Newport get cash boost after bid for Premier League scalp is picked by TV
NEWPORT County AFC will get a cash boost in January after their FA Cup tie against Brighton and Hove Albion was chosen for live television coverage.
The Exiles’ round-three clash with the Premier league side will take place on Sunday, January 10 (kick-off 7.45pm).
It is the second time this season that County’s coffers have been boosted by knockout football – the received a six-figure sum when their Carabao Cup encounter with Newcastle was shown live on Sky Sports.
The Sunday slot for the Brighton game avoids a Rodney Parade fixture clash, but it does mean that the surface will have been played on just over 24 hours earlier.
The Dragons will entertain the Ospreys on Saturday, January 9 (kick-off 5.15pm) the last of their three festive derbies against Welsh rivals.
The pitch is starting to show signs of wear and tear despite Newport RFC being inactive because of the Covid pandemic.
That raises the prospects of the Seagulls, and former Exiles loan star Ben White, having to cope with the bumps and bobbles in NP 19.
“Brighton is a good draw – they are a good footballing side,” said County midfielder Robbie Willmott.
“They play football in the right way, although hopefully they can’t play it on our pitch!”
County have earned a reputation for cup upsets by beating Leeds, Leicester and Middlesbrough, they drew with Tottenham and went into half-time goalless with Manchester City before being beaten 4-1 by Pep Guardiola’s superstars.
The Exiles beat Swansea and Watford of the Championship before being beaten on penalties by the Magpies in this year’s Carabao Cup.
Read More:Newport get cash boost after bid for Premier League scalp is picked by TV