NEWCASTLE have been told their David and Goliath FA Cup tie with Yeading will be played at the non-league club's tiny home ground.

As the rules would not allow a switch to St James' Park, the Ryman League champions had been looking into the possibility of playing the tie at nearby Brentford or QPR.

However, the Football Association confirmed yesterday that the eagerly-anticipated third round clash will take place at The Warren, with the 3,500 capacity reduced to 2,300.

The game will be broadcast live on BBC1 with a 12.30pm kick-off on January 8 and 800 tickets will be made available to Newcastle supporters.

Yeading secretary Bill Gritt said last night: "There are a few things we need to get done, but I am quite confident we will get there.

"There is some segregation, tidying up, that sort of thing. But we know what we need to do.

"It is very important for us. It is a historic moment, and I am very proud to be involved in it.

"I will be quite happy to get a draw. A win would be unbelievable."

Newcastle will be aiming to avoid a repeat of their humiliating exit to lowly opposition in the early 1970s, when Hereford United progressed at their expense.

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness said: "I don't even know where Yeading is and while I have contacts in football throughout the world I must admit I have nothing on them.

"It's a famous draw for them getting Newcastle at home, but while it is a potential banana skin we don't want to make them even more famous.

"I have been on the wrong end of cup upsets before."

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