Last updated at 14:04, Tuesday, 04 December 2012

BARROW AFC will play Championship leaders Cardiff City at home in a mouthwatering Bluebirds versus Bluebirds FA Cup clash – if they beat Macclesfield Town in the second round.

The tie between Barrow or Macclesfield and Cardiff has, however, been snubbed for live TV coverage.

The five third round games chosen for live coverage are: ITV: Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United, West Ham United v Manchester United; ESPN: Swansea City v Arsenal, Lincoln City or Mansfield Town v Liverpool, Cheltenham Town or Hereford United v Everton.

Each club who are screened live will receive a £135,850 broadcast fee.

Sunday’s third round draw means the Blue Square Bet Premier rivals know exactly what is at stake ahead of their rearranged clash at Holker Street on Tuesday, December 11.

The pair had been set to lock horns on Saturday, but match referee Eddie Ilderton called the game off less than two hours before kick-off because of a frozen pitch (see left).

Barrow assistant manager Ashley Hoskin said: “First things first we have to get through against Macclesfield in what will be a very difficult game.

“If we can do that then, yes, we have a home draw against one of the biggest clubs in the Championship. “It’s a great incentive for everyone.”

FA Cup winners in 1927 and runners-up in 1925 and 2008, Welsh big boys Cardiff – who like Barrow are nicknamed the Bluebirds – sit top of the Championship after yesterday’s 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday and are gunning for promotion to the Premier League.

They are managed by former Norwich City and Scotland defender Malky Mackay and their star player is former Manchester City and Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy.

All FA Cup third round ties are due to be played over the weekend of January 5 and 6, with winning clubs each receiving £67,500 in prize money.

Barrow – who have never been drawn at home at this stage of the competition since they became a non-league club – last made it to the third round in 2010.

Then, they landed a plum tie at Premier League outfit Sunderland after a replay victory over Oxford United – just one season after going to Middlesbrough at the competition’s same stage.

AFC chairman Brian Keen said: “A potential home tie against Cardiff is a fantastic incentive.

“If we can get past Macclesfield it will set up the biggest game at Holker Street for many years.”

Reflecting on the disappointment of Saturday’s postponement, which was brought about due to a small section of the pitch beneath the Popular Side that the referee deemed unplayable, Keen added: “I think the referee was the only man at the ground who was against the game going ahead.

“Both sets of managers, players and club officials were happy to play.

“There was nothing wrong with the pitch.

“It is going to cost us in terms of money, including lost revenue.”

Hoskin said: “Everyone who was there on Saturday wanted the game on. It was quite strange that the referee didn’t want to consult the managers or the players.

“It does, however, now mean another home cup game for us under the floodlights and we know how special and magical those nights at Holker Street can be.”

First published at 14:21, Sunday, 02 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk