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Aaron Wilbraham: Rochdale striker relishing test at Newcastle in FA Cup third round replay


Rochdale striker Aaron Wilbraham is relishing the opportunity of an FA Cup third round replay away at Premier League side Newcastle.

Miguel Almiron's first-half strike had given the visitors the lead in their first meeting at the Crown Oil Arena but Wilbraham's effort as the game entered the final stages forced a replay.

His goal proved to be decisive on the final result and Dale travel to St. James' Park on Tuesday night where a winner will be settled on the night.

Despite 48 places separating the two sides in the Football League pyramid, Wilbraham stated that they will be going with the intention of getting a result.

"I think it's an exciting tie for us to be able to go up there - the supporters, the staff and the players," the Rochdale striker told Sporting Life.

"We're all looking forward to going up there and obviously trying to get the right result.

"We finished the game strongly against them so there's no reason why we can't go there in a positive mood and look to get the right result.

"I think we can go there and enjoy the underdog tag - the pressure is on Newcastle.

"Their fans will be expecting them to turn us over nice and easy so with that expectancy - sometimes it can add to the pressure.

"We'll be looking to take advantage of that and definitely looking forward to getting to the next round."

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Dale have already had the experience of playing a top-flight side this season as they faced Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup third round.

Brian Barry-Murphy's side drew that game 1-1 in normal time; penalties denying them a heroic victory against a giant of English football.

Wilbraham will be hoping they can go one better this time around and outlined how he feels they can get a result in their latest big test.

"We've got to go there and have no fear really," he claimed.

"Like I've said we need to enjoy the underdog tag. Enjoy the fact that Newcastle fans are going to be expecting their team to win and let the pressure be on them.

"We can go and, not enjoy the day, but enjoy the performance.

"Obviously, stick to the game plan. We've had an unbeaten start to the year with two good league wins and a good draw against a Premier League side.

"So there's no reason why we can't go there in a confident mood."


Odds correct at 1545 GMT (13/01/20)

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