THE oldest football club competition in the world showed its romantic charm was as strong as ever last night when Newcastle United were drawn away to non-league Yeading in the FA Cup.

Graeme Souness' Premiership rich boys have been paired with the little known Ryman League Division One North winners, known as the Dings, in the third round of the contest.

Yeading, who beat Slough Town on Saturday, a couple of hours after Newcastle had been soundly defeated by Chelsea, were in dreamland yesterday after hearing the draw.

It is a draw that evokes memories of the last time the Tyneside club met semi-professional opposition in the shape of Stevenage - when Kenny Dalglish's side scraped through 2-1 after a replay in 1998.

It will also bring back uncomfortable memories of the time the team was knocked out by Hereford United.

This year, Yeading's team know they are in for a rough ride from Newcastle's array of international stars. But top-scorer Dudley Campbell, who has 13 goals more than Alan Shearer to his name this season, is not too concerned.

"It's a magnificent draw and we couldn't have asked for more. It's an opportunity for us to play against some fantastic players and the club to make as much money as possible from it," said Campbell.

The Football Association now has to decide where the game will be played.

The rest of the draw saw Middlesbrough face a trip to either Swindon or Notts County, while Sunderland have a chance to gain revenge for last season's play-off heartbreak by playing Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light.

Hartlepool are expected to progress to round four after being handed another home tie, this time against League Two side Boston United.

All ties are to be played on the weekend of January 8/9.