Jackett Up For Cup Run

Swans manager Kenny Jackett was not playing down the importance of today's FA Cup tie against Newport as he looks for a run that will stretch beyond a trip to Newport on a Saturday in November.

When the two sides were thrown together at the draw a couple of weeks back it marked the first time in almost 20 years that the sides would meet in anything other than the FAW Premier Cup - and two matches in that competition have seen a win each.

Jackett though was not underestimating the task ahead and vowed to respect the challenge of Newport but was confident that his side would emerge victorious

"Because of the circumstances, it's a 50-50 game," Jackett said. "It's a local derby, they have several ex-professionals and some of them are former Swansea players. "They have home advantage, too, and all that added up evens things up. Our league status will count for nothing and I genuinely believe we'll have to be at our very best to win the game."

"We're very hungry for a cup run," he stressed. "The other two cups have gone the wrong way for us this season and we certainly don't want to be losing, particularly as it's a local derby. "We lost to Northwich Victoria in my Watford days and it's not a nice feeling."

"It's a potential banana skin for Swansea," said County boss Peter Beadle, whose side have already negotiated three qualifying rounds. "They are three promotions above us and are expected to win, but I do feel we can beat anybody on our day and it's going to be a great occasion for the city of Newport." Jackett, whose side will be backed by more than 1,000 travelling fans at Spytty Park, said: "On their day, a team with so many ex-pros can produce a performance and the atmosphere will be red hot. "We've got to get our attitude right and then make sure we play some football as well."

Photo: Action Images

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