FOR THE second consecutive season, Newport face a trip to Western League side Bitton, after the teams were drawn together in the third round of the FA Vase.

Newport earned their place in the draw, which took place at Wembley, after they secured a nail-biting victory at Egham Town.

Last season Port beat Bitton in an F.A. Cup replay at St George’s after drawing at Bitton, who are currently third in the Western League, two points behind the leaders with two matches in hand. They have only lost twice in the league this season.

It will be a tough test for Port, who booked their place in a thriller. In the seventh minute Charlie Smeeton broke into the box and just as he was about to shoot a defender slid in and took ball and man at the same time. The ref immediately pointed to the spot, and Iain Seabrook stepped up to smash home the penalty.

Just when it looked as though Port would go in at the break with just a one goal lead, they doubled their advantage. A smart break saw Sam Hart race down the left and square to Wayne Newnham who in turn rolled it to Darren Powell to side foot into the net.

Egham put Port under intense pressure in the second period and pulled a goal back in the 76th minute. Port brought on Tom Scovell for Seabrook but Egham pushed for the equaliser that would have seen the game go into extra time.

With four minutes left another high ball was headed away by Scott Sampson but he landed awkwardly and the Egham striker landed on the defender’s ankle. He was stretchered off, and Port then had to hold out for nine minutes of stoppage time before clinching the victory.

Scott Sampson was taken to Chertsey hospital where his ankle was x-rayed and fortunately no fracture was found.