Middlesbrough hosted Peterborough United in the Third Round of the FA Cup and ran out 5-0 winners last weekend with thanks to goals from Britt Assombalonga, George Friend, Lewis Wing and Ashley Fletcher.
The Championship club have been drawn against League Two’s Newport County, who overcame Premier League opposition in the last round, beating Leicester City 2-1 at Rodney Parade in one of the shocks of the weekend.
After their victory over the Foxes, Newport fans may have been hoping for a home tie to continue their cup run, but now they have to travel to The Riverside stadium on the weekend of the 26th and 27th January.
Middlesbrough fans have taken to social media to give their reaction to the draw:
Plenty of Boro supporters were very happy with the proposed tie, with Tony Pulis’ side enjoying a successful spell at home in the cup competitions so far this season, with the Teessiders getting to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals earlier this season.
Not a bad draw that #BORO vs Newport – UTB
— Helen Self (@HelenSelf5) January 7, 2019
#FACupDraw Good draw #Boro home to Newport
— David Ross – 'GAFFERS' available now (@RossFootball) January 7, 2019
However, this Middlesbrough fan wouldn’t be shocked if Newport created another upset in this years FA Cup after their victory in the last round against top flight opposition.
Newport will be a good tie, proper club. Won't be surprised if they beat us 😂 #Boro #FACup
— Shaun (@boroweasel) January 7, 2019
Plenty of Boro supporters would’ve liked the prospect of playing the first Tyne-Tees derby for the first time since 2010 when the sides met in the Championship. But this fan is happy with the draw against Newport regardless.
Wanted Newcastle/Blackburn but will take Newport at home #UTB #BoroLive
— Travis Butterfield (@TravisB97) January 7, 2019
It’s not just the football which is creating a bit of rivalry, with both places having iconic transporter bridges, but Boro fans think theirs is better, ‘obviously’.
Boro play Newport County in the 4th round of the FA Cup. The battle of the Transporter bridges. Ours is better obviously. #UTB
— paul downing (@pd1001) January 7, 2019
Dream #facup4thround tie for fans of civil engineering. It’s Boro v Newport in the Transporter Bridge Derby #utb
— (((Tim Vamplew))) (@timmov) January 7, 2019
After the draw Newport County manager Michael Flynn said:
“I know Tony, he’s someone I’ve got a lot of time for and a lot of respect for. He’s a great man and he’s very helpful if I ever need anything.”