TICKETS are now on sale for next month’s eagerly anticipated FA Cup third round tie between Newport County AFC and Leeds United.

County host the Championship giants at Rodney Parade on Sunday, January 7, (kick-off midday) in a match that will also be screened live on BBC One Wales.

Season ticket holders, Trust members and those who attended last weekend’s League Two clash with Carlisle United can now buy tickets for the cup tie.

The ticket office at Rodney Parade is open until 7pm today, from 10am to 7pm tomorrow and 10am to 3pm on Friday and Saturday.

Online sales will not be available for this fixture but season ticket holders and Trust members who are unable to attend the ticket office in person can buy over the telephone during the priority selling period.

Remaining tickets will go on general sale from Sunday, when the ticket office is open from 10am to 5pm.

Manager Michael Flynn is hoping for a sell-out and an atmosphere to match the Great Escape finale against Notts County in May.

“I know that the hospitality is more or less sold out already,” said the Exiles boss.

“Leeds will bring a lot down and I think it will be a sell-out.

“It’ll be a great atmosphere like it was against Notts County, albeit in different circumstances.

“Hopefully it will be another joyous event where the fans go away wanting to come back for more.

“I didn’t enjoy the Notts County game at all until that final whistle went but it was an unbelievable atmosphere with 7,500 there.

“It’s the best I’ve heard Rodney Parade and I’m looking forward to hearing it again, hopefully against Leeds.”

South Wales Argus:

Great Escape hero Mark O’Brien says County will be out for revenge against Leeds after their 5-1 defeat at Elland Road in the Carabao Cup in August.

Joss Labadie gave the Exiles a shock lead in that match and the visitors could have added more goals before Leeds took charge with Kemar Roofe hitting a hat-trick either side of half-time.

Samu Saiz and Ronaldo Vieira also found the net late on to give the hosts a slightly flattering margin of victory and O’Brien believes there is every chance of an upset in the rematch.

“We know what to expect from them after playing them up there,” said the defender.

“For a good part of the game we gave them a good game but in the end their clinical finishing shone through.

“They got a couple of chances and they took them, whereas we got a couple of chances and maybe should have taken more than we did.

“We fancy ourselves against anyone at our stadium and it is exciting to look towards it.

“We do think we’ll be able give it a good go,” he added.

“We’ll see it as round two.

“We were hoping for the dream draw a massive Premier League club away but, on the other hand, we’ll take anyone in our stadium.

“No matter who they are, we always back ourselves and we feel we have a great opportunity of winning.”

Meanwhile, Flynn and Labadie will be amongst those giving readings at the annual County Carol Service at St John’s Church in Maindee at 7pm on Thursday night.

The club chaplain Rev. Keith Beardmore will be conducting the service with carols sung by St John’s Church Choir and the Eveswell School Choir.

There will also be readings by a director, club president David Hando, academy player Tom Savigar and matchday announcer and iFollow Exiles commentator Tim Thraves.

Everyone is welcome to attend.