eventual winners of the FA Cup match between Shawn Goater's Rotherham and Newcastle United.

The two teams played to a 1-1 draw at Rotherham's Millmoor Ground on Saturday and face the daunting prospect of a replay at St. James Park next Wednesday, though Goater and his team-mates are optimistic of getting past their highly fancied First Division opponents.

"I honestly feel if we can get at least seven or eight players playing well on the day we can come out with something positive,'' said Goater from his home in Rotherham yesterday.

"We can't afford to have four or five guys playing well like we could in a regular league game.'' A crowd of 13,405 packed into Rotherham's Millmoor ground to see the visitors take the lead in the 29th minute through Robert Lee. Nigel Johnson equalised in the 69th minute.

"It was a good result for us but we're disappointed at not getting a win,'' explained Goater who played the whole match at centre-forward alongside Tony Cunningham, a former Newcastle player.

"At times they played well but, with what we do well, teams are always going to struggle against us. We look to get the ball behind their full-backs, wide to Des Hazel and Dean Barrick. At times we made it difficult for them.'' Goater explained that Rotherham started with a 4-2-4 formation and then switched to 4-3-3 in the final minutes.

"Late in the game we went with three in midfield because they were winning in midfield,'' he stated.

"I never got any clear-cut chances, but all credit to their defence as far as keeping Cunningham and myself at bay. They were limiting our chances.

"Judging by the write-ups on Cunningham he's dying to score against them. He enjoyed his spell up there but obviously wants to sink them.'' Newcastle are expecting more than 25,000 for the replay next week. The northeast is passionate about its soccer and the atmosphere at Newcastle could be intimidating.

"They have a very good record at home and it's going to be difficult,'' Goater said. "Going up there is not going to be easy.'' SHAWN GOATER.