THE North-East's big three all drew tricky away ties in yesterday's FA Cup fourth round draw.

Newcastle United were once again drawn against League Two opposition with under pressure boss Graeme Souness taking the Magpies to either Cheltenham or Chester City at the end of the month.

Sunderland's reward for their first win in 14 matches against Conference North's Northwich Victoria is a trip to Martin Allen's Brentford from League One, while Middlesbrough travel to Coventry should they dispose of non-League Nuneaton Borough in next week's third round replay.

Newcastle have never faced Cheltenham in an FA Cup tie before but they have crossed swords with Chester on two previous ocasions, most famously in 1980 when a young Ian Rush was a scorer in a 2-0 victory for the side in the then division three.

United boss Souness recognised his side face yet another 'potential banana skin' and says he won't taking his lower league opponents lightly.

"Some people may like to think this tie is a formality, but we will show them full respect because anything can happen in the FA Cup," said Souness.

"Look at what happened to Fulham and Tottenham on Sunday when they lost to teams below them. And look at Everton, Middlesbrough and Birmingham on Saturday - they all had awkward moments and might have gone out."

Boro's only FA Cup tie against the Sky Blues came at Ayresome Park in 1977 when the home side ran out 3-0 winners. David Mills bagged a brace and Tony McAndrew netted the other goal in a season where the Teessiders reached the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Sunderland and Brentford are another pair of teams who have clashed on only one occasion. The Wearsiders triumphed 5-2 in the third round tie at Roker Park in 1967.

Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy said: "There is no question it'll be a tough game down there but if we want to progress in the FA Cup it is a one we have to go and win."

His Bees counterpart Allen, said: "Sunderland are a great club with great FA Cup tradition and little old Brentford will get a chance to play them.

"They are a Premiership side with good players and for our club and supporters, it's a good game."

Full Fourth Round draw: Stoke or Tamworth v Barnsley or Walsall, Cheltenham or Chester v Newcastle, Coventry v Nuneaton or Middlesbrough, West Brom or Reading v Torquay or Birmingham, Portsmouth v Liverpool, Leicester v Southampton, Bolton v Arsenal, Aston Villa v Port Vale, Brentford v Sunderland, Man City v Wigan or Leeds, Millwall or Everton v Chelsea, Preston v Crystal Palace, West Ham v Blackburn, Colchester v Derby, Charlton v Leyton Orient, Wolves v Burton or Man Utd. Ties to be played weekend of January 28/29th

* Players' chief Gordon Taylor has rejected the Keep Britain Tidy campaign's criticism of footballers spitting on the pitch, insisting it is an unavoidable consequence of strenuous physical activity. Taylor said: ''It is offensive to suggest my members are not setting a good example."