Newport County will face a couple of familiar faces when they play Cambridge United at Rodney Parade next month.
The FA Cup second round draw was made live on BBC television and County’s reward for their 2-1 first round win against Walsall was the home tie manager Michael Flynn wanted.
Newport are eighth in League Two, just ahead of a U’s team likely to include former Exiles player Medy Elito and ex-Cardiff City and Barry Town goalkeeper David Forde.
The Republic of Ireland international kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 Cambridge win against Sutton United in the first round.
Manager Shaun Derry was delighted with the way the U’s played in their victory.
They had George Maris sent off for a second bookable offence given for simulation after 40 minutes, while Jabo Ibehre fid the only goal five minutes later.
“It was a fantastic win,” said Derry. “It was a win when we had to show different sides of our abilities. The red card changed everything. It was difficult when George was sent off. It was a red card, more naivety than anything else.
“It did put us on the back foot and we had to change our way for the remaining parts of the game, but the goal directly after it gave us a fantastic platform to build on and something to hold onto in the second half.
“We knew there weren’t going to be many chances in the Sutton end, but I actually thought we created quite a few considering the manner of how the second half went.
“The calibre of the strike from Jevani which hit the bar was excellent, while I was delighted with Jabo. He led the line really well for us and the execution for the finish was exactly what he has a name for.
“I’m delighted. We’re into round two and unbeaten in five.”
Ibehre and half the Cambs Glass were already celebrating when Jamie Butler managed to get something on the striker’s shot before Forde made a stunning save near the end to deny Sutton’s Adam Coombes.
Striker Paul Hayes is ready to make his Newport County debut in Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie against Cheltenham Town at Rodney Parade (7.30pm), but he may have to wait.
County have not yet received international clearance for his move from England to Wales.
“There has been a problem, a hold-up,” said Flynn.
Flynn is likely to make a number of changes for the match against Cheltenham, particularly with their League Two fixture against Port Vale being played at Rodney Parade on Friday.
Leading scorer Shawn McCoulsky, who has eight goals, could keep his starting, while Frank Nouble may be rested. They scored Newport’s goals against Walsall.
“I was buzzing for Shawn and for Frank breaking his goals drought,” said Flynn.
“I don’t think Frank ever suffers with (a lack of) confidence, to be honest. He’s a confident person, he’s a handful and we saw that.
“He was running rings around League One players and that shows the potential he’s got.”
Defender Mark O’Brien will be rested because of a niggling foot problem and Flynn said: “He’s okay, but It’s one of these injuries that we’ve got to manage.”
Newport earned £33,000 in prize money and television fees for their win against Walsall.
Emirates FA Cup second round draw (ties to be played over the first weekend in December):
Woking or Bury vs Tranmere or Peterborough
MK Dons v Maidstone United
Newport Co v Cambridge Utd
Wycombe v Leatherhead or Billericay
Port Vale v Yeovil Town
Shrewsbury v Morecambe
Doncaster Rovers v Northampton or Scunthorpe
Slough Town v Rochdale
AFC Wimbledon v Charlton Athletic
Stevenage v Swindon Town
Mansfield Town v Guiseley or Accrington Stanley
Gateshead v Luton Town
Bradford City v Plymouth Argyle
Blackburn Rovers v Crewe Alexandra
Fylde v Wigan Athletic
Gillingham v Carlisle Utd
Notts Co v Oxford City
Forest Green v Exeter City
Chorley or Fleetwood v Hereford
Coventry City v Boreham Wood
