the League One Saddlers 2-1 on Saturday, were drawn out fifth by former England and Manchester United striker Andrew Cole in last night’s draw.
But they will be hoping for better luck against Shaun Derry’s side, who are unbeaten in their last seven fixtures against the Exiles.
The Us will visit Rodney Parade on the weekend of December 1-4, with the prize of a thirdround tie, potentially against a Premier League giant, at stake.
Meanwhile, County welcome Cheltenham Town to Rodney Parade tonight in a Checkatrade Trophy dead-rubber (7.30pm).
Both teams have lost their opening two games in Southern Group E, which means neither can progress to the latter stages of the tournament, regardless of the result.
And that could allow manager Flynn to give some fringe players some much-needed game time.
The likes of Jazzi BarnumBobb, Lamar Reynolds and Joe Quigley could be in line for rare starts, while the game could also be used to aid Marlon Jackson’s return to action after recovering from injury.
The Exiles have already beaten Cheltenham this season, with a first-half strike from Padraig Amond securing a 1-0 home win in September.
And the Robins will be eager to show they have improved since then, while manager Gary Johnson will want to see a reaction following their shock 4-2 loss to non-league Maidstone United in the FA Cup.
If the score is level after 90 minutes then both teams will gain one point and the game will go straight to a penalty shoot-out with the winner earning an additional point.
As normal, three points are awarded for a win and none for a defeat within the 90 minutes.
One man that will not feature is new signing Paul Hayes. The Football League has confirmed the 34-year-old’s registration cannot be processed until the opening of the January transfer window.
Newport say Hayes’ contract “has been amended to reflect the situation” and he is expected to train with the Exiles to ensure he is fit and available for selection from the start of next year.